Oromo Ethiopian singer Ali Birra receives honorary degree from Jimma University

(Addis Journal) Renowned Oromigna/Afaan Oromoo singer Ali Birra received an honorary doctorate of performing arts degree from Jimma Universty.The honorary degree represents the highest award from Jimma University. Minister of Health of Ethiopia, Dr. Tewdros Adhanom presented the degree to the singer at commencement ceremony on Saturday June 12, 2010.

On rare occasions, the Jimma Universty Board of Trustees authorizes the awarding of honorary degrees to individuals who have led lives of distinguished service and professional achievement.

Ali is praised as one of the premiere artists of his generation, dominating the national Oromo music scene.Ali flew to Ethiopia last Thursday from Canada where he is currently based.

Jimma Universty also conferred an honorary degree to the village chairman of Awara Amba, Zumra.Awra Amba is a village near Bahr Dar founded in 1985 by chief Zumra and other 20 people to demonstrate to its members and to other Ethiopians that the best escape route from poverty and hunger is not religion or prayer but education and plain hard work.

Addis Journal

Some of Ali Birra's songs (Youtube)

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Added: June 14, 2010. 03:54 PM GMT

congrats to the legened

Anonymous

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Added: June 14, 2010. 04:37 PM GMT

Viva Birraa

he deserves it

Anonymous

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Added: June 14, 2010. 09:49 PM GMT

Congrats

Why the award was not given by the University President? He should send his Manager to take the Award.

Congrats Ali Bira !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous

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Added: June 16, 2010. 10:37 PM GMT

the one and only

well done jimma university. the legend deserves this. i am honored to call him. Dr. Artist, King Of Oromo Music Ali Birra.

Thank GOD I have lived to witness this day.

Anonymous

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Added: June 17, 2010. 07:08 PM GMT

Congrats!

Dr. Birra has entertained, educated inspired generations of Ethiopian of all kind, especially the oromos meandered though thin and thick listening and learning from his song for many decades both at home and abroad. I love him, my entire friends love him, and I consider him as one of the biggest contributor to Oromo language and cultural development. I think he deserves the great honor. Jimma University also deserves my highest respect for biggest the first. I hope to see Addis Ababa University recognizing the work of this national legend as well. It is my great honor to call him Dr. Birra. Well done!

saboona

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Added: June 18, 2010. 08:40 AM GMT

Thats My University

Am always proud of my beloved Jimma university, These two Pioneers deserves to be Honored!

Mr J U

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Added: June 19, 2010. 12:53 AM GMT

love u JT and JU

GREAT NEWS!
thankyou

Anonymous

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Added: June 26, 2010. 01:40 AM GMT

Dire Dawa

Harar Oromos(Kotus) means Farmers,were delighted After the release in the mid 70's of his "Shegoye" song,"Dire Gafe Dire Migira Numadhufa Guya Sibira".It was this song that put him in everybody's psyche and became the house hold name in my generation.I met him my self in Dire Dawa at Omedla Hotel.Still you will find this song in every shop from Harar city to Burka.He is a great man.He deserve it.Thanks.

Anonymous

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Added: July 03, 2010. 01:13 PM GMT

dude

ere melex just fix the human rights issue and release birtukan and we be good

Anonymous

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Added: September 21, 2010. 11:43 PM GMT

Gave an immense plasure

Ali shrived a lot for the current materialization of Oromummaa and Afaan Oromoo.

His unshakable songs used to give us a new spirite for us.

kanaaf, kennaan kun ni maleefii. JU tiinis horaa bulaa, galatoomaa.

This is part of struggle against the state colonialists against the subjugation!!!

Sanyii Namaa

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