1. Tilahun Gessesse was an Ethiopian singer regarded as one of the most popular Ethiopian artist of the 20th century.
19 Facts About Tilahun Gessesse
1. 2.
Tilahun Gessesse died from diabetes on 19 April 2009 shortly after returning from the United States.
3.
Tilahun Gessesse was born on 27 September 1940 in Waliso to a father named Gessesse Negusse and a mother named Gete Gurmu.
4.
Tilahun Gessesse attended the Ras Gobena Elementary school in Waliso where his grandfather lived.
5.
When Woizero Negatwa Kelkay, Eyoel Yohanes and other artists from the Hager Fikir Theatre came to his school to perform, Tilahun Gessesse took the opportunity to discuss his interest in music with Eyoel.
6.
Tilahun Gessesse was told to go to Addis Ababa if he wanted to pursue a career in the field.
7.
Tilahun Gessesse dropped out of school at age 13 and tried to travel to Addis Ababa to pursue his career, a journey he began on foot without his family's consent.
8.
Tilahun Gessesse traveled fifteen kilometers on foot, he was caught in the small town of Tulu Bolo and stayed overnight with his aunt.
9.
Tilahun Gessesse was arrested and put in prison for some time.
10.
Tilahun Gessesse moved to the National Theater where his success continued.
11.
Tilahun Gessesse's tenor singing was regarded as the best Ethiopian pop voice of the 1960s.
12.
Tilahun Gessesse's popularity was such that he appeared three times in front of Emperor Haile Selassie I During a visit, the Emperor advised him not to abuse his talent.
13.
Tilahun Gessesse received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University, in appreciation of his contribution to Ethiopian music.
14.
Tilahun Gessesse received an award for his lifetime achievements from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust.
15.
Tilahun Gessesse died on 19 April 2009 in Addis Ababa as he was being taken to hospital by his wife.
16.
Tilahun Gessesse had just returned to Ethiopia from the United States.
17.
Tilahun Gessesse had been in poor health for several years due to diabetes.
18.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stated that "Tilahun Gessesse stood out as an artist of great renown with his lifetime contributions to Ethiopia's modern music, which he popularized across the world".
19.
Tilahun Gessesse's death left a lasting impact on the Ethiopian music community, one that has been unmatched with wavering support from other Ethiopian figures.