Tilahun Gessesse, Ethiopia’s greatest singer of all time, dies

WIC – The renowned and veteran Ethiopian vocalist, Tilahun Gessesse, passed away late on Sunday. Tilahun, before he came back home few days ago for Easter holiday, was receiving medical treatment abroad. Tilahun, 68, passed away when he was being taken to hospital after he felt sick on Sunday April 19, 2009.

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The popular Ethiopian singer, Tilahun Gessesse, has died at the age of 68.

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Legendary singer Tilahun Gessesse passes away

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2009 (Addis Ababa) – The legendary Ethiopian singer Tilahun Gessesse, 68, passed away at midnight on Sunday.

The late Tilahun passed away while he was being taken to hospital feeling serious pain. He had arrived later on same day from New York, USA, according to the artist’s family members.

In appreciation of his contribution to Ethiopian music, Tilahun received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University. He has also received an award for his lifetime achievements from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust.

Born on September 1940, in Addis Ababa to his mother Woizero Gete Gurmu and his father Ato Gessesse Gebrekidan, Tilahun attended primary school at Ras Gobena Elementary School in Woliso town of Oromia State.

The late artist was first hired by the Hager Fikir Association, which is now known as Hager Fikir Theater. After a few years at the Hager Fikir Theater, he joined the Imperial Bodyguard Band where he became a leading star singer.Tilahun moved to the National Theater where his success continued.

The majority of Tilahun’s recordings are in Amharic, though he has recorded a number of songs in Oromifa

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