R.I.P. Tilahun Gessesse

Tilahun Gessesse, possibly the most popular singer of Ethiopia's "Golden Age Of Music,"

has died. Though suffering from diabetes for many years, it's believed he died of a heart-attack on April 19. He was 68.

Gessesse first achieved prominence in the late '50s with the Imperial Bodyguard Band, one of several long running acts associated with Ethiopia's various security forces. Singing mostly in Amharic, Gessesse's powerful tenor was considered the epitome of modern Ethiopian pop vocals during the '60s. His output during this period, like many others, was heavily influenced by Addis Ababa's cosmopolitan scene, and he dabbled heavily in American soul styles. His popularity was such that he performed for Emperor Haile Selassie three times.

Despite changing styles, Gessesse remained extremely popular for more than five decades and utilized his fame for humanitarian work. With the increased Ethiopian presence in North America and Europe starting in the 1980s, he became better known outside his homeland. Two anthologies of his work were produced this decade: one by Washington, DC-based EthioSound and the other being volume 17 in the popular Ethiopiques series issued by Buda Musique.

In recent years, he received numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate from Addis Ababa University, and was the subject of several fundraisers to support him financially through his illness.

Last weekend, just seven hours after returning from New York, the singer complained of chest pains and died en route to hospital.

Telish Died

He started performing in the days of the Emperor Haile Selassie, and was for a time the lead singer in his imperial bodyguard band.The BBC's Elizabeth Blunt in Addis Ababa says that over the years, his plaintive tenor voice sang of love, family and friendship, as well as the more public themes of liberty, unity and justice. He had been in poor health in recent years because of diabetes.

Ethiopian Media Forum writes: The legendary Ethiopian singer, Dr. Tilahun Gessesse passed away on Sunday due to a sudden heart attack, EMF confirmed the news from close family sources. Dr. Tilahun has died at the age of 69, just hours after a surprise return from USA with his wife to celebrate the Ethiopian Easter.

His wife, Roman Bezu, said that he passed away while she was taking him to the nearest private hospital. “It was unfortunate that he couldn’t able to get medical assistance as most clinics had no doctors due to the Ethiopian Easter,” Roman added.

Family sources also said that Tilahun will be buried in public funeral scheduled on Wednesday, 22 April, at Holy Trinity Church in Addis Ababa.

Tilahun was attacked on his throat the same day, 16 years ago. Many were surprised by the coincidence. Tilahun had received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University, in appreciation of his contribution to Ethiopian music.

Source: likembe.blogspot.com