ዶክተር ጥላሁን ገሠሠ > የኔ ማስታወሻ | Dr. Tilahun Gessese > Yene Mastwawesha

Tilahun Gesesse was an Ethiopian superstar and legendary singer, nick named ‘The Voice”. Tilahun broke in the Ethiopian music scene in what is considered the Ethiopian golden age of music, the 1960s and 70s. His incredible voice, impeccable performance and gracious appearance made him the most popular singer in the country. He is one of the most recognized personality in the country, and the one who reached the maximum height of fame in the music industry.

Musical Career

There are conflicting narrations for Tilahun’s decision to move to the capital Addis Ababa. While some argue that he moved for the sole reason of becoming a musician, others write that he actually came to live with his mother, who was living in Addis Ababa.

On his arrival in Addis Ababa, the 14 year’s old Tilahun first auditioned and joined Hager Fiker Theater. Tilahun met and befriended another legendary singer, Firew Hailu at the theater. Both of them were young and were living in the housing provided by the theater.

Impressed by their music arrangement, dressing style and the admiration they received, Tilahun then joined the Imperial Guard Orchestra. The Orchestra was thrilled to have Tilahun and he joined without officially leaving Hager Fiker Theater. In fact, records show that Tilahun was receiving salary from both places for a while, until his bosses’ heard his voice on radio and realized he joined the Imperial Guard Orchestra. Officials from Hager Fiker was unhappy and wanted Tilahun back. For a while, there were a quarrel between the Orchestra and Hager Fiker. While Mekonen Habtewolde demanded the Orchestra to give Tilahun Back, Chief of the Imperial Guard General Mengestu Neway ordered for his stay. Tilahun’s rise starts at the Imperial Guard. His tenor singing was considered the best of Ethiopian pop at the time, and his fan base was bigger than any other singer in the country. In the eight years he spend with the Imperial Guard, people could not see the Orchestra separate to Tilahun. In fact, Tilahun and the Orchestra met at the right time and place. Both were on the rise in the Ethiopian music scene. The brilliant melody and arrangement of the Orchestra and Tilahun’s voice created some of the master pieces of Ethiopian music.

In 1960, the Imperial Guard tried a failed coup on emperor Hailesellasie, while the king was on a visit in Brazil. Tilahun was arrested briefly with other Imperial Guard unit members and was accused of supporting the coup. The reason was one of his iconic songs recorded just before the coup, titled Alchalkum (I can’t take it any more), written by Afewerk Yohannes. During the four days coup attempt, the song was played by the Imperial Guard Tekel radio to get the support of the public. He later was released.

After the coup, one of the decision by the emperor was to close the Imperial Guard Orchestra. Including Tilahun, the musicians went looking for jobs in other Theater houses.

Tilahun then joined Ras Band and the National Theater. His popularity was only growing at the Theater. As an employee of the theater house, Tilahun was expected to record songs on a regular bases. That allowed many of his hits to come out frequently, making Tilahun the biggest music star in the country. His popularity grew so fast that he was a regular at the National Palace performing for the emperor himself. Tilahun’s popularity grew even bigger after the fall of the emperor. In the 1970s and 80s, Tilahun recorded some of his iconic works.

Award

2009, Life time achievement awards, Ethiopian Fine Arts and Mass Media Prize 

Trust
Honorary Doctorate Degree, Addis Ababa University, in appreciation for his contribution to Ethiopian music.

ዶክተር ጥላሁን ገሠሠ > የኔ ማስታወሻ | Dr. Telahun Gessese > Yene Mastwawesha

አስቴር አወቀ - ፍቅር ይሻለኛል
Aster Aweke

አስቴር አወቀ - ፍቅር ይሻለኛል

Tedy Afro- Yeleben Adarash

The second album (Beka) was released on July 31, 2010. The album has popular African beats, Reggae, Blues and Hip-hop grooves. The title track “Beka” became an instant hit. The critics have given it good ratings and it has become a classic. 

Enetarek

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The best work for him legacy memory alive Dr Tilahun Gessese R.I.P

Antene Worqu -- Men Tadergiwalesh

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Aster Kebede is Back with  a wonderful Performance 

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one of the best ethiopian timeless classic singer Kennedy Mengesha ,R.I.P

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