አብዱ ኪያር | Abdu Kiar
Basic Identity
- Real Name and Stage Name : His real name is Abdu Kiar Kahssay, but he is widely known by his stage name Abdu Kiar in the Ethiopian music scene.
- Date and Place of Birth : He was born on June 23, 1976, in Merkato, a lively and culturally rich area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Age / Current Age or Age at Death : As of 2025, Abdu Kiar is 48 years old and continues to be a respected figure in modern Ethiopian music.
- Parents (Mother and Father) : Abdu was raised by his father Kiar Kahssay and mother Wuba Siraj, both of whom supported his early passion for music.
- Siblings : He is the youngest of seven siblings, growing up in a large household that influenced his grounded and community-centered personality.
- Background and Upbringing : Growing up in Merkato, Abdu was immersed in the sounds of traditional Ethiopian music and global influences like reggae and hip-hop, which shaped his distinctive musical style.
Career
- Career Start and Early Breakthrough : Abdu Kiar began his musical journey in 1997 by joining the Express Music Band, performing dancehall, hip-hop, and reggae in Addis Ababa's local venues. In 1998, he moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, working as a salesman while nurturing his passion for music. His return to Ethiopia in 2003 marked a significant breakthrough with the release of his debut album, "Merkato Sefere," which catapulted him into the national spotlight.
- First Song / Breakthrough Hit : The title track "Merkato Sefere" from his debut album resonated deeply with audiences, blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with contemporary reggae and hip-hop influences, establishing his unique musical identity.
- Major Milestones and Achievements : Following his debut, Abdu released several successful albums, including "Fikir Beamarigna" (2006), "Minew Shewa" (2009), and "Tikur Anbessa" (2015). His music often addresses social issues, exemplified by his contribution to an HIV awareness campaign through song.
- Awards and Recognitions : Abdu Kiar's contributions to Ethiopian music have been acknowledged through various accolades, including recognition at the Feta Music Awards, celebrating his impact on the industry.
- International Reach and Diaspora Performances : Abdu has performed extensively for the Ethiopian diaspora, with concerts across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, including notable performances in Calgary, Canada, and collaborations with artists like Kenyan dancehall star Frankie Dee.
Albums
Personal Life
- Relationship Status and Children : Abdu Kiar married his first love, Metasebia Negussie, a nurse, in 2006. The couple has two sons, Aman and Sami Kiar.
- Net Worth and Assets : As of 2025, Abdu Kiar's estimated revenue is approximately $44.8K, with variations ranging between $43.9K and $51.8K.
- Current Residence and Lifestyle : Abdu Kiar resides in Alexandria, Virginia, where he continues to focus on his music career, blending various genres to create a unique sound.
Business
- Business & Cultural Investment : Although Abdu Kiar is not publicly linked to specific businesses or entrepreneurial ventures, his deep cultural investment is evident through his socially conscious music, which critiques corruption and promotes community values. Songs like “Minew Shewa” and “Jiwa Jiwe” reflect his commitment to societal improvement, serving as both artistic expressions and cultural mentorship. His influence lies more in shaping public thought and identity through music than in traditional business pursuits.
-SOURCES-
Sewasew
Balager Groove
Prabook
EverybodyWiki
African Music Library
Qobuz
Last.fm
Apple Music
Musicstax
Spotify
YouTube
Instagram