አሊ ቢራ | Ali Birra
Basic Identity
What is the artist's real name and stage name?
- His birth name was Ali Mohammed Musa, and he was professionally known as Ali Birra. The stage name “Birra” (meaning “spring” in Afaan Oromo) was derived from his first public performance of the song “Birra dha Bari’e” at the age of 13.
Where and when was the artist born?
- Ali Birra was born on 29 September 1950 in Ganda Kore, Dire Dawa, Hararghe Province, Ethiopian Empire.
How old is the artist currently?
Ali Birra passed away on 6 November 2022 at the age of 72.
Who are the artist’s parents (mother and father)?
His father was Mohammed Mussa, from the Ala sub-clan of Afran Qallo Oromo, and his mother was Fatuma Ali, from the Jarso sub-clan of Afran Qallo.
Does the artist have any siblings? If so, who are they?
Ali Birra had a full-blooded brother who tragically died in an accident during childhood. No other siblings are publicly documented.
What is the artist’s background and upbringing like?
After his parents’ separation when he was three, Ali was raised by his father. He began his education at a Quranic school, learning Arabic, and later attended a local public school up to the sixth grade. To support himself, he engaged in small street trades. At 13, he joined the Afran Qallo cultural group, promoting Oromo music and culture. His first stage performance was the song “Birra dha Bari’e,” which led to his nickname “Ali Birra.”
Career
When and how did the artist start their music career ?
Ali Birra began his music career in 1963 at the age of 13 by joining the Afran Qallo Cultural Group, a grassroots Oromo ensemble that sought to preserve Oromo language and traditions through music. His breakout moment came during a public performance of the song “Birra dha Bari’e” (“Spring Has Dawned”), which earned him the nickname Ali Birra. After the government banned the Afran Qallo group, he relocated to Addis Ababa, where he expanded his musical reach by singing in Amharic, Somali, Arabic, and Afar, establishing himself as a pan-Ethiopian artist.
What was the artist’s first song &/or Breakthrough Hit ?
His first and most iconic song was “Birra dha Bari’e,” performed as a teenager. This song was revolutionary as it was one of the first widely performed Oromo songs in a public setting. Later, his Amharic hit “Hin Yaadin” and other multilingual tracks like “Yaa Hundee Bareeda” brought him national acclaim across diverse Ethiopian communities.
What are some major milestones or accomplishments in the artist’s career?
First Oromo singer to gain national and international recognition for singing in Afaan Oromo during Haile Selassie’s era.
Released over 250 songs across multiple languages (Oromo, Amharic, Somali, Arabic, Afar), becoming Ethiopia’s most linguistically versatile artist.
Performed globally in countries including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Germany for Ethiopian diaspora communities.
Received a lifetime achievement award from Jimma University and a Gold Medal of Honor from Emperor Haile Selassie for cultural contributions.
Collaborated with major Ethiopian bands including the Roha Band and Ibex Band during the golden age of Ethio-jazz.
Honored with national television tributes and recognized as a pioneer of Oromo music and identity.
What awards, honors, or special recognitions has the artist received?
Gold Medal from Emperor Haile Selassie (1971) for artistic excellence.
Lifetime Achievement Award from Jimma University (2010).
Official state tribute aired on ETV after his death.
Recognized by Oromo and pan-Ethiopian cultural institutions for promoting indigenous music.
Has the artist received international attention or signed global deals?
While Ali Birra was not signed to a major global record label, he received international acclaim and regularly toured North America, Europe, and the Middle East. His music has been featured in international documentaries and university ethnomusicology departments. Several of his recordings were released through diaspora labels based in the U.S. and Europe.
Albums
Tracks
- Nin Deema
- Amalelele
- Hawaash
- Jaalaluma Teeti
- Waa Malli Nu Dhibe
- Awaash
- Ati Rafaa Bulta
- Kophaa Koo Na Dhiiftee
- Darem Yelew ft Abreham
- Ushururururu
- Bohaarsitu Tantoo
- Karaan Mana Abbaa Gadaa
Personal Life
Is the artist married, in a relationship, or single — and do they have any children?
- Ali Birra was previously married to a Swedish woman named Birgitta Åström, whom he met while living in Addis Ababa in the 1970s. The two later relocated to Saudi Arabia and eventually divorced. There is no public record confirming whether Ali Birra had any children. Throughout his life, he kept his personal relationships largely private, focusing instead on his musical career and cultural advocacy.
What is the artist’s estimated net worth, and are there any known details about their lifestyle, such as homes, vehicles, or other major assets?
Ali Birra’ s exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, but he was one of the most respected and financially successful Oromo artists of his time. His income came from decades of album sales, live performances across Ethiopia, Europe, and the U.S., and public appearances. He was known to have lived modestly despite his fame and success. He owned a residence in Addis Ababa and previously spent time abroad in countries like Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
Where does the artist currently live, and what is known about their day-to-day environment or personal lifestyle?
Before his passing in 2022, Ali Birra lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In his later years, he maintained a quiet life and occasionally participated in cultural panels, music workshops, and Oromo community events. Despite dealing with health issues, including a long battle with cancer, he remained active in the cultural scene and was widely admired for his humility, patriotism, and dedication to Oromo identity and music.
Business
Aside from their musical career, has the artist ventured into any businesses, brand partnerships, or entrepreneurial projects?
Ali Birra was not known for engaging in mainstream commercial enterprises or brand endorsements. However, he was deeply involved in cultural entrepreneurship. He played a pivotal role in promoting Oromo music and identity across Ethiopia and the diaspora. His efforts included collaborations with regional cultural bureaus, nonprofit Oromo advocacy organizations, and music workshops. He mentored younger artists, contributed to national cultural events, and served as a symbolic figure for Oromo unity and heritage. His legacy was more focused on cultural preservation and empowerment than on profit-driven business ventures.
-SOURCES-
Wikipedia
BBC Afaan Oromoo
Addis Standard
Music In Africa
Oromo Music Association
Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)
YouTube
Sewasew Multimedia
Tikvah Ethiopia
The Reporter Ethiopia
"Ali Birra: The Voice of the Oromo" by Haile Hirpa
Africanews.com