ዳዊት መለሰ | Dawit Melese
Basic Identity
- Real Name and Stage Name : His birth name is Dawit Melese, and he is professionally known by the same name. He is celebrated for his soulful Amharic ballads and his significant contributions to Ethiopian music.
- Date and Place of Birth : While the exact date of birth is not publicly documented, a birthday tribute was posted on October 17, 2022, suggesting that he celebrates his birthday on October 17. He was born and raised in Ethiopia.
- Age / Current Age or Age at Death :As of 2025, Dawit Melese is approximately 55 years old, based on the timeline of his career and debut album release in the mid-1990s.
- Parents (Mother and Father) : There is no publicly available information regarding his parents.
- Siblings : Information about his siblings is not publicly documented.
- Background and Upbringing : Dawit Melese grew up immersed in Ethiopia's rich musical traditions. From a young age, he developed a deep connection to music, drawing inspiration from legendary Ethiopian artists and the diverse sounds of traditional and contemporary music. His early experiences and cultural environment played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey.
Career
- Career Start and Early Breakthrough : Dawit Melese began his music career in the early 1990s, gaining recognition for his unique blend of traditional Ethiopian melodies with contemporary rhythms. His breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, And Qen, in 1995, which featured popular tracks like "Laltelash Qal Alegn" and "Endet Lechal." These songs resonated deeply with fans, establishing him as a prominent figure in the Ethiopian music scene.
- First Song / Breakthrough Hit : His breakout track, "Laltelash Qal Alegn," from the album And Qen, became an anthem in the mid-90s. The song combined traditional Ethiopian melodies with modern arrangements, helping to usher in a new wave of contemporary Amharic soul music.
- Major Milestones and Achievements : Released over five successful studio albums between the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for emotional depth and lyrical storytelling, especially in tracks like “Woy Gojame,” “Yefikir Setegn,” and “Wondim Lij.” Regular performer at national cultural festivals and theater-backed musical concerts in Ethiopia. Frequently cited as one of the most influential male vocalists of Ethiopia’s golden modern music era. His songs are staples on Ethiopian radio, even decades after their release.
- Awards and Recognitions : Honored by the Ethiopian Musicians’ Association in 2009 for lifetime contribution. Received the "Golden Microphone" from EBC for vocal excellence in 2012. Celebrated at the 2018 Bahir Dar Music Legends Gala for artistic impact on Amharic music.
- International Reach and Diaspora Performances : Dawit Melese has performed in the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Israel for Ethiopian diaspora communities. His music gained strong popularity on Ethiopian community radio stations abroad, and he has held sold-out shows in Washington D.C., Minneapolis, and London.
Albums
Tracks
| Kunjina | Endet Lechal | Laltelash Kal Alegn |
| Yiberal Lebe | Anchin New | Ehel Weha |
| Nefs Nesh | Ferejign | Konjo Bager |
Personal Life
- Relationship Status and Children : Dawit Melese is married and has children. He prefers to keep his family life private and does not often discuss personal details publicly. However, in interviews, he has shared that his family provides him with strong emotional support and inspiration for his music.
- Net Worth and Assets : Though precise figures are not publicly available, Dawit Melese’s income comes from album sales, live concerts, royalties, and diaspora performances. Industry estimates place his net worth in the mid six-figure range (in USD), reflecting decades of influence and consistent popularity.
- Current Residence and Lifestyle : Dawit currently resides in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He maintains a low-profile lifestyle away from excessive media attention. Known for his humility, he actively participates in cultural events and supports Ethiopian music preservation. He lives a family-oriented life and is involved in local community music projects.
Business
- Business & Cultural Investment : Dawit Melese has expanded his role beyond performance by actively contributing to Ethiopia’s cultural scene. He collaborates with local studios for quality music production and participates in organizing cultural festivals. His digital presence on platforms like YouTube and Spotify has extended his reach across the diaspora. Dawit also supports emerging artists and advocates for the preservation of traditional Ethiopian music. His brand emphasizes heritage, authenticity, and emotional connection over commercialism.
-SOURCES-
YouTube
EBS TV
Sheger FM
Balager Groove
TikTok
TypicalEthiopian.com
Zehabesha
Mereja Forums
Sewasew Media
MusicYegna.com
Spotify
Audiomack
iTunes
SoundCloud
Addis Music
Walta Media
Fana FM
MP3Alem
Bama Music
EthiopianRomanticMusic
Shazam