ደረጄ ዱባለ | Dereje Dubale
Basic Identity
- Real Name and Stage Name : His birth name was Dereje Dubale, and he was professionally known by the same name. Dereje was celebrated for his emotionally resonant vocal tone and his contribution to modern Ethiopian pop and traditional ballads.
- Date and Place of Birth : Dereje Dubale was born on January 18, 1973, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Age / Current Age or Age at Death :Dereje Dubale was 37 years old at the time of his death in 2010. Had he been alive today, he would have been 52 years old in 2025.
- Parents (Mother and Father) : Dereje was born to Bizunesh Kebede (mother) and Dubale Woldemichael (father). His parents raised him in Addis Ababa with a strong grounding in Orthodox Christian values and cultural traditions.
- Siblings : Although Dereje rarely spoke publicly about his siblings, local interviews and family tributes indicate that he had at least two siblings who remained largely out of the public eye.
- Background and Upbringing : Dereje grew up in a modest household in Addis Ababa. He attended Tesfa Kokeb Elementary School and later graduated from GC Abiot Kirs Secondary School. Deeply spiritual and artistically inclined from a young age, he was influenced by Ethiopian Orthodox music traditions. His passion for music began in church choirs, later developing into a professional career when he joined the National Theatre (Biherawi) in 1999.
Career
- Career Start and Early Breakthrough : Dereje Dubale began his musical journey in the late 1990s, performing at local events and community gatherings in Addis Ababa. In 1999, he joined the Biherawi Theater, where he honed his performance skills over an eight-year tenure. His breakthrough came in 2000 with the release of his debut single, "Aynen Alashm," which resonated deeply with listeners and established him as a prominent figure in the Ethiopian pop music scene.
- First Song / Breakthrough Hit : Dereje's first major hit was "Aynen Alashm," released in 2000. The song's emotional depth and melodic composition captured the hearts of many, marking his entry into mainstream Ethiopian music.
- Major Milestones and Achievements : Throughout his career, Dereje released several notable tracks, including "Gedelem Libe Yichelal," "Asebasbeen," and "Anchin Anchin Yilal." His ability to blend traditional Ethiopian melodies with contemporary sounds showcased his versatility as an artist. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Ethiopian music industry.
- Awards and Recognitions : While specific awards are not documented, Dereje's impact on Ethiopian music was significant. His songs continue to inspire both fans and fellow musicians, reflecting his lasting legacy.
- International Reach and Diaspora Performances : Information regarding Dereje Dubale's international performances and reach within the diaspora is limited. However, his music remains popular among Ethiopian communities worldwide, indicating a broad and enduring appeal.
Albums
Tracks
| Befekeresh Tasere | Ged Yelem Lebe Yechelal | Endet Lechalew |
| Wendem Yeleshem Wey | Mewdeden Negreyat | Yenem Ken Yimetal |
| Aynen Alashim | Yalmote Sew | Konjo |
Personal Life
- Relationship Status and Children : Dereje Dubale was a married man and had children. He maintained a deeply private family life and did not often discuss personal matters in public forums or media interviews. Nonetheless, themes of love, faith, and emotional depth in his music reflect his values around family and relationships.
- Net Worth and Assets : Although precise figures are unavailable, Dereje Dubale’s earnings were generated through music sales, cassette distribution, and live performances, especially during the early 2000s. While his income would be considered modest by today’s standards, he was financially stable and respected in artistic circles. His work remains commercially valuable through re-releases and YouTube monetization.
- Current Residence and Lifestyle : Until his passing in 2014, Dereje Dubale lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He led a quiet, spiritually rooted life, strongly guided by religious values. Outside of his music career, he was known for his reserved lifestyle and was actively involved in community and religious events.
Business
- Business & Cultural Investment : Dereje Dubale was more than a vocalist — he played a subtle but key role in shaping Ethiopia’s spiritual and secular music landscape. He worked closely with cassette distributors and music arrangers, helping standardize live gospel recordings into mainstream distribution during the cassette-era boom. He was also among the first artists to popularize professionally arranged spiritual songs in Ethiopia’s commercial music scene.
-SOURCES-
Music in Africa
YouTube
BalagerGroove
Facebook
Sheger FM
Instagram
TikTok
EBS TV
Asham TV
Kana TV
Sewasew Media
Spotify
BBC Amharic
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Last.fm