ማሪቱ ለገሰ | Maritu Legesse

Basic Identity
- Real Name and Stage Name : Her real name and stage name are both Maritu Legesse (Amharic: ማሪቱ ለገሰ).
- Date and Place of Birth : Maritu Legesse was born in Kombolcha, Wollo, Ethiopia.
- Age / Current Age or Age at Death : As of May 2025, Maritu Legesse is alive.
- Siblings : There is no public information regarding Maritu Legesse’ s siblings.
- Background and Upbringing : Maritu Legesse grew up in Kombolcha, Wollo, a culturally rich region in northeastern Ethiopia. She began singing in her local community, embracing traditional Ethiopian music styles such as Bati, Ambassel, Anchi-hoye, and Tizita.

Career
- Career Start and Early Breakthrough : Maritu Legesse began her musical journey in 1969 with the release of her debut album, “Ambassel.”
- First Song / Breakthrough Hit : Her debut album, “Ambassel,” featured several standout tracks that established her as a prominent figure in Ethiopian traditional music.
- Major Milestones and Achievements : 1969: Released debut album “Ambassel.” 2016: Awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Wollo University. 2018: Received the Lifetime Cultural Ambassador award at the Miss Ethiopia USA Pageant. 2023: Appointed as the cultural ambassador of the Wollo people during the Aholalo cultural festival in Hayk town.
- Awards and Recognitions : Honorary Doctorate Degree from Wollo University (2016). Lifetime Cultural Ambassador award at the Miss Ethiopia USA Pageant (2018). Appointed Cultural Ambassador of the Wollo people (2023).
- International Reach and Diaspora Performances : While Maritu Legesse’s primary audience has been in Ethiopia, her music has reached international audiences through various platforms. She spent 23 years in the USA, during which she continued to perform and engage with the Ethiopian diaspora.
Albums
Tracks
Sekota | Weleba | Bati |
Zerafewa | Akale wube | Maleda Maleda |
Yimerye | Tizitana Nafkot | Kemekem |

Personal Life
- Relationship Status and Children : Maritu Legesse was married and had twelve children. Tragically, eleven of them have passed away, and she was reunited with her only surviving son after 23 years.
- Net Worth and Assets : As of 2024, Maritu Legesse’s estimated net worth is approximately $50,200, based on her music revenue. Specific details about her lifestyle, including homes or vehicles, are not publicly available.
- Current Residence and Lifestyle : Maritu Legesse returned to Ethiopia after spending 23 years in the USA. She now resides in Ethiopia, continuing her involvement in music and cultural activities.
Business
- Business & Cultural Investment : Beyond her music career, Maritu Legesse has been actively involved in cultural promotion. She was appointed as the cultural ambassador of the Wollo people, highlighting her commitment to preserving and promoting Ethiopian cultural heritage.
-SOURCES-
Sewasew Multimedia
Balager Groove
Ethiopia.me.uk
Sewasew News
Apple Music
Spotify
Discogs