መሃሙድ አህመድ | Mehamoud Ahmed
Basic Identity
What is the artist's real name and stage name?
His real name is Mahmoud Ahmed, and he is professionally known by the same name — Mahmoud Ahmed.
Where and when was the artist born?
He was born on May 8, 1941, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
How old is the artist currently?
As of April 2025, Mahmoud Ahmed is 83 years old.
Does the artist have any siblings? If so, who are they?
There is no publicly confirmed information about his siblings or their identities.
What is the artist’s background and upbringing like?
Mahmoud Ahmed grew up in the Mercato district of Addis Ababa, one of the city’s liveliest and most culturally diverse neighborhoods. Coming from a humble background, he worked as a shoe-shiner and later as a handyman at the Arizona Club, a popular nightclub where many legendary musicians performed. His exposure to live music and the nightclub scene nurtured his passion, eventually giving him a chance to perform — marking the beginning of his legendary journey in Ethiopian music.
Career
When and how did the artist start their music career ?
Mahmoud Ahmed began his music career in the early 1960s while working as a shoe-shiner in Addis Ababa. He got his big break when he asked to sing with the Imperial Bodyguard Band after their vocalist didn’t show up. His raw talent quickly got noticed, and he was hired permanently.
What was the artist’s first song &/or Breakthrough Hit ?
His breakthrough hit was “Ere Mela Mela” released in 1975, which became a massive success in Ethiopia. It later gained international fame when it was featured on Éthiopiques Vol. 7, bringing him a second wave of global recognition in the late 1990s.
What are some major milestones or accomplishments in the artist’s career?
Released “Tezeta” and “Ere Mela Mela,” both considered foundational Ethio-Jazz albums.
Contributed to the success of the Éthiopiques series, which helped introduce Ethiopian music to the world.
Performed at major venues worldwide including Paris, London, New York, and Washington D.C.
Worked with renowned musicians like Mulatu Astatke and Either/Orchestra.
What awards, honors, or special recognitions has the artist received?
He received the BBC World Music Award in 2007, one of the most prestigious honors in world music, recognizing his contribution to the global appreciation of Ethiopian musical heritage.
Has the artist received international attention or signed global deals?
Yes. Mahmoud Ahmed is one of the first Ethiopian musicians to gain international fame, with his music licensed and distributed globally through labels like Buda Musique (France) and Mississippi Records (USA). He has been featured in global music festivals and cultural showcases, including WOMAD and Lincoln Center Out of Doors.
Albums
Personal Life
Is the artist married, in a relationship, or single — and do they have any children?
👉 Marriage: Mahmoud Ahmed’s marital status has not been publicly disclosed.
👉 Children: There is no verified public information available regarding his children.
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?
👉 Net Worth: Estimated to be between $500,000 to $1 million (Source: idolnetworth.com).
👉 Home: Owns residential property in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
👉 Cars: No specific vehicle ownership details are publicly available.
👉 Other Assets & Ventures: Known for investing in the preservation of Ethiopian music, supporting archives and cultural initiatives related to traditional Ethiopian sounds.
Where does the artist currently live, and what is known about their day-to-day environment or personal lifestyle?
👉 Location: Lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
👉 Lifestyle: Described by those close to him as humble, deeply spiritual, and culturally rooted. He is passionate about traditional Ethiopian storytelling, poetry, and Orthodox Christian practices, and leads a modest, culturally engaged life primarily centered on his legacy and music preservation efforts.
Business
Aside from their musical career, has the artist ventured into any businesses, brand partnerships, or entrepreneurial projects?
Mahmoud Ahmed is primarily celebrated for his cultural impact and musical legacy rather than commercial ventures. Unlike many modern artists, he hasn’t been publicly linked to branded business partnerships or endorsements.
However, his participation in multiple global heritage tours and collaborations with record labels such as Buda Musique (Ethiopiques series) indirectly reflects his contributions to cultural entrepreneurship — helping to globalize Ethio-jazz.
Mahmoud has supported Ethiopian music institutions, historical preservation projects, and traditional music archiving efforts but has not launched a business under his name.
-SOURCES-
afropop.org
musicinafrica.net
bbc.co.uk
budamusique.com
discogs.com
youtube.com