BIOGRAPHY
Neway Debebe, One Of Ethiopia's Most Revered Singers, Is Celebrated For His Powerful Voice, Emotive Delivery, And Songs That Resonate Deeply Within Ethiopian Culture. Born In Hamer Bako Near Asela, He Developed A Love For Music From An Early Age. His Journey Into The Music World Started In High School, Where He Sang In His School's Band And Quickly Distinguished Himself For His Unique Talent. This Early Success Inspired Him To Move To Addis Ababa, Where He Joined The Prestigious Ambassador Theatre Under The Guidance Of Ato Tesfaye Lema, A Pivotal Figure In Ethiopia's Music Scene. Later, He Joined The Ras Theatre's Traditional Music Ensemble, An Experience That Further Solidified His Connection To Ethiopian Music. At 13, Tilahun Dropped Out Of School And Attempted To Reach Addis Ababa To Follow His Dream. Initially, He Tried Traveling On Foot Without His Family’s Permission But Was Caught In Tulu Bolo And Sent Back To His Grandfather. Undeterred, Tilahun Soon Resumed His Journey, This Time Hiding In A Truck Headed For The Capital.
Neway’s Career Breakthrough Came In The 1970s When He Collaborated With The Renowned Roha Band, An Influential Ethiopian Ensemble Known For Backing The Country’s Iconic Singers. With The Roha Band, He Recorded Some Of His Most Cherished Songs, Infusing Ethiopian Music With His Soulful, Expressive Style. During The 1980s, He Reached New Heights With The Three Flowers Group, Which Included Tsegaye Eshetu And Areghagn Werash. This Collaboration Led To A Series Of Timeless Hits That Captured Ethiopian Music Lovers, Establishing Neway As A Leader In The Industry. He Went On To Release Six Solo Albums, Featuring Songs Like "Yetintu Tiz Alegn" And "Ende Birabiro," Both Classics That Continue To Be Celebrated By Fans. Tilahun Then Moved To The National Theater, Where His Powerful Tenor Made Him A Leading Voice In Ethiopian Pop Music During The 1960s. His Fame Grew, Performing Multiple Times For Emperor Haile Selassie. Throughout The 1970s And 1980s, His Recordings, Including "Yehagere Shita" And Collaborations With Mulatu Astatke, Raised Funds For Famine Relief. He Also Received An Honorary Doctorate From Addis Ababa University And A Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite Health Issues, Including A Near-Fatal Stabbing In 1993, Tilahun Continued To Record, Releasing Albums Like Wegen Alegn And Andand Negeroch In The U.S., Introducing His Music To An International Audience. His Legacy Was Later Honored With The Release Of Tilahun Gessesse Greatest Hits In 2000.
