BIOGRAPHY
Tilahun Gessesse was born on September 27, 1940, in Woliso to Gessesse Negusse and Gete Gurmu. He attended Ras Gobena Elementary School in Woliso, where his musical talent started to show, despite his grandfather's push for him to focus on academics. The school principal, Shedad, encouraged him to pursue music, even suggesting he go to Sudan for his career. Though Tilahun didn’t take that path, he valued the advice. 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.
In Addis Ababa, Tilahun Gessesse started his career with the Hager Fikir Association (now Hager Fikir Theatre) before joining the Imperial Bodyguard Band, where he became a star. His career faced a setback when he was briefly imprisoned following the 1960 coup attempt by the Imperial Bodyguard. 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.
