ፀሃዬ ዮሃንስ | Tsehaye Yohannes
Basic Identity
- Real Name and Stage Name : His birth name is Tsehaye Yohannes, and he is professionally known by the same name. Tsehaye is celebrated for his powerful tenor voice and significant contributions to Ethiopian music, earning him recognition as one of the country's most influential artists.
- Date and Place of Birth : Tsehaye Yohannes was born in 1959 in Asmara, Eritrea Province, Ethiopian Empire.
- Age / Current Age or Age at Death : As of 2025, Tsehaye Yohannes is 66 years old.
- Parents (Mother and Father) : Public records do not provide detailed information about Tsehaye Yohannes's parents.
- Siblings : There is no publicly available information regarding Tsehaye Yohannes's siblings.
- Background and Upbringing : Tsehaye Yohannes grew up in Addis Ababa and Kuha, a small town in suburban Mekelle in Tigray. He is of Amhara descent. His early exposure to diverse Ethiopian cultures influenced his musical style, leading him to sing in both Amharic and Tigrinya, promoting cultural unity through his lyrics.
Career
- Career Start and Early Breakthrough : Tsehaye Yohannes began his musical journey in the early 1970s. Born in Asmara and raised in Addis Ababa and Kuha (a suburb of Mekelle), he was exposed to diverse Ethiopian cultures from a young age. This multicultural upbringing influenced his decision to sing in both Amharic and Tigrinya, promoting cultural unity through his music. His early performances in local venues garnered attention, leading to his emergence as a prominent figure in the Ethiopian music scene.
- First Song / Breakthrough Hit : One of Tsehaye's early notable songs was "Berta Zemede," a tribute to the activist Edeget Beheberet Zemecha. This song became the official theme for the "Manbeb Ena Metsaf" movement, which significantly improved literacy rates in Ethiopia during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Major Milestones and Achievements : Throughout his career, Tsehaye released several albums that showcased his talent for emotive storytelling and his dedication to preserving Ethiopian heritage. Notable albums include: Fenchetwa (1984) His debut album, which established his presence in the Ethiopian music industry. Tebale Ende (1989) An album that blended traditional Ethiopian melodies with contemporary rhythms, reflecting his innovative approach to music. Yalanchima (1996) This album further solidified his reputation as a masterful storyteller through music. Letinish (2001) A collection that delved into themes of love and personal experiences, resonating with a broad audience. Sakilgne (2007) An album that continued to showcase his versatility and commitment to cultural preservation. Yeneta (2014) This release highlighted his enduring relevance in the Ethiopian music scene. Aznesh Alysh (2022) His most recent album, demonstrating his continued passion and innovation in music.
- Awards and Recognitions : While specific awards are not publicly documented, Tsehaye's influence and popularity in the Ethiopian music industry are well-recognized. His contributions have solidified his reputation as one of Ethiopia's prominent male vocalists.
- International Reach and Diaspora Performances : Tsehaye Yohannes has performed internationally, including concerts in Toronto, Canada, where he captivated audiences with his soulful performances. His international appearances have helped spread Ethiopian music to the diaspora and beyond.
Albums
Tracks
| Andande | Set Engdih | Nameteye |
| Belene | Yet Nebersh | Yalanchima |
| Sakilign | Fenchetwa | Gomen Betena |
Personal Life
- Relationship Status and Children : Public records do not provide detailed information about Tsehaye Yohannes's marital status or children. He has maintained a private personal life, and there are no publicly documented details regarding his family.
- Net Worth and Assets : As of 2025, Tsehaye Yohannes's estimated net worth is approximately $700. His earnings have varied over the years, with reported figures of $2,800 in 2024, $4,200 in 2023, and $142,400 in 2022. These fluctuations may reflect changes in music sales, performances, and other income sources.
- Current Residence and Lifestyle : Tsehaye Yohannes continues to reside in Ethiopia, where he remains active in the music scene. He has performed internationally, including concerts in Toronto, Canada, showcasing his enduring appeal to both domestic and diaspora audiences.
Business
- Business & Cultural Investment : Tsehaye Yohannes has expanded his influence beyond music by merging artistic expression with entrepreneurial vision. With a background in chemistry, he has planned a business initiative focused on iodized salt production to address public health concerns in Ethiopia. In parallel, he remains committed to cultural preservation through education and artistic advocacy. Tsehaye actively participates in Ethiopia’s music revolution movement, using his platform to inspire younger generations and champion traditional values in modern musical contexts. His brand reflects a fusion of intellectual pursuit, cultural responsibility, and creative authenticity.
-SOURCES-
Addis Zemen
Balageru Entertainment
Ethiopian Art and Culture Archive (EACA)
Facebook
Wikipedia
EthioMusicArchive.org
BBC Amharic
Kiddles.co
Balageru Records
Addis Fortune
EthioJazzHeritage.org
YouTube
BBC Sounds
EthioMusicLegends.com
AfricanMusiciansProfiles.org
TikTok
Instagram
EthioMusicBlogspot
LinkedIn
Hager Fikir Theatre
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
EthioMusicUnion.com
EthioDigitalMusicCoalition.org
Spotify
Apple Music
Qobuz
Discogs
Last.fm
Amazon Music
Anghami
Ethio-Pain Music Blog