Famous Ethiopian Singers

LoLa Monroe, formerly known as Angel Melaku, is an American rapper and actress. She rose to prominence in the music industry with her unique style and lyrical prowess. Throughout her career, LoLa has released several successful singles and mixtapes, showcasing her versatility and talent as a rapper. In addition to her music career, she has also ventured into acting, appearing in various films and television shows. LoLa Monroe continues to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry with her passion and dedication to her craft.

Teddy Afro is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter known for his revolutionary songs and political dissent sentiment. He is considered one of the most significant Ethiopian artists of all time, with a huge cultural impact on the music industry in Ethiopia. Teddy's influence extends to many young artists, inspiring them with his work. Through his music, he has captured the hearts of many and continues to be a prominent figure in Ethiopian music, shaping the industry with his unique style and powerful messages.

Aster Aweke is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter known for her captivating voice and emotionally charged performances. She gained widespread acclaim in the 1990s with hit singles like "Abebayehosh" and released successful albums such as "Hagere" in 1999 and "Fikir" in 2006. Moving to the United States in 1981 provided her with new opportunities, but she eventually returned to Ethiopia in 1997 to further pursue her music career. Throughout her professional life, Aster Aweke has remained a prominent figure in Ethiopian music, captivating audiences with her soulful vocals.

Hachalu Hundessa was an Ethiopian singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist known for his significant role in the 2014–2016 Oromo protests. His music often focused on social issues and political activism, resonating with the Oromo community. Through his music, he became a symbol of resistance and empowerment for the Oromo people. Hachalu's advocacy and influence played a key part in the political landscape of Ethiopia, ultimately leading to Abiy Ahmed assuming leadership roles within the Oromo Democratic Party and Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front.

Gigi, also known as Ejigayehu Shibabaw, is an Ethiopian singer renowned for blending traditional Ethiopian music with various genres. Her collaborative work with bassist and producer Bill Laswell has garnered widespread acclaim. Gigi's professional career is marked by a unique fusion of Ethiopian sounds with diverse musical influences. Through her innovative approach, she has captivated audiences with her distinctive voice and cross-cultural musical explorations, establishing herself as a pioneering figure in the global music scene.

Tilahun Gessesse was an iconic Ethiopian singer known for his tenor voice and nicknamed "The Voice" during the country's "Golden Age" in the 1960s. He was regarded as one of the most popular Ethiopian artists of the 20th century and left a lasting legacy in Ethiopian music. Aside from his musical talents, Tilahun was also known for his philanthropic efforts, raising money for aid during famines in the 1970s and 1980s. His contributions earned him recognition, including a doctorate degree and a lifetime achievement award in the arts and media industry.

Tamrat Desta was a prominent Ethiopian singer and songwriter known for his significant contributions to the music industry. He gained recognition for his exceptional work on two highly acclaimed albums, "Anleyaym" released in 2004, and "Kanchi Ayebeltm" in 2008. Desta's music resonated with audiences due to his unique style and powerful lyrics. Through his talent and dedication, he left a lasting impact on the Ethiopian music scene, establishing himself as a respected artist during his career.

Zeritu Kebede is a renowned Ethiopian singer, songwriter, and actress known for her significant contributions to modern Ethiopian music. With a distinctive style that blends rock and gospel influences, she has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Zeritu's professional career is marked by numerous hit songs that have resonated with fans both in Ethiopia and beyond. As a multifaceted artist, she continues to push boundaries and inspire others through her music and performances.

Ali Birra was an Ethiopian singer known for his influential contributions to Oromo and Ethiopian music. He was celebrated as a poet and multi-instrumentalist, showcasing his talent in various languages including Amharic, Afar, Arabic, and Somali. Ali's music resonated not only with the Oromo community but also with audiences across different regions and urban areas of Ethiopia. He was regarded as a cultural icon and his songs continue to be cherished for their lyrical depth and musical creativity.

Meklit Hadero, professionally known as Meklit, is an Ethiopian-American singer and songwriter residing in San Francisco, California. Renowned for her soulful performances, Meklit infuses jazz, folk, and East African elements into her music. She showcases her versatility by singing in both Amharic and English, captivating audiences with her unique blend of cultural influences. With a strong presence in the music scene, Meklit has established herself as a talented artist who continues to push boundaries and inspire with her captivating sound.

Bizunesh Bekele was a renowned Ethiopian soul singer during the Golden Age of the 1960s and 1970s. Often compared to Aretha Franklin for her musical style, she gained popularity for her soulful voice and captivating performances. Bekele released numerous songs in her native Amharic language, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and emotional delivery. She left a lasting impact on the Ethiopian music scene, becoming a beloved figure among fans of soul music.

Alemayehu Eshete Andarge, known as the "Ethiopian Elvis," was a renowned Ethiopian singer who began his career in the 1960s. He gained popularity for his performances primarily in Amharic, captivating audiences with his charismatic stage presence and unique vocal style. Eshete's music resonated with fans both in Ethiopia and internationally, earning him a reputation as a legendary figure in Ethiopian music. Throughout his professional life, he remained dedicated to his craft, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

Mahmoud Ahmed is a prominent Ethiopian singer who achieved great success both locally and internationally. He rose to fame in Ethiopia during the 1970s and later became popular among the Ethiopian diaspora in the 1980s. His music resonated with African music enthusiasts in Europe and the Americas, leading to international recognition and acclaim. With his unique style and powerful vocals, Mahmoud Ahmed has established himself as a respected figure in the world of music, captivating audiences across different continents.

Tigist Shibabaw was a talented Ethiopian singer known for her contributions to the Harlem-based hip hop fusion band Bole2Harlem. As one of the original members, she showcased her musical abilities and strong vocals to captivate audiences. Her performances were always praised for their energy and passion, earning her a reputation as a dynamic artist. Tigist's dedication to music and her unique style left a lasting impact on the music scene, solidifying her as a respected figure in the industry.

Betty G, born Bruktawit Getahun, is an Ethiopian singer and songwriter known for her collaborations with prominent artists such as Nhatty Man, Henok Mehari, Jhonny Raga, and Henok Abebe. She gained recognition with her debut album "Manew Fitsum" in 2015 and continued her success with the 2018 release "Wegegta," both of which were best-selling albums in their respective years. Betty G's professional career is marked by her talent in the music industry and her ability to connect with audiences through her music.

Eyob Mekonnen Yalem was an influential Ethiopian reggae singer credited with pioneering reggae music in Ethiopia. Known for his songs centered on themes of love, understanding, and respect, Eyob gained recognition for his unique style and meaningful lyrics. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his soulful voice and powerful messages, leaving a lasting impact on the music scene in Ethiopia. Eyob Mekonnen's professional life was characterized by his dedication to promoting positivity and unity through his music.

Abby Lakew is an Ethiopian singer known for her versatile vocal abilities and captivating performances. She first rose to prominence in 2005 with the release of her hit single "Manale," which garnered widespread acclaim. Abby's music seamlessly blends traditional Ethiopian sounds with modern influences, showcasing her unique style and artistic vision. Singing in both Amharic and English, she has established herself as a respected figure in the Ethiopian music industry, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and emotive lyrics.

Muluken Melesse was a talented Ethiopian singer and drummer who rose to fame in the 1970s. Known for his unique style and powerful vocals, he recorded several popular songs with bands like Equator Band. Despite his success in secular music, he made a significant career shift in the 1980s, embracing the Pentecostal Church and becoming a born-again Christian. Melesse's refusal to return to secular music showcased his unwavering dedication to his faith. He was also admired for his skill in adapting lyrics to fit his musical style, collaborating with renowned songwriters.