Eyasu Berhe

Eyasu Berhe Asemahegne (Tigrinya: አያሱ በርሀ አሰማኅኝ; 11 June 1956 – 18 January 2010) was an Ethiopian singer, writer, producer and poet who was one of the most popular and influential Tigrigna musical artists of the 20th century.

Eyasu Berhe Asemahegne
አያሱ በርሀ አሰማኅኝ
Born(1956-06-11)June 11, 1956
Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
DiedJanuary 18, 2010(2010-01-18) (aged 53)
Alamata, Tigray, Ethiopia
CitizenshipEthiopian
Occupation
  • Singer
  • writer
  • poet
  • producer
Years active1980-2010

Early life

Eyasu was born in Mekelle, where he attended primary and secondary school. Eyasu obtained his MA degree from Open University of the United Kingdom in Business Administration. He was studying for his PhD.[1]

Music career

Through music, Eyasu inspired many young men and women to join the TPLF during the Ethiopian Civil War. Eyasu has played significant role in mobilizing the public for the bitter struggle and later joined the cultural group established by the TPLF. Over 70 to 80 percent of the group's songs, which conveyed political and social messages, were produced by Eyasu.

Death and legacy

Eyasu died suddenly while performing onstage in Alamata.[1] In April 2010, the Tigray Development Association announced plans to construct a library in his honor in Mekelle at a cost of 11 million Birr.[2]

References
  1. "Renowned artist Eyasu Berhe passed away at the age of 53", Walta Information Center (WIC), published 20 January 2010 (accessed 8 June 2010)
  2. "Activities underway to construct memorial library for Eyasu Berhe: TDA", WIC, published 18 April 2010 (accessed 8 June 2010)
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