Neway Debebe

Neway Debebe was born in Hamer Bako, and raised in different parts of Ethiopia, Asela, Awassa and Wolaita Sodo. Neway's passion for music started to bear when he was in the high school, Ras Andarge high school which is in Assela. The teachers has supported Neway in many different ways to lay a foundation to his passion for music. As Neway's speech, teacher Fantahun Antalehegn was the prior one. This had let Neway perform well in the high school student's band.[1][2]

Since he had grasped basic music experience from high school music group to social Kebele music in Asela and Wolaita Sodo, Neway evolved his talent to move to the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa and made it worn a body. As Neway went to Addis Abeba, he joined Ambassador Theatre and Ras Theatre's traditional band respectively. Following his contributions to the bands, the bands also became popular specially Ras Theatre.[1]

In 1970s, Neway released his first debut album which entitled Maebel new which included great hit songs such as "Eshet Belahugn", "Yetikimit Abeba" and "Egnaw Enitarek". Neway has released six studio albums, and collaborated with other artists in different albums, his works have afforded him great fame by the wide audience.[1][3]

Neway described as possessing a "voice of silk".[4] He composes melody and lyrics for himself and for his many professional colleagues, including Honorary doctor Tilahun Gessesse. Neway's music is wide and varied, from the traditional Ethiopian beats, rumba, reggae or garage, big band or Ethno-Jazz, calypso to Afro-pop. This made Neway hugely popular outside Ethiopia.[5]

In 1991, Neway went to United States and lived for more than 16 years.[2] Neway released his two albums, "Ageren Alresam" and "Yene Deha" that are arrangement by Abegaz Kibrework when he was in US. Also Abegaz Kibrework, Henok Temesgen and Fasil Wuhib were participated. In 2007, in Ethiopian's Millennium (2000), Neway went back to his homeland, Ethiopia.[1]

Neway's first spouse was Aida Hassen. But they got divorced in 2010, and this known officially on 27 December 2020 when he was giving interview to the talk show called Seifu On EBS. This also became viral in national level. Neway also has got married to his second unmentioned spouse in 2018 and has now two sons.[2][6]

• Maebel Naw (1973)
• Telayewa (1989)
• Amen (2002)
• Ageren Alresam
• Yene Deha