Eyasu Berhe Explained

Eyasu Berhe
Native Name:ኢያሱ በርሀ
Birth Date:11 June 1956
Birth Place:Mekelle, Tigray Province,Ethiopian Empire
Death Place:Alamata, Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Citizenship:Ethiopian
Years Active:1980-2010

Eyasu Berhe Asemahegne (; 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.

Early life

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

Notes and References

  1. http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18769&Itemid=134 "Renowned artist Eyasu Berhe passed away at the age of 53"
  2. http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20955&Itemid=52 "Activities underway to construct memorial library for Eyasu Berhe: TDA"