Eyasu Berhe
ኢያሱ በርሀ
Born(1956-06-11)11 June 1956
Mekelle, Tigray Province,Ethiopian Empire
Died18 January 2010(2010-01-18) (aged 53)
Alamata, Tigray Region, Ethiopia
CitizenshipEthiopian
Occupations
  • Singer
  • writer
  • poet
  • producer
  • fighter of the TPLF
Years active1980-2010

Eyasu Berhe Asemahegne (Tigrinya: ኢያሱ 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.

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. 1 2 "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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