From Stardom to Strength

Aug 30 , 2025
By Eden Sahle

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I first met her more than two years ago, but it was motherhood that drew us closer. In the quiet vulnerability of sleepless nights and whispered prayers, we found common ground. That same voice of honesty and strength now resonates in her recently released tell-all memoir, "Kelijinet eske Lijunet" (From Childhood to a Daughter). The book is brilliantly written, a rare gem in a literary world where glamour often eclipses truth.

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When we speak of Zeritu Kebede, most recall the sensational voice that redefined Ethiopian music nearly two decades ago. Beyond the stage lights, the sold-out concerts, and the melodic poetry that earned her a devoted following, however, is a genuine woman whose story reads like a symphony. Her journey rises with triumphs, pauses in grief, and holds together with harmonies of faith and resilience.

I first met Zeritu more than two years ago, but it was motherhood that drew us closer. In the quiet vulnerability of sleepless nights and whispered prayers, we found common ground. When I faced struggles as a new mother, her encouragement became a lifeline. That same voice of honesty and strength now resonates in her recently released tell-all memoir, "KelijineteskeLijunet" (From Childhood to a Daughter).

The book is brilliantly written, a rare gem in a literary world where glamour often eclipses truth. Its pages are raw, candid, and deeply human, exploring identity, loss, faith, and transformation. I began reading while my daughter played nearby, intending to skim a chapter or two, but its pull proved irresistible. Within two days, I had devoured it, pausing only to reflect.

What makes the memoir remarkable is not just its literary finesse but Zeritu's courageous vulnerability. She writes without pretension, admitting mistakes and owning them with grace. In an age of curated perfection, her sincerity feels revolutionary. One of the most striking passages is her heartfelt apology to her former husband, a rare act of accountability in a world quick to shift blame.

Yet her honesty never overshadows her strength. The book reveals a woman who has endured storms without letting them define her. Time and again, her unshakable faith in God surfaces as her anchor. This is most evident in the harrowing chapter on her late firstborn son, Khristian.

Reading those pages was an emotional reckoning. I knew Khris well, and even now, my heart resists the reality of his absence. I remember visiting the hospital with my husband and infant daughter, preparing myself for despair. Instead, I found a mother radiating unyielding hope and faith.

Still, the unexpected followed. After Khris's passing, many of us feared Zeritu would never recover. How could anyone endure the unbearable weight of losing a child? Yet, she rose, not by ignoring her grief, but by surrendering it to her belief. Her narrative captures this paradox with beauty: heartbreak entwined with hope, despair balanced by faith.

Beyond personal tragedy, the memoir reflects deeply on love, marriage, and motherhood. Zeritu's insights on relationships emerge not from theory but from hard-earned experience. She writes candidly about illusions that cloud marriage and the humility needed to sustain it. For both young couples and seasoned partners, her words serve as both counsel and caution.

Her parenting philosophy is equally compelling. She speaks of her bond with her sons, her intentional nurturing, and the joy of creating a home filled with laughter. For her, motherhood is not a role, but a sacred calling that shapes both the child and the parent. She shows that love, not perfection, defines the journey.

Through vivid anecdotes, she reminds us that parenting demands presence over perfection. It is about showing up with patience, love, and grace. Zeritu rejects quick fixes, favouring depth, connection, and intentional living. In her words, parenting becomes a transformative journey where both parents and children grow.

The memoir also dismantles stereotypes. It is not unique but transformative. At once personal and universal, it blends private battles with public triumphs. Through her life, we glimpse Ethiopia's cultural fabric: expectations of fame, womanhood, marriage, faith, and resilience.

Her candour about her academic and professional journey adds yet another layer. Celebrities are often reduced to appearances, but Zeritu breaks that illusion. She reveals grit behind glamour, years of study, daring career choices, and sacrifices far from the spotlight. These revelations paint a portrait of substance as well as talent.

One chapter left me cheering: her choice to embrace her recent pregnancy without seeking the "easy way out." In a world quick to speculate and judge, this decision embodies courage and conviction. Today, anyone stepping into her warm and welcoming home feels the joy that her youngest son, Goba, brings, not just to his mother and brothers, but to everyone who visits. His laughter radiates the hope at the heart of her story.

Ultimately, what makes "KelijineteskeLijunet" unforgettable is its tone of resilience. Each chapter, no matter how heavy, closes with light. Zeritu reminds us that life, though uncertain, can be navigated with faith, honesty, and courage. Her story is not a lament but a testimony.

As I closed the final page, gratitude washed over me, not only for the chance to read the book but also for knowing the extraordinary woman behind it. In a country where true role models feel scarce, Zeritu shines not because she is flawless but because she dares to be real. Her story inspires us to confront our fears, admit our mistakes, and hold fast to hope when the night feels longest.

Her memoir proves that Ethiopian storytelling remains vibrant, evolving, and capable of touching the most profound human truths. As for me, I already look forward to the next chapter of Zeritu's remarkable journey, on paper and in life.

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PUBLISHED ON Aug 30,2025 [ VOL 26 , NO 1322]

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