An Icon, Maven Ali Birra Dies at 75

For many of his fans, Ali Birra might have been a legendary musician with an expansive catalogue.

He was gracious to his closest friends and mentees - a friend to all who loved animals. The public may not be as familiar with his animal rights initiatives as much as his music was admired across generations and despite language divides.

As a young man, Ali was walking home from work and saw a man beating a fully loaded donkey. He offered money to present the man who had refused. Words escalated into a fight that landed Ali in jail for a night. He never regretted it.

For Meseret Daba, a close friend who worked as a journalist, Ali was one of a kind, a selfless person who fought standing up for those unable to defend themselves.

"He was like a father to me," she said. "I admired his courage to stand up for what he believed in as much as his songs."

Ali was endowed with words regardless of the language. He spoke seven of them and played songs in Affan Oromo, Somali, Harari, Amharic, and Swedish. Beginning his career over half a century ago, he played nearly 267 songs, composed music and wrote songs to boot. Many of his fans may not understand the language, but they find his voice enchanting as the beat he plays charmed them. He illustrated that music is indeed a universal language.

"I grew up with his music," said Tesfaye Yimer, a resident of Addis Abeba who does not speak Affan Oromo.

Ali's songs raise issues of love and life. But his lyrics with political content put him in the divide among a polarised society. Yet, his listeners do not seem to mind but dance to his tunes with messages from love to separation and friendship to bravery. During his youth, he played in nightclubs and performed with multiple bands at prominent spots, such as Addis Abeba Hilton.

Born in 1948, it did not take Ali Mohammed long to find his calling. His parents separated early on, and he grew up with his father.

As a child, he studied the Qur'an and attended a regular school at Jedida School in his native town of Dire Dawa. In Addis Abeba, he pursued his education at Leul-Mekonnen and Cathedral schools. His learning journey also took him to the United States to study music at the College of Santa Monica, California.

Travels and a long-lasting career made Ali a walking library with much wisdom, according to Muktar Adero, a friend for over four decades. He met Ali in his 20s while playing the keyboard, performing in the same band. Ali's way of relating to those close to him is a memory Muktar cherishes.

Says Muktar: "Ali wouldn't wait to be asked to lend a hand. He would do it."