obituary

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Mar 9 , 2025 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

Yayehyirad Alamrew, the Shadow Lyricist Who Shaped Sound, Identity, Dies at 66

Ethiopia's music scene usually shines a spotlight on singers and bands, but one figure quietly shaped its soul for decades. Since the early 1980s, Yayehyirad Alamrew's lyrics graced cherished Amharic songs. Recognition never seemed to drive him; seeing people embrace his words was reward enough. He...

Feb 9 , 2025

The Banker, The Apparatchik, The Maverick, Bulcha Demeksa Dies at 94

Bulcha Demeksa was a figure whose influence resonated across generations. Stepping into his home in the gated community of Ropak in the Legatafo area, it was clear that he, too, was shaped by the wisdom and support of others. Beyond the familiar smiles of his family members, three particular portraits stood out: Emperor Haile Selassie I, Yilma Deressa, and Robert McNamara, the former president of the World Bank, who once served as secretary of defence during America's war in Vietnam. These individuals shaped Bulcha's worldview, guided his principles, and supported his unfolding ambition. Wh...

Jan 25 , 2025 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

Shimelis Adugna, Unyielding Force in Ethiopia's Humanitarian Struggles, Dies at 89

Few understood the deep scars of famine as keenly as Shimelis Adugna, whose personal rituals hinted at the hardships he witnessed. Leftovers never seemed an option on his plate. Instead, he measured out his portions and cleared them with dutiful precision. This habit, shaped by the lessons he drew from serving as Commissioner of the Relief & Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), followed him for much of his life. Colleagues observed his meticulousness. They believe it likely came from a time when every grain of rice or a scrap of food could save a life. Shimelis's name became synonymous w...

Nov 9 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

A Fearless Provocateur Who Redefined Digital Discourse, Eyob Mihreteab Dies at 44

For many who know him online and offline, Eyob Mihreteab was an intellectual, if for others a provocateur. All would agree that he was a person whose ideas and words echoed with clarity and force. In a digital age where social media has blurred the lines between the public and the personal, Eyob carved a space for himself that was as distinctive as it was uncompromising. He was a man of contradictions, sharp yet humble, haughty yet sincerely generous. Born and raised in the Gola Michael neighbourhood of Addis Abeba, Eyob was deeply rooted in his Ethiopian heritage but had a cosmopolitan...

obituary

Jan 12 , 2025

The Defiant Engineer Steering Ethiopian Airlines Through Turbulent Times, Mohammed Ahmed Dies Aged 94

Eid al-Fitr was his favourite holiday. Mohammed Ahmed delighted in distributing chocolates to children whenever the festive day arrived. For him, it was a small but meaningful gesture that bridged...

Oct 20 , 2024

Sandy Wade: The Soldier-Diplomat Who Mastered Strategy, Humanity Dies at 66

Each holiday season, without fail, Robert Nicholas Harry Alexander de Vins Wade — known affectionately as Sandy — would send messages of goodwill to colleagues and friends. This simple gesture emb...

Sep 29 , 2024

Beyene Petros, Soft-Spoken Academic, Who Took on Power Structures with Unflinching Resolve, Dies at 74

Beyene Petros (Prof.) was a familiar figure in the quiet halls of Addis Abeba University, where sunlight filtered through arching eucalyptus trees. He mentored generations of students with a warm smil...

Sep 14 , 2024

Andreas Eshete, Towering Intellectual, Social Progress Champion, Dies at 79

Andreas Eshete (Prof.) was an early riser regardless of how late he stayed up. Punctuality was more than a habit for him; it reflected his disciplined character. In a society where time often took a b...

May 3 , 2024

Muluken Melesse: The Soulful Serenade Dies at 73

In the quiet of his later years, Muluken Melesse found solace in the gentle sounds of the waterfall from the stereo, transported by the melodies to a breezing stream beside him. Born in 1951 in Gojjam...

Mar 30 , 2024

Molla Zegeye, Personifying Perseverance in the Face of Adversity Dies at 71

To say Molla Zegeye witnessed history unfold would be an understatement. He actively tussled with it, leaving a lasting mark on Ethiopia's turbulent but recent political history of half a century. His...

Mar 16 , 2024

Gudisa Legesse, Whose Leadership Scores to the Rhythm of Life, Dies at 55

In the competitive insurance world, where risk management and forecasts define daily life's chorus, finding light-hearted moments could become indispensable. Gudisa Legesse, the CEO of Awash Insuranc...

Mar 2 , 2024

Getachew Kassa, the Maestro Who Sang Ethiopias Soul, Dies Aged 85

In the records of Ethiopian music, few stories are as pongiant or resonating as that of Getachew Kassa. His journey from the humming markets of Merkato to the animated nightlife of the Bole neighbourh...

Feb 10 , 2024

Compassionate Warrior During Ethiopia's Darkest Hours, Dies at 89

In the unforgiving terrains of Wollo and Afar regions, where famine has etched its scars deep into the land and its people, Hailemariam Seifu's calling was forged. It was here, amid the desperation...

Jun 17 , 2023

Zemui Teklu: The Indomitable Spirit Behind Shoa Bakery Dies Age 94

The pioneering spirit behind Shoa Bakery, a name that has become synonymous with bread across Addis Abeba and beyond, had a life marked by personal loss, adaptation, and entrepreneurial brilliance. It...

Apr 3 , 2023

TewoldeBerhan GebreEgziabher, Defender of Nature, Passes Away, Aged 83

In the small village nestled among the foothills of Adwa town in Tigray Regional State, TewoldeBerhan GebreEgziabher (PhD) was born to a farmer's family, destined to follow in the footsteps of his for...

Jan 28 , 2023

Life of the Party: Lemmawossen Sebhatu Dies Age 73

Weighing the profit margin and analysing risks while contemplating a business idea is forte of a savvy businessperson. Lemmawossen Sebhatu was a pro when it came to that. His children admired his abil...

Jan 7 , 2023

The Brand of Habesha Fashion: Emama Tsion

For many, the 100-year-old Tsion Michael Andom is known as the first fashion designer who introduced the Habesha traditional wear to the international markets. To the hospitality and tourism advisor F...

Nov 19 , 2022

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 21 , 2022

Fisseha Desta, More Honest VP from Dark Times

Nothing says “end of an era” about the Dergue like the successive passing of its senior officials. In 2019, it was Legesse Asfaw, a major military figure, and in 2020, it was Fikreselassie Wogde...

Mar 26 , 2022

Girma Zewdie, AU Career Officer, Serves His Last

Girma Zewdie (Col.) had never seen the need to be anything less than active, even in his mid-80s. He remained nimble into old age as best as he could. There was never a better demonstration than the f...

Columns

Commentaries | Apr 19,2025

Overseas Job Push Evokes Hopes at Home, Hardship Abroad

Mufariat Kamil, the minister of Labour & Skills, recently told Parliament that her Min...

Editorial | Apr 20 , 2025

From Cassette, CD Dreams to Cloud Streams

Key Takeaways Kuku Sebsibie's transition to digital singles represents a shift in the...

Featured | Apr 19 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER

A Holiday of Uneasy Choices

Takeaways: The Addis Abeba market faces logistical challenges with fewer livestock...

Agenda | Apr 19 , 2025 . By RUTH BERHANU

LEGACY Businesses in a Liminal Space

At first light in Addis Abeba's Qality District, the smell of freshly roasted Yirgacheffe...

Fortune News | Apr 19 , 2025 . By AKSAH ITALO

Yayehyirad Alamrew, the Shadow Lyricist Who Shaped Sound, Identity, Dies at 66

The Banker, The Apparatchik, The Maverick, Bulcha Demeksa Dies at 94

Shimelis Adugna, Unyielding Force in Ethiopia's Humanitarian Struggles, Dies at 89

A Fearless Provocateur Who Redefined Digital Discourse, Eyob Mihreteab Dies at 44

obituary

The Defiant Engineer Steering Ethiopian Airlines Through Turbulent Times, Mohammed Ahmed Dies Aged 94

Sandy Wade: The Soldier-Diplomat Who Mastered Strategy, Humanity Dies at 66

Beyene Petros, Soft-Spoken Academic, Who Took on Power Structures with Unflinching Resolve, Dies at 74

Andreas Eshete, Towering Intellectual, Social Progress Champion, Dies at 79

Muluken Melesse: The Soulful Serenade Dies at 73

Molla Zegeye, Personifying Perseverance in the Face of Adversity Dies at 71

Gudisa Legesse, Whose Leadership Scores to the Rhythm of Life, Dies at 55

Getachew Kassa, the Maestro Who Sang Ethiopias Soul, Dies Aged 85

Compassionate Warrior During Ethiopia's Darkest Hours, Dies at 89

Zemui Teklu: The Indomitable Spirit Behind Shoa Bakery Dies Age 94

TewoldeBerhan GebreEgziabher, Defender of Nature, Passes Away, Aged 83

Life of the Party: Lemmawossen Sebhatu Dies Age 73

The Brand of Habesha Fashion: Emama Tsion