Alemayehu Eshete

Alemayehu Eshete Andarge (Amharic: ዓለማየሁ እሸቴ አንዳርጌ; June 1941 – 2 September 2021) was an Ethiopian singer, widely known as the "Abyssinian Elvis" for his dynamic performances and his fusion of traditional Ethiopian music with Western rock and roll influences. He emerged in the 1960s and became a prominent figure in the Ethio-jazz movement, alongside musicians such as Mulatu Astatke. Eshete's music blended Ethiopian rhythms with elements of funk, soul, and jazz, and his hit songs include Temar Lije and Addis Ababa Bete. His international recognition grew following the release of the Éthiopiques series, which featured many of his early recordings. Eshete continued to perform until his death in 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in Ethiopian and world music. His contributions were widely recognized both in Ethiopia and internationally.

Life and career

Early life Alemayehu Eshete was born in June 1941 in Addis Ababa, where his father worked as a taxi driver. As a young boy, he idolized Elvis Presley, mimicking his style and performing songs like Jailhouse Rock (song) for his friends. Throughout his career, Alemayehu became known for blending American rock with traditional Ethiopian music, particularly during the late 1960s' "swinging Addis" era. while Volume 22 covers his work between 1972 and 1974. Other songs appear in Volumes 3, 8, 10, and 13. In 2008, he toured the United States with Mahmoud Ahmed, performing with Boston's Either/Orchestra.

Death Alemayehu Eshete died at midnight on 2 September 2021 in a hospital in Addis Ababa. He had been suffering from heart disease in the years leading up to his death, and had undergone surgery for blocked arteries five years prior. In his final days, he spent time with friends but experienced discomfort before being admitted to the hospital. He was buried on 7 September 2021 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa. A large farewell ceremony took place at Meskel Square, attended by tens of thousands of people, where his iconic songs Temar Lije and Addis Ababa Bete were played in tribute. Alemayehu is survived by seven children and six grandchildren.

Discography Album list Addis Ababa Released: 1992

Compilation albums Ethiopiques, Vol. 9 Released: 2001 The Rough Guide to the Music of Ethiopia Released: 2004 Ethiopiques, Vol. 22 (1972–1974) Released: 2007 The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Africa Released: 2012 The Rough Guide to the Music of Ethiopia Released: 2012