Eyob Mekonnen

Eyob Mekonnen Yalem (; 12 October 1975 – 18 August 2013) was an Ethiopian reggae singer widely considered as progenitor of reggae music in Ethiopia. His songs were well known for their themes of "love, understanding, and respect". He moved to Addis Ababa, when he was young, and attended school whilst maintaining an interest in music.

Musical career He joined a five-person band called the Zion Band, which was described as having a "reggae beat with a distinctive Ethiopian cast". Although lukewarmly received by audiences at first, as it differed from the often synthesized, electronic music that had prevailed since the era of the Derg and the demise of the big bands of the Haile Selassie era. Slowly, however, the album gained a following and "great national acclaim". He was credited with sparking a movement towards live music and away from so called "one man bands" and furthering the popularity of reggae and roots music in Ethiopia. Singles: "Nekechalehu" "Negen Layew" "Yene Konjo" "Yemeder Dershaye" "Endatefash" "Debzezesh" "Yezebarekalu" "Yewenetuan New" "Yekuankua Felasefa" "Wekil Nesh" "Rekeda" "Man Ende Kal" Erotalehu Released: 3 January 2017 Singles: "Semahuachew" "Tekekel Nesh" "Anchi" "Tetereche" "Yegabezkuachew" "Wehajira Welale" "Wede Enate Bet" "Man Yawekal" "Tew Yalshignen" "Andebete Tenager" "Say" "Yilef" "Zim Elalehu" "Endet Beye" "Erotalehu"