Menelik Wossenachew

Menelik Wossenachew (Amharic: ምኒልክ ወስናቸው; 1940 – 24 December 2008) was an Ethiopian singer. He was known for his famous singles "Fikir Ayarejim", "Sukar Sukar" "Teyaqiyew Biaschegregn (Ene Wushetenew)" and later "Gash Jembere".

Upon learning at Ethio-Française school in Addis Ababa, Menelik joined Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra in 1960. He continued his career as a vocal and director until 1965 meeting with Ras Band, where his fellow Girma Beyene worked in. He exiled to Sudan and Egypt amidst the Derg regime and returned with assistance of Saudi businessman Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi in 1993. Menelik died from pneumonia on 24 December 2008; Beyene paid tribute for his death.

Early life and career Menelik Wossenachew was born in 1940 in Addis Ababa. He spent a childhood years in Harar to enroll a French school, though shortly dropped out and joined Ethio-Française in Addis Ababa for five years. There he joined Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra in 1960. He was a backup artist but soon became director of the orchestra.

He sang two songs on the stage such as "Almaz Eyasebkush" and "Fikir Lemn Yiqer", while other "Afer Atinfegign", "Fikir Bastergwami", "Yachi Lij Konjo Nat", "Teyaqiyew Biaschegregn" (Ene Wushetenew)", "YeHarerwa Wetat", "Sukar Sukar" and "Fikir Ayarejim" the latter two were Sudanese origin, written by clarinet player Merawi Sitot. after comeback from ear diagnosis in South Africa. Upon notice his death, fellow Beyene paid tribute.

Discography Albums +Title Album details Menelik Wossenachew Record label: Mahmoud Ahmed Records, Electra Music Shop Singles and EPs +Title Single/EP details "Tibebe New Tekami" Released: 1967 Record label: Philips, Philips "Aderech Arada" Released: 1970 Record label: Philips, Philips Fikirachen Released: 1970 Record label: Philips, Philips Belew Bedubaye Released: 1973 Record label: Amha Records"Asha Gedawo" Released: 1972

Record label: Amha Records"Menew Bacher Kere" Released: 1973 Record label: Amha Records"Mekaberene Liyew"/"Chereka" Released: 1974 Record label: Amha Records"Bati"/"Min Nekash" Released: 1974 Record label: Philips, Philips Compilation +Title Compilation details Gash Jembere Released: 1995 Record label: Ethio-Grooves