Telela Kebede

Telela Kebede (; born 1938) is a retired Ethiopian singer who gained popularity during Ethiopia's 1960s and 1970s ‘‘Golden Era’’ of music.

Early life Born in 1938 in Kenya to Ethiopian (Amhara ethnic) parents in exile during Fascist Italy occupation of Ethiopia. Telela received an elite education at the French Lazarist mission school in Sidamo. There she sang in the mission choir and began performing publicly in the region. Despite her father's objections, Telela pursued a career as an azmari, performing in local drinking establishments.

Ethiopian playwright Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin incorporated Telela's gifted singing voice in his 1974 play; Ha Hu Besidist Wer.