Alemayehu Eshete

Alemayehu Eshete, born in June 1941 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, emerged as a prominent figure in Ethiopian music, thanks in part to the encouragement of Colonel Retta Demeqe. His career took off when he joined the renowned Police Orchestra in Addis Ababa, where he showcased his vocal talent. Alemayehu's first major hit, "Seul," came in 1961, leading to the establishment of the Alem-Girma Band alongside Girma Beyene. Over a prolific 15-year period, he released approximately 30 singles, establishing himself as a staple in the Ethiopian music scene until the rise of the communist Derg regime.

Despite the political upheaval, Alemayehu continued his musical endeavors, even performing in Korean at the behest of the Derg for Kim Il-sung. His music transcended borders, gaining international acclaim through the Buda Musique's acclaimed Ethiopiques series. Notably, Ethiopiques Volume 9 is dedicated entirely to his earlier works, while Volume 22 chronicles his music from 1972 to 1974. Additional tracks of his can be found in Volumes 3, 8, 10, and 13 of the series.

In 2008, Alemayehu expanded his reach to the United States, touring with fellow Ethiopian artist Mahmoud Ahmed, supported by Boston’s ten-member Either/Orchestra. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the Ethiopian cultural landscape and beyond.