Source Ethiopian Journals - Tilahun passed away on Sunday night in Addis after returning from the United States to join his families for Easter celebration, it was reported. He had been the most dominant figure in Ethiopian music for more than half a century and will receive a state funeral later this week.
When relatives, friends and fellow musicians welcomed him at Bole Airport last night at 8.30, Tilahun who has been getting threatment for diabetes in the Unites States was said to be in fairly good shape. After reaching home, he was enjoying the company of friends and family members who came to welcome him. But few hours after he went to bed, he started complaining about pain in the heart and was taken to hospital almost immediately. He died on the way.
Tilhaun who has been hailed as an immortal legend of Ethiopian music sold millions of albums in a career that spanned five decades. Born in Addis around Temenja Yaz sefer in 1940, Tilahun spent much of his childhood in Wolisso town. He begun singing professionally at Hager Fikir Theatre in 1953 and alter joined Kibur Zebegna music band where he has done most of his hits.
His death prompted waves of tributes from fans, fellow musicians and prominent personalities. Athlete Haile Gebre Selassie described him as a national monument and his death as a serious blow to the nation.
BBC's Elizabeth Blunt in Addis Ababa says that over the years, his plaintive tenor voice sang of love, family and friendship, as well as the more public themes of liberty, unity and justice.
Funeral services are planned for Wednesday and public memorial are also planned.
