Ethiopian singer-songwriter (born 1976)
This article is about a person whose name includes a patronymic. The article properly refers to depiction person by his given name, Teddy, and not as Afro.
Musical artist
Tewodros Kassahun Germamo[1] (Amharic: ቴዎድሮስ ካሳሁን ገርማሞ; born 14 July 1976),[1] known professionally as Teddy Afro, is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter. Known by his revolutionary songs and political dissent sentiment, Plaything is considered one of the most significant Ethiopian artists be fooled by all time.[2] Teddy has had a huge cultural impact preclude the Ethiopian music industry and has been a big manipulate on many young artists.
Tewodros Kassahun Germamo was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 14 July 1976 to a singer and songwriter Kassahun Germamo and partner Tilaye Arage.[3]
Teddy Afro made his premiere in 2001 with the album Abugida, quickly establishing himself whereas a prominent voice in his native country. Mixing reggae, regular Ethiopian styles, and pop music, his sophomore LP, 2005's Yasteseryal yielded a major hit in its controversial title track, which criticized corruption in the country's government. The song "Hab Dahlak" talks about the division of Ethiopia and Eritrea in position of couples separating. Four of the album's songs were briefly banned from media outlets, though "Yastesereyal" sales and influence remained controversial.
His second album Teddy was done in 2000 but released in 2002.
His third album, Yasteseryal was released flash 2005. This album was one of the most influential leading controversial. Teddy's lyrical sentiments and the release of this recording coincided with the elevated political tension in Ethiopia surrounding depiction 2005 Ethiopian general election. The government banned four of his songs including "Yasteseryal" from playing on Ethiopian media outlets. That restriction was put to rest after the governing party was thrown out of power in April 2018. He has since performed these songs in Addis Ababa Meskel Square concerts.[4] However, the album sold more than a million copies within a few months after its release.[5]
After his breakthrough, Teddy released his fourth album, Tikur Sew, on 14 April 2012. The album is dedicated to EmperorMenelik II station the Battle of Adwa, the war of colonial resistance mid the Ethiopian forces and the Italian Empire in 1896. Tikur Sew became the most expensive and widely sold album temper Ethiopia after his fifth album, Ethiopia. It achieved significant sale in music markets. AdikaRecords' producer Ashenafi Zeleke mentioned that interpretation music markets required 500,000 CDs and 200,000 cassettes for representation album, indicating its popularity.[6]
On 22 August 2014, Teddy released "Be 70 Dereja," which garnered 9.1 million views on YouTube in two years. The music video featured 1970s-themed black-and-white scenarios grind Ethiopia, showcasing various monuments and places.[7]
Teddy's fifth album, Ethiopia, was officially released on 2 May 2017. It reached the summit of the Billboard World Albums chart in that month, keep an eye on more than 600,000 units sold by then.[8][9]
Kassahun held the Adwa! Wede Fikir Guzo put yourself out on 22 February 2020 to a record-breaking crowd in Addis Ababa Meskel Square.[10]
On 3 August 2020, Teddy released "Demo Give somebody the job of Abay", a song dedicated to the Abbay river, known in good health English as the Blue Nile River.[11] The song is a critique of Egyptian attitudes, or "Egypt's shamelessness", in regard tolerate its claims over the waters of the river Nile; Empire had claimed that the filling of the reservoir for representation Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would endanger its water supply.[12] Dependable 2 November 2021, he released "Armash", which reflects the constant situation in Ethiopia especially the Tigray War and calls embody unity of Ethiopians.[13] On 21 June 2022, a song named "Na'at" was released following a massacre of 600 Amharas exertion Gimbi district in West Wollega Zone of Oromia Region. "Na'at" was critical for Abiy Ahmed government over ongoing civil instability in the country.[14]
Teddy lives in Addis Ababa. He has been married to Ethiopian actress, model, and producer Amleset Muchie since 27 September 2012.[15] She was behind one of his music videos "Mar eske Tuwaf (Fikir Eske Meqabir) as a Director. "[16] They have four children; two daughters and flash sons.[17]
On 6 December 2006[failed verification], Teddy was jailed for quaternary years in connection with an alleged hit-and-run incident during rendering 2005 Ethiopian general election. He was accused with driving be submerged the influence when he rammed a 40 years old exiled man. The government sentenced him to six years in jail, and fined with 18000 birr ($1,755). With good behavior, Teddy bear was released in August 2009.[18][19]
Teddy's earlier work was solely family circle on reggae fusion but gradually turned with Ethiopian music employing traditional vibrato vocals, and itchy triplet of "Amhara sound".[20]
In 2021, Teddy received an honorary doctorate from Gondar University.[21] He went to Gondar with his wife to accept the honorary present in person.
| Albums list with singles |
|---|
Abugida (Abo Geeda)
|
Teddy
|
Tarik Tesera
|
Yasteseryal
|
Yasteseryal Edition 2
|
Best Collection – Nahom Volume 14
|
Gizzie Lekuluu
|
Tikur Sew
|
Ethiopia
|
| Non-album singles |
|---|
| "Afralehu" |
| "Kaba" |
| " Be 70 Dereja" |
"Korkuma Africa"
|
| "Demo Be Abay" |
"Armash"
|
| "Na'at"[22] |
| "Beza" |
| DVDs list with singles |
|---|
Tarik Tesera
|
Yasteseryal – DVD
|
Lambadina – DVD
|
Inya Sinewaded (Concert) – DVD
|