Gov’t officials, Ethiopians and fans pour tributes over the death of legendary artist Ali Birra

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2022 (FBC) – Since the news of the death of renowned Ethiopian artist, Ali Birra, broke on Sunday evening, senior government officials, Ethiopians, fans and artists poured tributes.

The FDRE Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, expressed sadness over the passing of the iconic singer, stating; “The death of veteran singer Ali Birra is a loss for Ethiopia. Through his songs, he promoted unity, perseverance and culture. He became a role model for many. Ethiopia thanks you for everything you have done”,

Minister of Mines, Takele Uma, expressed his sadness and sent a tribute to the late Ali Birra. “When the voice of the Oromoo was silenced, when speaking Afaan Oromoo was seen as a taboo, Ali Birra was the voice for his people. My hero, my legend, my freedom fighter-Rest in Peace”, Takele tweeted.

Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abiebie, oh her part expressed deep sadness and shared tributes. “On behalf of myself and the city administration, I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Ali Birra, the beloved artist who reigned in the hearts of the public for decades. May his soul rest in peace!”

Meanwhile, chiefs of regional states, Ministers, Ambassadors, diplomats and other senior government officials extended their messages of sadness and paid tributes to the late Artist Ali Birra.

The president of Somali region, Mustafe Oumer, paid his tribute, stating “We lost a great national icon. A music genius. A portrait of the love, compassion, civility & tolerance Hararghe & East Ethiopia is famed for! A consummate entertainer; a voice for justice and liberation. May Allah’s mercy be on you – the legend Ali Birra.”

The Amhara region president, Yelkal Kefale, and the head of the Southern Peoples’ region, Ristu Yirdaw, also expressed their grief over the death of the artist.

In a tribute posted on his social media page, Yelkal Kefale said that artist Ali Birra was a great artist who has not only contributed to the development of Ethiopian art and civilization, but also a role model for future generations.

The artist envisages many works of art that strengthen tolerance and solidarity, love and unity for the people of Ethiopia, he added.

On his part, the head of Southern Peoples’ region, Restu Yirdaw, said that artist Ali Birra has left indelible marks in the hearts of all Ethiopians.

Artist Ali Birra preached love, compassion and unity to all the people through his works of art, Restu added.

The Heads of State expressed their deep sorrow over the death of veteran artist Ali Beera on behalf of themselves and their state governments and wished comfort to his family, friends and art lovers.

Other government officials, fans, artists and Ethiopians poured their tributes to the late Artist Ali Birra.

Born in 1948 in Dire-Dawa, Artist Ali Birra was the icon of Oromo music for the past 6 decades.