Addis Ababa, November 8, 2022 (FBC) – The legendary Ethiopian artist, the late Ali Muhammad Musa, commonly known as Ali Birra, was born to his father Muhammed Musa and his mother Fatuma Ali in 1948 in Gende Kore, Dire-Dawa city.
The late Artist Ali Birra is considered as the icon for Oromo music in Ethiopia in the past 6 decades.
In 1962, the establishment of the Afran Qallo (Urji Bakalcha) Band in Dire-Dawa city was believed to be the defining moment of his story. The formation of the Band created a special opportunity and helped him to live out his childhood passion for music.
At the time, Urji Bekelcha Band had a group of young artists called Hiriya Jalalla under it. Hence, Artist Ali Muhammad Musa started his 60-year musical journey as a member of Hiriya Jalalla (Crew of Love) band.
The then Ali Muhammed Musa (artist Ali Birra) delivered 267 songs during his lifetime.
Ali has sung in six of the seven languages he speaks; such as Afaan Oromoo, Somali, Harari, Amharic, Arabic and Swedish.
By publishing his music and delivering it to listeners, he is said to have prominently promoted the Oromo music in the Ethiopian music market.
People call him with different names. His first childhood name is Ali Muhammed Musa. His famous name, Ali Birra, was given to him after one of his music playlists. To express their love and respect to him, his closest friends also used to call him “Adeeroo” (Uncle).
Ali Birra, at the age of 13, performed his first song “Birraadhaa barihee ililliin urgooftee” to the public at a festival organized by Afran Qallo, Urji Bakalcha music band.
Artist Ali has received more than 100 internationally recognized awards for his eternal works.
Artist Ali received the most prestigious award from the Oromia regional government for his outstanding service to the public.
Jimma University named its School of Music after him. Adama City has honored him with a road named after him and Dire-Dawa City renamed a Park after Artist Ali Birra’s name.
He has also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from various art awarding organizations.
He improved his artistic knowledge and skills by attending music lessons in Ethiopia and abroad.
Apart from singing, the most renowned and loved artist Ali Birra used to play various musical instruments.
He had immense skills of playing lead and bass guitar, piano, organ, accordion, oud and similar musical instruments. In addition, he was also a songwriter and composer.
Ali, who has been devoted to his profession for the past 60 years, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Dire-Dawa and Jimma universities.
Artist Ali Birra was married to Ms. Lily Markos.
He passed away on October November 6, 2022 at the age of 75 after receiving medical treatment for his illness.
His bod will be laid to rest at Leghare Muslim Cemetery after a farewell event at Dire-Dawa Stadium, late on November 8, 2022.