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Teddy Afro real name: Tewodros Kassahun, born on July 14, 1976, Teddy Afro is a famous Ethiopian singer who is known for his polemic songs. His music style is a mixture of East African pop and reggae, bringing out a versatile and dynamic personality. Tewodros Kassahun is an Ethiopian music sensation and one of the most successful singers and song writers from Ethiopia in recent times.
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Teddy’s musical success has been credited to the powerful messages conveyed through his songs. From compassion to courage and from forgiveness to love, Afro has been able to break artistic boundaries that were previously untouched. He has been compared to Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley, in part because of his
ability to bring a political, spiritual, and rhythmic presence to his listeners. Afro is also noted for his work with other young and inspiring artists throughout Ethiopia. In 2002, Teddy released his debut album Abugida, named after the “Abugida” or ABCs of the Amharic language. The album catapulted him on the global music scene, and quickly won him the admiration of his people and individuals from all walks of life throughout the world. Several tracks in particular quickly caught the ear of many listeners outside his native Ethiopia — “Halieselassie” a tribute to the late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I; “Haile, Haile” a hit single in honor of Olympic long distance champion and national hero, Haile Gebrselassie; and “Mona Lisa”, a measure of human beauty. The album was dubbed a success in Ethiopian contemporary music, and was reprinted seven time. In 2004, Teddy released his most successful single to date, Tarik Teserra (“History was Made”), in honor of world record holder and 2004 Olympic gold medalist, Kenenisa Bekele. The song captured the emotions of the entire Ethiopian nation. A music video was compiled including footage from other great Ethiopian long distance runners, and of Bekele’s 10,000 meter gold run in the 2004 summer Olympics. Throughout the video, Bekele is referred to as the new Anbessa (“Lion”) in Ethiopian long distance running, succeeding the great Haile Gebrselassie. Bekele is shown several times looking back for his mentor Haile Gebreselassie, who was unable to run the 10,000 meters race at full pace due to a lingering injury. |
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The single raised Teddy’s reputation as one of the greatest Ethiopian musical artists of his time, and heightened the release of his second album.
Teddy's third album, Yasteseryal, was released in 2005. The album sold more than a million copies within a few months after its release, becoming the biggest selling Ethiopian music album to date.The Tour- Teddy and his band, Abogida, have toured the world bringing many of his sensational songs live to his fans. From South Africa to North America,the Middle East and Australia, he has traveled the world to entertain and convey messages of peace love, hope and unity in a language everyone can understand. |
