Muluken Melesse, a celebrated figure in Ethiopian music, has died at the age of 70. His death was confirmed by his family on April 9, 2024. Muluken, known for his soulful voice and impactful songs such as “Menew Kerefede,” “Yeregeme Lebe,” and “Nanu Nanu Ney,” left a lasting mark on the Ethiopian music scene.
Born in 1954 in Gojjam, a former province in northern Ethiopia, Muluken moved to Addis Ababa at the age of six. His musical journey began in 1966 when, at just 12 years old, he started performing in nightclubs. By 1972, he had recorded his first vinyl track, “Hedetch Alu,” a collaboration with notable musicians including pianist Girma Bèyènè and saxophonist Tesfa Mariam Kidane.
In the mid-1970s, Muluken’s career continued to flourish with hits like “Wetetie Mare” and “Ete Endenesh Gedawo,” recorded with the Equator Band. Despite the band’s subsequent move to the United States, Muluken chose to remain in Ethiopia and in the 1980s, transitioned from his music career to devote himself to the Pentecostal Church.
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, while Muluken became known for his singing, he was notably absent from recordings by the official state television, setting him apart from many contemporaries. His spiritual conversion marked a significant shift in his life, aligning himself with the Ethiopian Evangelical movement and becoming a born-again Christian.
Muluken’s refusal to return to secular music remained consistent until his later years, despite numerous appeals from his fans. He occasionally appeared in interviews, using them as opportunities to correct misconceptions and affirm his religious commitments.
Married and settled in the Washington D.C. area, Muluken continued to minister globally, impacting many through his faith and music. Even in his musical arrangements, he was known for personalizing lyrics, working closely with songwriters to reflect his unique style.
Muluken Melesse’s death marks the end of an era for Ethiopian music, but his contributions will continue to influence and inspire. His family and fans mourn a life that, while marked by dramatic changes, remained dedicated to affecting positive change in every community he touched.
