Hirut Bekele
 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (February 2025) |
Hirut Bekele | |
|---|---|
| ሂሩት በቀለ | |
 Hirut portrait in 1962 | |
| Born | 8 October 1942 Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Empire |
| Died | 12 May 2023 (aged 80) |
| Occupation |
|
| Children | 7 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1958–1994 |
| Labels |
|
Hirut Bekele (Amharic: ሂሩት በቀለ; 8 October 1942 – 12 May 2023) was an Ethiopian singer who was influential during 1970s and 1980s.
In 1994, she abandoned her musical career to devout Evangelical Protestant service, where she become a gospel singer of Addis Ababa Meserete Kristos Church. On 12 May 2023, Hirut died while seeking medical treatment and her body laid to rest at Petros We Paulos Church in Addis Ababa.[1]
Biography
[edit]Hirut Bekele was born on 8 October 1942 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When she was young, her father died and subsequently raised by her mother and paternal grandmother. At senior age, Hirut attended traditional Orthodox Tewahedo school before joining Kebena Adventist School to finish her secondary education.[1][2][3]
Hirut began her career by entertaining her closest friends and gave her great aspiration. She was inducted to Army Force Orchestra at the age of 16 for vocal competition. In 1958, she released a single titled "Ye Hare Shererit" (meaning: Silk Spider), becoming the first hit at the time. Hirut joined the Police Orchestra Band after abducting her due to long yearning of her profession.[1][4]
In 1994, Hirut left her musical career to pursue her spiritual life, becoming a member of Addis Ababa Meserete Kristos Church. She devoted to the church and released many gospel songs.[3]
On 12 May 2023, Hirut died from from illness while seeking medical attention and her body was laid to rest at Petros We Paulos Church in Addis Ababa. Hirut was the mother of seven children.[1][5]
Artistry
[edit]Hirut was influenced by many Ethiopian artists and collaborated with them including Mesfin Haile, Mahmoud Ahmed, Tewodros Tadesse, Kassahun Germamo and many more. She was signed with Amha Records, Kaifa Records, Philips-Ethiopia, Genet Music Label, and Super Sonic Music Label, which were active during 1960s and 1980s.[1][4]
Selected discography
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Artist Hirut Bekele's body laid to rest in Addis Ababa". Welcome to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C. 2023-05-15. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
- ^ "Hirut Bekele". Discogs. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
- ^ a b "Renowned Ethiopian singer Hirut Bekele passes away". Welcome to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C. 2023-05-12. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
- ^ a b "ድምጻዊት ሂሩት በቀለ አረፈች". አል ዐይን ኒውስ (in Amharic). 2023-05-12. Retrieved 2025-02-06.
- ^ Ayalew, Yohannes (2023-05-13). "Legendary Ethiopian Singer Hirut Bekelle Passes Away at 80. ታዋቂዋ ድምጻዊት ሂሩት በቀለ ከዚ አለም በሞት ተለየች፡ |". Retrieved 2025-02-06.
- ^ a b "Hirut Bekele music, videos, stats, and photos". Last.fm. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2025-02-06.