Veteran artist Debebe Eshetu laid to rest in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2025 (FMC) – The funeral of esteemed Ethiopian artist Debebe Eshetu was held this afternoon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, attended by family, friends, senior government officials, fellow artists, and admirers.

Debebe Eshetu, celebrated for his lifelong contributions as an artist, philanthropist, producer, and presenter, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the age of 83, after a long illness.

Debebe began his education at Teferi Mekonnen School, completing primary and secondary studies between 1950 and 1958. He briefly trained as a pilot at the Ethiopian Air Force from 1958 to 1959 before pursuing teaching at Debre Birhan Teachers College from 1959 to 1961, where he cultivated his commitment to shaping future generations.

He later laid the foundation for his artistic career at the former Haile Selassie I University, now Addis Ababa University, and further honed his craft abroad. A dedicated lifelong learner, he graduated from the Intézmény Loránd School of Art in Budapest, Hungary, in 1966, alongside the late artist Wogayehu Negatu, becoming among the first Black students at the institution.

Upon returning to Ethiopia, he married Almaz Dejen, and together they had three daughters, one son, and eight grandchildren.

An accomplished playwright and author, Debebe translated Stanislavsky’s One and Two and Dawit Woldegiorgis’ Blood Tears. He also wrote A Letter to the Chairman, Hammock to Bridge, Workshop Results, and My Test of Faith I and II, enriching Ethiopia’s literary and theatrical landscape.

Throughout his career, Debebe contributed to more than 40 major stage productions, including The Thief in My Pocket, A Marriage Without a Marriage, Romeo and Juliet, The Dandew Chebude, One Year and One Day, Enat-Alem Tenu, The Hidden Plot in the Red Robe, The Old Men’s Club, Bird’s Nest, The Wave, The Merchant of Venice, The Game of Chess, Othello, and others. He also appeared in numerous films, including The Sailor from Gibraltar, Shaft in Africa, Guma and Afri, Zelda, The Grand Rebellion, The Grave Digger, Red Leaves, The Lost Spirit, The Hidden Court, Seventy-Seven, and Generation.

A devoted humanitarian, Debebe volunteered at the National Theater for many years as both actor and producer. His work spanned radio, television, film, journalism, stage theater, and comedy, earning him admiration and respect across generations.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to Ethiopian arts and culture, Addis Ababa University awarded him an honorary doctorate on July 20, 2023. He was also bestowed Ethiopia’s highest national honor by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in a ceremony themed, “Ethiopia is grateful for your service.”

The funeral was attended by senior government officials, including Chief Government Whip at the House of Peoples’ Representatives Tesfaye Beljige (PhD), Minister of Government Communication Services Legesse Tulu (PhD), Advisor to the Prime Minister on Social Affairs Daniel Kibret, Minister of Peace Mohamed Edris, Minister of Education Professor Berhanu Nega, alongside colleagues, friends, and admirers.

Debebe Eshetu’s legacy as a versatile artist, dedicated educator, and humanitarian will continue to inspire Ethiopia’s arts and cultural community for generations to come.