“Passion for music transforms challenges into inspiration.”
Born in the rural town of Mezezo, 190km from Addis Ababa in North Shewa, Dawit Tsige moved to Addis Ababa when he was three. Living with his uncle in the Yeka Sub-City, he began his educational journey at Bitweded W/Gebriel School. He later attended Dej Wondirad Preparatory School and Salaysh Primary School, where he discovered his passion for singing in the eighth grade. Despite his uncle’s encouragement to pursue a more traditional career as an engineer or pilot, Dawit immersed himself in the vibrant 90s music scene, honing his craft and writing lyrics.
As a young adult, Dawit balanced work in woodworking and construction with his musical ambitions. His big break came when he joined the Ethiopian Air Force Music Club, where he ranked second in a competitive audition. This experience provided a solid foundation for his music career. He later participated in a music program organized by the Culture and Tourism Office, performing at traditional night events and eventually returning to the Air Force to showcase his talent across various cities.
Dawit’s defining moment arrived when he entered the Balageru Idol competition in 2015, inspired by Abraham Wolde’s works. His performance of the song “Gelawa” among 4,000 candidates led him to victory, earning him ETB 300,000 and widespread recognition. Following his debut album, Yene Zema, Dawit faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but used this time to connect with fans online.
As live performances resumed, he delighted audiences around the globe during his concert tours in Israel, Canada, Europe, and the USA, finding joy in the international appreciation for his music. His recent concert in Addis Ababa attracted over 20,000 fans, thrilled by his electrifying performance with his band.
Dawit reflects on the pandemic as a unique opportunity that allowed listeners worldwide to engage with his art from the comfort of their homes, solidifying his place in the hearts of many. EBR’s Eden Teshome sat down with the singer for this exclusive interview.
What inspired you to pursue a music career?
Being a musician is a natural gift that I discovered during high school. Then, I began singing and performing at school events and for my friends. To nurture this talent, I sought opportunities to refine my skills by joining local clubs in my neighbourhood after class and on weekends. Through these experiences, I realized I was not only a singer but also capable of effectively developing my craft.
How has Balageru Idol contributed to your musical journey?
From a young age, I was sure I wanted to be a singer, but reaching a broad audience was challenging. Balageru Idol has played a pivotal role in my journey, helping me connect with listeners and win the hearts of many.
What would you be if you weren’t a singer?
I have a passion for woodworking and have been involved in it for about three years. I would pursue that as my profession if I weren’t a singer.
How do you view the rise of various talent shows on TV channels in Ethiopia?
Talent shows provide valuable platforms for individuals with the potential to become iconic singers. However, the short-lived sessions of these competitions may not allow contestants enough time to develop their skills. Our cohort’s more extended competition period enabled us to learn and grow over time. I recommend extending the competition duration to give participants more time to hone their craft.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
Many legendary Ethiopian singers, including Tilahun Gessesse, Kassa Tesema, Assefa Abate, Teddy Afro, and Gossaye Tesfaye, have inspired me. Each has left a lasting impact on Ethiopian music and continues to influence my journey.
What was the creative process behind your latest album, “Ye Zemen Kanawoch”?
Ye Zemen Kanawochis is a collection of songs by legendary musicians who have profoundly influenced my musical journey and touched my heart. We carefully selected these iconic tracks to pay tribute to them through this album. These songs’ emotional depth and timeless quality have resonated with many, making them beloved by so many. The new generation is also learning from the experiences of these trailblazers and becoming familiar with their legacy by studying their work.
What challenges have you faced as a musician, and how did you overcome them?
When you’re doing what you love, challenges become a source of motivation rather than obstacles. While I can’t say there haven’t been challenges, my passion for music transforms them into inspiration that drives me forward.
Who would you love to collaborate with, and why?
I saw artist Gutu Abera express his interest in collaborating with me while appearing on EBS’s Seifu’s show. I was drawn to his work; his videos are incredibly captivating. I would love to collaborate with Gutu Abera. Additionally, I have a project with Yohana that will soon be released.
What message do you hope to convey through your music?
My songs cover various topics, from societal issues and national themes to love and romance. I’m often drawn to creating love songs, as they allow me to express deep emotions and connect with listeners personally.
Can you describe the process behind your recent concert at Millennium Hall and how you received the audience’s feedback?
This concert was the third since the release of my album Yene Zema. After touring the USA, this concert in Addis Ababa was the grand finale. To ensure its success, we put in a lot of planning over about seven months. We worked hard to adapt my original songs for the stage, ensuring everything was in sync. The anticipation from fans was incredible, and the turnout was overwhelming. The feedback has been excellent, with some fans saying, “We enjoyed the concert as if it were a movie.” I could feel the audience’s excitement throughout the two-hour performance as they laughed and engaged with the music.
What are your thoughts on the impact of social media on music and artists today?
It had a positive impact; this concert was different from past ones due to the influence of social media in promoting the event. Previously, it took a lot of work to reach a wider audience through traditional marketing methods. Now, I can focus more on my music, as social media has significantly expanded our reach, allowing artists to promote their work to a much larger audience.
What emotions do you feel when you perform, and how do they connect with your audience?
People who know me personally often say that I’m a different person when I’m on stage. Live performances give me a unique feeling I don’t experience in the studio; even the instruments evoke a different energy. I feel more alive when performing, and because it’s such a genuine emotion, it resonates with the audience, creating a shared experience.
How do you balance your personal life with your career as a public figure?
My behaviour has helped me maintain this balance. I avoid exaggerating and remain grounded, interacting generally with my beloved fans. While challenges come with having fans, I don’t let them disturb me. It feels natural, similar to how I lived before gaining fame.
What does being a brand ambassador for Habesha Breweries mean to you?
Being a brand ambassador for Habesha Breweries means a lot to me. They have shown a solid commitment to supporting my musical journey, serving as a backbone for my future successes. Our recent concert was our first collaboration, and this partnership will help aspiring young singers overcome the challenges they may face along their musical paths. I am truly happy to work with Habesha Breweries and excited about what the future holds for this collaboration.
What should we expect from you in the future? New album or…?
You can expect many more great songs from me in the future. Having learned from my challenges, I want to use my experiences to support aspiring artists. Additionally, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to the Ethiopian music industry and help it grow.
Tell us about your first album, Yene Zema.
Most of the tracks resonate deeply with the real-life experiences of many listeners. When we toured the USA, it had been four years since the album was released, yet the audience responded as if the songs were brand new. That moment made me realize the true power of the album. You genuinely understand the value of your songs more from the feedback than from the effort you put into creating them.
What should we expect next? Are you working on a second album?
I’m working on a second album! I typically select tracks as I create them rather than gathering them all simultaneously. I work on songs daily, and the ones from my regular work naturally become part of the album. I will release an exciting new album later this year so you can look forward to it! EBR
13th Year • November 2024 • No. 135