By Fitsum Getachew
Many people remember or know Artist Getachew Kassa for his classic song called ‘Tizita’ or'memories', but they do not know how many ‘historic’ songs he has played and composed or how many musical instruments he played. Many others believe that Getachew Kassa is only a vocalist. However, they would be surprised if they knew that he was an accomplished musical instrument player, such as the drums, the piano, and the flute, and was also an able composer of melodies and their lyrics.
For fifty years, he has remained and thrived in the very difficult musical world, not only in Ethiopia but also in the USA, where he lived for twenty-eight years in two spells, the first one for about six years and the rest in another spell. He was very welcomed in the US, and people wanted him to play his music in many areas for the numerous Ethiopian communities residing in the US. He always said that his life is dedicated to music because he adores it.
He then returned home to continue presenting his beloved songs to his faithful fans and admirers who longed for his physical presence. Artist Getachew has always been wanted and cherished by many owners of nightclubs, hotels, and recreation venues because of his peculiar vocal qualities, which have always been demanded and admired by his audience. In fact, he has played in multiple hotels and nightclubs, including Hilton Addis, for years. He was also often flooded by the gifts of admirers when he was performing on the platform.
Many people argue that Getachew Kassa has been one of the most brilliant expressions of modern Ethiopian music of the last half century, writing his own chapter in the Ethiopian musical book, well reputed for his characteristically powerful voice. His contemporaries are glorious artists such as Tilahun Gessesse, Menelik Wessinachew, Alemayehu Eshete, Mahmoud Ahmed, Ali Bira, Hiruth Bekele, Bezunesh Bekele, and Asnakech Worku, just to name a few, all of whom have left a brilliant legacy on the Ethiopian musical scene.
Getachew was an Addis Ababa-born and resident artist who, however, had a spell of performances for years in the east of Ethiopia around Dire Dawa. In fact, he has sung one of the most celebrated songs in the city of Addis Ababa, a track that is still very popular even if scores of songs have been written and sung in the Ethiopian capital.
Getachew’s father’s real name is not Kassa but Tsegaye. But because his father did not want his name to be associated with a singer, or ‘azmari’ as the profession was called in derogatory terms, Getachew had to adopt another name, the father’s name of his girlfriend. It was the old days when families, particularly those who were considered well-off, did not want to have their children join the profession of musician, as it was not considered a noble job.
Getachew Kassa was known for his fervid nationalist feeling, and he has a famous song that is considered an alternative national anthem called ‘Don’t Touch My Motherland’ or don’t tamper with my country, ‘Aghereen Atinkuat! He sings in praise of his native land, and this song has been attached to the emotions of Ethiopians, who are very much in love with their motherland. It is a sort of ‘warning’ for all those who try to attack Ethiopia or encroach on its sovereignty in any way. It is a song that is always played in the media, especially when there are national celebrations or when military campaigns are declared.
Among the lyrics of this song, there is a reference to the past heroes and patriots who have sacrificed their lives for Ethiopia. He singles out two historical battles, the Battle of Adwa and that of Maichew, where Ethiopian troops fought with maximum fervor and commitment for the sovereignty of the motherland. Getachew sings, ‘do not touch my country, for which thousands have sacrificed their precious lives’ and we cannot tolerate that happening under our watch. Implicitly, he seems to warn of negative consequences for whoever tries to tamper with his motherland. It is a song that appeals to the emotions of citizens and incites everyone to stand up and fight back, resisting any threats of aggression against Ethiopia.
Getachew Kassa was first introduced to his audience with a song called ‘I wish’ or Emegnalehu. It is a song that talks about his wishes and desires and about the struggles of everyday life, in which he tries to make ends meet. It is a fast-paced melody that invites the audience to dance. As soon as the song was released, it attracted the attention and favor of the fans, and Getachew became very famous. Getachew Kassa may not have produced as many songs as his contemporaries, who lived a long life in the musical world as he did. But the songs he played have been liked across generations, and his voice was so unique compared to many others because it was such a loud tenor-type voice. Even when he speaks, his voice is very attractive and conquers the attention of his audience easily. Getachew Kassa was also a witty person who liked to crack jokes while speaking in conversations during interviews.
Many people say that Getachew Kassa has not been as publicized and celebrated among the current generation of musical fans as he would deserve. Only the older generation of audience members know him very well and admire his works, which, however, are so classic and of very good quality that they are liked by many youths of the current generation as well.
Songs such as ‘Tizita’ or 'memories’ have had huge success even among non-Ethiopian international audiences and were contained in a collection of African tunes gathered by the great Bob Dylan. Francis Falcetto, another fan of Ethiopian songs, has included the classic songs of Getachew Kassa in his selected pieces on discs, along with the likes of Tilahun Gessesse, Bezunesh Bekele, Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and others. The characteristic songs of Getachew Kassa are difficult not to admire. His vibrant voice is so special that it transmits emotions. He was indeed a wonderful, unparalleled vocalist, a good musical instrument player, and the author of many melodies and lyrics. Hence, he was an all-around accomplished artist that we will certainly miss.
When Getachew Kassa passed away a few weeks ago at the age of seventy-seven, he was accorded an emotional farewell ceremony at the Ethiopian National Theatre in the presence of high-ranking government officials, his family, his fans and admirers, as well as his colleagues who knew him very well. His artistic life and works were remembered and celebrated with a well-deserved tribute and appreciation before he was laid to rest at the majestic basilica of St. Trinity Cathedral at Arat Kilo. Getachew Kassa will live with us with his wonderful songs. ///