Hachalu Hundessa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hachalu Hundessa
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Hachalu in 2018
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| Born | 1986 Ambo, Ethiopia
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| Died | 29 June 2020 (aged 33–34) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 2008–2020 |
| Spouse(s) | Fantu Demisse |
| Children | 2 |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | Ethiopian music |
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| Labels | Aromfia Studios |
Hachalu Hundessa (Oromo: Haacaaluu Hundeessaa Boonsaa; Amharic: ሃጫሉ ሁንዴሳ; 1986 – 29 June 2020) was a famous Ethiopian singer, songwriter, and activist. He was known for his powerful songs that spoke about justice and freedom. Hachalu played a big part in the 2014–2016 Oromo protests. These protests helped bring about important political changes in Ethiopia.
About Hachalu's Life
Hachalu Hundessa was born in 1986 in a town called Ambo, in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. His parents were Gudatu Hora and Hundessa Bonsa. Hachalu belonged to the Oromo people, a large ethnic group in Ethiopia.
From a young age, Hachalu loved to sing. He sang in school clubs and while taking care of cattle. When he was 17, in 2003, he was arrested for joining in protests. He spent five years in prison and was released in 2008. Hachalu was married to Fantanesh Demisse, and they had two daughters.
Hachalu's Music Career
Hachalu wrote many songs for his first album while he was in prison. This album, called Sanyii Mootii, came out in 2009. It was a big success!
In 2013, Hachalu went on a music tour in the United States. He also released his second album, Waa'ee Keenyaa. This album became the best-selling African music album on Amazon Music. Just a week before he passed away, Hachalu shared that he was working on his third album, Maal Mallisaa. This album was released in 2021, a year after his death.
Hachalu's songs were very special. They were often protest songs that helped unite the Oromo people. His music encouraged them to stand up against unfair treatment. His songs became closely linked with the protests that happened between 2014 and 2016.
One of his most famous songs was "Maalan Jira" (What existence is mine). This song was about the Oromo people being forced to leave their homes near Addis Ababa. After this song came out in 2015, many protests started in the Oromia Region. "Maalan Jira" became a powerful song for the protesters and one of the most-watched Oromo music videos.
In 2017, Hachalu sang at a concert in Addis Ababa. This concert helped raise money for 700,000 Oromo people who had to leave their homes because of violence. The concert was shown live on TV. Many people felt that Hachalu's songs truly showed the hopes and feelings of the Oromo people.
Hachalu's Death and Its Impact
Hachalu Hundessa was shot on the evening of June 29, 2020, near Addis Ababa. He was taken to a hospital but sadly passed away. Many thousands of people gathered at the hospital, very sad and upset.
His funeral was held in his hometown of Ambo. His casket was brought into the stadium, and he was later buried at a church. Police arrested some people in connection with his death. Hachalu had said that he had received threats before he died.
Hachalu's death caused many protests across the Oromia Region. People were very angry and sad. In some places, statues were pulled down as a sign of protest. For example, a statue of Emperor Haile Selassie in London was destroyed by Oromo protesters. Many Oromo people felt they were treated unfairly during his time as ruler.
The day after Hachalu's death, the internet in Ethiopia was mostly shut down. This is something the government has done before during times of unrest. Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, shared his sadness with Hachalu's family and asked everyone to stay calm.
Hachalu's death was a very sad event that deeply affected many people in Ethiopia.
Discography
- Sanyii Mootii (2009)
- Waa'ee Keenya (2013)
- Maal Mallisaa (2021)
