Ebbisa Adunya
Ebbisa Adunya | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | c. 1970 Dembi Dollo, Western Oromia, Ethiopia |
| Died | 30 August 1996 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, poet, political activist |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, traditional instruments |
| Years active | c. 1990s |
Ebbisa Adunya (also spelled Eebbisaa Addunyaa; born circa 1970 – died August 30, 1996) was an Oromo musician, poet, and political activist from Ethiopia.
Life
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Ebbisa was born in Dembi Dollo, southwest of the Western Wallaga region of Oromia. With two younger brothers and three sisters, Ebbisa was the eldest son in his family. He attended Oliiqaa Dingil Primary School, Qellem High School, and then passed the national examination for Higher Education to attend a university.[1]
In 1991, while waiting for admission to a university, the military regime of Ethiopia was overthrown by OLF, TPLF, and EPLF forces. In Ebbisa’s hometown, OLF forces had set up a strong military base. At that time, Ebbisa was very aware of the deteriorating Oromo condition and the need for self-determination for the Oromo people; hence, to support the Oromo struggle for national determination, he joined the OLF. He was trained to be a cadre (Dabballee) and became a Dabballee/cadre trainer in the Dembi Dollo OLF military camp.
Ebbisa joined the OLF music band and played a significant role in pushing forth Oromo culture, music, and identity.
Ebbisa became a cultural figure for the Oromo people. His music, deeply rooted in Oromo traditions, played a crucial role in promoting Oromo culture and identity, especially during a period when such expressions were suppressed by the Ethiopian government. His songs often reflected his political commitment, addressing themes of resistance and hope for the Oromo community.
Death
[edit]On August 30, 1996, Ebbisa and his friend Tana Wayessa were tragically shot dead by government gunmen of the Zenawi regime at Ebbisa's home in the Shiromeda area of Addis Ababa. Ethiopian authorities initially claimed Ebbisa died by suicide, a narrative that was widely dismissed by his supporters and human rights groups. The BBC has documented inconsistencies in the official account of his death, suggesting that it was an extrajudicial killing linked to his activism.[2]
Eyewitnesses reported that the bodies were taken away by individuals in a vehicle with government license plates. The incident was documented by the Oromia Support Group, a UK-based human rights organization, and is considered a significant event in the persecution of Oromo activists during that time.[3]
Legacy
[edit] |
Ebbisa Adunya’s legacy continues through his music, which remains a source of inspiration for the Oromo community.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "The Role of Revolutionary Oromo Artists in Building Oromumma". 1 December 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Ethiopia: Singer Ebbisa Adunya killed, says Oromo group". BBC Afaan Oromoo. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
- ^ Opride (30 August 2012). "Rest in Peace, Ebbisa Addunya". Opride. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
- ^ Mollenhauer, Shawn Michael (2011). Millions on the Margins: Music, Ethnicity, and Censorship Among the Oromo of Ethiopia (Thesis). UC Riverside.