Gutu Abera, an Ethiopian artist of Oromo descent has made history after winning a top continental award. The All Africa Music Awards(Afrima) is by far one of the most coveted awards on the African continent so much so that some have referred to it as the Grammy’s of Africa.
Abera, an Afro-Jazz artist who is based in Norway sings in his native Afaan Oromoo dialect and has seen his popularity climbing rapidly in recent years. His song, Deemmi, was late last year nominated to the Afrima awards in the category of Best Jazz Duo/Artist where he battled out with a number of key continental names.
Deemmi, the winning song was the beacon song of his Hawanawa album. Abera has made history as one of the first Ethiopians to win the award while using their native languages. Reacting to the news, Abera posted an appreciation note on his social media page:
“I am happy to announce that we won All Africa Music Awards in the category “best african jazz group of the year” for the song “DEEMI”. What an honor to be recognized by Africa’s most prestigious music award !
First of all I want to thank Mira Thiruchelvam who composed and produced this piece. She has the guts to experiment and push musical boundaries. I can´t wait to compose more songs with this woman! Thank you Lencho Fikru Kenea for your amazing videography, and kato ådland for mixing the song.”
I am happy to announce that we won All Africa Music Awards in the category “best african jazz group of the year" for the song “DEEMI”. What an honor to be recognized by Africa's most prestigious music award ! pic.twitter.com/Pwmdboif5Z
— Gutu Abera (@gutu_abera) January 16, 2023
The song was composed and produced by Mira Thiruchelvam. Mr. Abera and Mira got married last year at a posh ceremony that became one of the most talked about event in the country.
Abera also attended last year’s Iirreechaa festival with his wife at his side where the two seemed to have had ample fun. Mrs. Abera is of Indian descent and the two have been exploring each others culture in depth as they navigate the uncharted waters of inter-racial marriages.
See photos of the two during and after their wedding by perusing in the spider below.
It is a hearty Congratulations to Gutu Abera, his team and fans from all of us at ICBNews and the entire Waso Media Group fraternity. We did what we could to support and we are glad it came home. We urge the victor to keep flying the Oromia flag higher in the entertainment world.
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