This week in Ethiopian history (Feb. 11 - 17)

On February 11, 1855 Kassa Hailu of Quara was crowned as Emperor Tewodros after defeating & capturing Dejazmach Webe of Tigray three days earlier on 8 February in Darasge Battle South of Takaze River.


Born this week are:

•Kassa Tessema 1919-66 (1926-73) the charismatic songwriter & folk musician who was born on Yekatit 6 (Febrauary 13) in Menagesha District of Central Shoa, near Addis Ababa. Little is known about his early childhood or his parents except that he had a strong bond with his mother. When and where he learned to play the traditional string instrument Krar (a five- or six-string lyre) is also not clear. In 1934 EC he enrolled at Wondyirad School, later known as Tegbare-Id Vocational School, where he studied plumbing and electrical maintenance. He then joined the Engineering Corps of the Imperial Guard at Haile Selassie‘s Palace to work in the field of his training. In few years, Kassa was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He often played the Krar for his own entertainment after finishing his daily duties. In June 1950, when the Korean War broke out…[full text of this biographical sketch can be obtained at ‘Ethiopian Biographical Strorybook with calendar 2004E.C. edition. Order a copy at www.ethioheritage.com]


•Elias Gebre-Egzabiher (1884/‘92—1962/‘69) Painter, poet & historian born on Yekatit 4 (February 12)