Who Is Hachalu Hundessa? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Hachalu Hundessa was born on June 30, 1986, in Ambo, Ethiopia. His powerful voice and poignant lyrics made him a pivotal figure in contemporary Ethiopian music and a voice for the Oromo people. Tragically, his life was cut short in June 2020, but his legacy continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide. In 2025, we remember Hachalu not only for his contributions to music but also for his role as a cultural icon and advocate for social justice.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1986 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Birth Place | Ambo, Ethiopia |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | Ethiopia |
| Date of death | 29 June, 2020 |
| Died Place | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Popularity
Hachalu Hundessa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Hachalu Hundessa stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed around 70 kg. His charismatic presence and engaging performances captivated audiences both on and off the stage. His distinct features and warm smile were a trademark of his persona, contributing to his lasting image in the hearts of fans.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Hachalu was known to keep aspects of his personal life private. However, it is widely acknowledged that he was in a committed relationship during his life. His girlfriend, whose identity has been kept largely out of the public eye, shared a close bond with him, offering support throughout his career. There are no reports of Hachalu being married, but his family, including his parents and siblings, played a foundational role in his journey as an artist.
The son of Oromo parents, Hundessa grew up singing in school clubs and tending cattle. In 2003, at the age of 17, he was arrested for taking part in protests. He was imprisoned at Karchale Ambo for five years and later released in 2008. He was married to Fantanesh Demisse, with whom he had two daughters. Hachalu was a lifelong member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2020, Hachalu Hundessa's estimated net worth was around $1 million. His wealth was primarily accrued through his successful music career, including album sales, concerts, and merchandise. Even in 2025, his music continues to thrive, contributing to his enduring legacy and ongoing financial success through streams and tributes.
Career, Business, and Investments
Hachalu's career began in the early 2010s, quickly gaining popularity with his debut album, "Yadaa," which showcased his unique blend of traditional Oromo music and contemporary sounds. He became renowned for songs that addressed social and political issues, solidifying his status as a voice of the Oromo people. His other notable works include "Jirra" and "Hachalu," which reinforced his impact in the Ethiopian music scene. In addition to his music career, Hachalu was involved in various social initiatives aimed at empowering the Oromo community.
Social Network
Hachalu Hundessa was active on several social media platforms where he connected directly with his fans. His official pages have expanded posthumously, celebrating his life and contributions to music. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter continue to showcase tributes, music releases, and fan stories, ensuring that his voice remains prominent in the digital space.
At 9am, 30 June 2020, the internet in Ethiopia was largely taken down, a measure previously taken by the government during unrest. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences to Hachalu's family, urging calm amid growing unrest.
Media magnate and activist Jawar Mohammed responded to Hachalu's death on Facebook, saying "They did not just kill Hachalu. They shot at the heart of the Oromo Nation, once again!!...You can kill us, all of us, you can never ever stop us!!
NEVER!!" The government accused Jawar Mohammed and his supporters of intercepting the body of Hachalu as it was being transported to his home town of Ambo, which lies 100 km west of Addis Ababa, against the wishes of Hachalu's family.
Tiruneh Gemta, an official from Jawar's Oromo Federalist Congress party, told the BBC Afaan Oromoo service they were concerned about his arrest and that they hadn't visited "those who've been arrested due to the security situation".
Jawar has led calls for more rights for the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, who have been politically marginalised by previous governments. He previously supported reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, himself an Oromo, but has since become an ardent critic.
35 people, including Jawar, were apprehended, along with eight Kalashnikovs, five pistols, and nine radio transmitters, from his bodyguard.
Education
Hachalu Hundessa was educated at the Addis Ababa University, where he studied music and holistic development, focusing on the intersections of culture and social justice. His time in academia enhanced his songwriting and performance skills, preparing him to be an influential artist committed to addressing societal issues through his work.
Hachalu's protest songs unified the Oromo people, encouraging them to resist oppression. His songs have been closely linked with anti-government resistance during the 2014–2016 Oromo protests. His ballad "Maalan Jira" (What existence is mine) concerned the displacement of Oromo people from Addis Ababa.
Months after the single was released in June 2015, protests opposing the Addis Ababa Master Plan occurred throughout the Oromia Region. The song became an anthem for protesters as well as one of the most viewed Oromo music videos.
