Tilahun Gessesse was born on September 27, 1940, in Waliso, Ethiopia. He began his musical career at age 13, moving to Addis Ababa and joining the Hager Fikir Association. Tilahun later became a leading singer with the Imperial Bodyguard Band. His debut single, "Yehagere Shitta", was released in 1970 under Philips Records. Notable releases include "Tiz Alegn Yetintu" (1970) and "Min Libejegn" (1972). His recordings from the 1970s and 1980s raised funds for famine victims. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University and a lifetime achievement award from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust. Tilahun continued recording despite health issues, released compilation albums like Tilahun Gessesse Vol. 1 / Vol. 2 (1992) and Wegen Alegn (1995). He passed away on April 19, 2009, in Addis Ababa.
