A Tale Of Two Tombs

While I was in Addis Ababa recently I popped into the Holy Trinity Church, probably best known as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. That's Haile on the right:

The grounds surrounding the church also host the graves of many other celebrated Ethiopians. For example, while I was visiting they were in the process of building a tomb for the recently deceased Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. Probably the most "bling" grave is that of Tilahun Gessesse.

Tilahun (also spelt Tlahoun depending on how you translate from Amharic) was one of the biggest stars of the golden age of Ethiopian swing and soul in the 1960s and 1970s. He died three years ago at the age of 68. Here are a couple of hits from his heyday.

"Ine Negn Way Antchi" - Tilahun Gessesse

"Sigibgib Joroye" - Tilahun Gessesse

And here he is back blowing L.A. away in the 1990s (I think). What a dude.