Ethiopian music icon Kuku Sebsebe is set to make a highly anticipated return to the spotlight with the release of her eighth studio album, “Dejazmach,” scheduled to debut on Friday, May 2, 2025. The new album marks the culmination of seven years of creative work and collaboration, reaffirming Kuku’s enduring influence on Ethiopia’s rich musical landscape.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Kuku Sebsebe’s passion for music was evident from a young age. Her early performances at Nazareth School and the American Mission School, where she entertained classmates with renditions of popular Amharic and English songs, laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Her musical journey took a pivotal turn at her high school graduation party at the Hilton Hotel, where an impromptu performance launched her into Addis Ababa’s vibrant music scene.
Kuku quickly rose to prominence, collaborating with legendary bands such as Ibex, Walias, and Roha Band. She became the first female vocalist for Roha Band, breaking new ground for women in Ethiopian music. Her breakthrough came with the hit single “Engedaye Neh/Sh,” a duet with the late Alemayehu Eshete, which captured the hearts of audiences nationwide. In 1974 E.C., she released her debut album “Fikirh Beretabign” with Roha Band, further cementing her reputation as a leading voice in Ethiopian music.
Throughout her career, Kuku Sebsebe has performed alongside some of Ethiopia’s most celebrated musicians, including Mahmoud Ahmed, Tékle TéSfaye, Ali Birra, and Mengesha Getahun. Her international performances have taken her to Djibouti, Yemen, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and major cities across Europe and North America, where she became a beloved figure within the Ethiopian diaspora.
In the late 1980s, Kuku relocated to the United States, where she continued to perform and record, notably collaborating with Teddy Mekonnen (Teddy Mak) and releasing albums such as “Gize” with Abegaz Kibrework and “Ethiopia” with Teddy Mak. Despite her success abroad, she took a hiatus from recording to focus on motherhood before eventually returning to Ethiopia in the early 2000s.
Kuku’s return to her homeland reignited her career, leading to new albums and regular performances at renowned venues such as Jazz Amba and the Taitu Hotel. Her music, known for blending contemporary grooves with traditional Ethiopian melodies, continues to resonate with audiences both old and new.
“Dejazmach,” her latest album, features 13 tracks and showcases collaborations with some of Ethiopia’s most prominent poets and songwriters, including Teddy Afro, Yilma Gebreab, Mesele Esmaamaw, Natnael Girmachew, Moges Teka, and Misikir Awel. Eight of the songs are penned by Teddy Afro, adding a contemporary edge to Kuku’s signature style.
Kuku Sebsebe’s dedication to her craft is evident in the rich lyrical content and captivating melodies that define “Dejazmach.” The album promises to be a testament to her commitment to artistic excellence and her ability to bridge generations through music. After seven years of meticulous work with Ethiopia’s top creative talents, Kuku’s new release is poised to make a significant impact on the country’s music scene and beyond.
