By A.B
Ghebretsadk Woldeyohanes Ghebresslasie was a Tigrian multi-talented and multi-instrumentalist artist whose legacy echoes far beyond the realm of music. He was not just a musician—he was a revolutionary voice who turned melodies into weapons more powerful than bullets. In a time when Ethiopia was torn between the brutal Derg military junta and the rising TPLF guerrilla movement, Ghebretsadk stood as a singular force, feared and respected by both sides.
Using his art as a tool of transformation, he became a serious threat to the oppressive regimes of his time. His music inspired the oppressed and challenged the ideologies of war. His presence—too charismatic, too influential, too determined—made him a symbol of resistance. Both the Derg and the TPLF found his message unsettling, for it exposed the violence and injustice on both fronts. Tragically, the same revolutionary power that gave him a voice also led to his untimely death at the hands of guerrilla forces.
A self-taught genius, Ghebretsadk’s impact in his short life was profound. His dedication to art, his deep understanding of music, and his ability to connect with people made him a towering figure in the cultural landscape of 20th-century Ethiopia. Many regard him as a “music scientist,” a term endorsed by renowned figures such as Mulatu Astatke, veteran freedom fighters, and senior political leaders alike.
Though silenced too soon, Ghebretsadk’s music and message continue to resonate. He remains a beacon of artistic courage—a revolutionary who proved that a song can be stronger than any bomb.