Renowned Ethiopian Pianist Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou Passes Away at 98: A Memoir of Her Inspirational Life and Music











Today, the world mourns the loss of a true musical icon, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, who passed away on March 27, 2022, at the age of 98. Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou was an Ethiopian pianist and composer whose music touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on the history of music.

Born in Addis Ababa in 1923, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou was raised in a family of musicians. She began playing the piano at the age of six and quickly developed a deep passion for music. Her unique style of playing the piano combined traditional Ethiopian melodies with classical music, jazz, and blues.

In the early 1960s, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou traveled to Europe to study music, where she encountered many renowned musicians who were inspired by her talent and creativity. She returned to Ethiopia in the mid-1960s and continued to compose and perform music, often playing at the Emperor’s Palace and other prestigious venues.

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou’s music was a reflection of her life experiences, and her compositions were deeply emotional and expressive. Her music was also deeply rooted in her Ethiopian heritage, and she often incorporated traditional Ethiopian rhythms and melodies into her compositions.

Throughout her life, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou remained true to her passion for music, despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks. Her music touched the hearts of many, and she will be remembered as a true musical icon.

As we mourn the loss of this remarkable musician, we celebrate her life and the legacy she leaves behind. Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou’s music will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come. Her contribution to the world of music will forever be cherished, and she will be greatly missed.

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou’s music was not only a reflection of her life experiences but also a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges in her life, she continued to pursue her passion for music and compose beautiful pieces that touched the hearts of many.

One of her most famous compositions is “The Homeless Wanderer,” which was inspired by her experiences living as a nun in Jerusalem in the 1940s. The piece was a reflection of her own feelings of displacement and loneliness, as well as a tribute to the countless refugees and displaced people around the world.

In addition to her musical talents, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou was also a deeply spiritual person, and her faith played a significant role in her music. She often drew inspiration from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and incorporated elements of religious chants and hymns into her compositions.

Despite her many achievements and contributions to the world of music, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou lived a relatively quiet life, spending much of her time in a monastery in Ethiopia. However, her music continued to reach audiences around the world, and she became increasingly recognized and celebrated in her later years.

In 2013, the album “Ethiopiques Volume 21: Emahoy (Piano Solo)” was released, featuring a selection of Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou’s solo piano pieces. The album received widespread critical acclaim and introduced her music to a new generation of listeners.

Today, as we mourn the loss of Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people across cultures and generations. Her music will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come, and her legacy as a true musical icon will never be forgotten.