Above: Ethiopia’s most popular singer, Teddy Afro, was freed
early from prison on Thursday after serving 18 months of a
two-year sentence for hit-and-run manslaughter. (Read more).
He was sentenced for the 2006 killing of a homeless man in a hit-and-run incident, but denied driving the car. His supporters say he was the victim of a political vendetta as his lyrics were identified with the opposition. After his release eight months early for good behaviour, he told state TV that he had had “a nice time” in jail and met many good people. “I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all the people of our country,” he said. “I was able to meet many good people in prison, from the lowest-ranking policemen to the highest administrator. I had a nice time. My relations with other prisoners were also good.”
VIDEO: Ethiopian Television reports on Teddy’s release (Ethiotube).
Related
NPR: Ethiopian Singer May Be Jailed Because Of Music
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Dear Tadias,
What a great news! Teddy is a remarkable artist who has made a significant contribution, through his music, to project and vocalize a global Ethiopia. His creative weaving of our secular music tradition with Reggae music is a vivid expression of what I call global Ethiopia. May the spirit of Dr. Tilahun Gessesse continue to guide you in your effort to reflect the hopes, sorrows and aspirations of all ethiopians. Ayele
This indeed a wonderful news! He has done his time for his mistake, now it is time to let him practice his art. Looking forward to Teddy’s new CD.
YE ETHIOPIA AMLAK KE ANTE GAR TIHUN!!! Amen.
LOVE YOU TEDDY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know what he said. I’m glad he is free. I think he is a legend. Teddy out of Jail, now Ethiopian people will listen to his special music. In the future Teddy Afro will be just like Tilahun Gessese.
I hope he is strong.
Ja Yastesryal
Teddy, ye ahunu mengist siwodik bedenbi abren enchefiralen. Ayzon! atfira! Menfese tenkarahinetihin endatitew. hulum yemitadergew neger lehageri sitil new. Ke nesu gar gin yefelege neger bihon wodaj endatitew. Ye Ethiopia hizib bezih betam likeyemih yichilal. Bitimot yishalihal ke menigist gar kemewodajet.
We all love you!
Jegna, Ambesa neh!
Hey Guyes, he has never served 18 months in prison, may be 16…
I am glad he is free but does anyone care about the poor man that was killed?
teddy I am very happy that God has helped u
I think God wants u to be for him please invite Jesus to ur heart he is the only way for every thing with out him life could seem good but has a fruitless end. Fruitfull end is with Jesus popularity and being famous couldnot save u only Jesus saves please be in the hands of Jesus u will see how life is sweetier.
Abo lemin takabedalachehu? Tera yaltemare Azmari aydel ende? kegedele yitaser.yemiyasazenegn muwachu deha new.
Yepoletica akuwamu des yilegnal, ye EPRDF tekawamim aydelem,Ye Kinijet degafim alneberem ,esu ewnetan bicha new yeminagerew. enante ye EPRDF tekawami endihon felegachu enji!
this is for you bekalu…plz don’t be a…
he didn’t kill no one so shut up plz..
thank you…