• Capping 50-year musical legacy
ADDIS ABABA – Legendary Ethiopian musician Kemer Yusuf is preparing to retire from the stage with a grand finale: the release of his final album, Gelano, and a series of celebratory concerts marking 50 years of artistic excellence.
At a press briefing held here yesterday, the iconic artist announced that Gelano will be officially released on June 22, 2025. The album will serve not only as a tribute to his five-decade journey in music but also as a symbolic farewell to his fans and the industry he helped shape.
Throughout his prolific career, Kemer Yusuf has released seven albums and over 50 singles, performing in more than 10 languages and gracing stages in 48 countries — an achievement few Ethiopian musicians can claim. His body of work has bridged generations and geographies, preserving Ethiopian musical heritage while also pushing creative boundaries.
To honor his remarkable journey, Kemer is launching a farewell concert series, headlined by a major performance at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa on September 22, 2025. Additional shows are scheduled across regional cities, including Adama, Shashemene, Jimma, Dire Dawa, and Harar.
In conjunction with the album and tour, a documentary chronicling Kemer’s 50-year career is also in the works, according to the organizing committee. The film is expected to provide an intimate look into his musical evolution and enduring influence.
Kemer Yusuf has long been celebrated as a cultural ambassador for Ethiopia, using his music to promote national identity and unity. His final artistic offerings — both the album and the live performances — are anticipated to be a powerful send-off from one of the country’s most cherished voices.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY16 MAY 2025
