Tewodros Assefa (Amharic: ቴውድሮስ አሰፋ),[1] known professionally Teddy Yo, is an Ethiopian rapper regarded as the greatest rapper in Ethiopian hip hop music culture. His single "Gurage Tone", which was released in 2007, became a signature song and popularized him to the hip hop music industry.[2]
Teddy Yo | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Tewodros Assefa |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Labels |
|
| Formerly of | Gamo Boys |
Life and career edit
Tewodros Assefa began his career in 2000s while performing in musical group called Gamo Boys, but quickly established himself as a solo singer. Hence, he adapted "Teddy Yo" as stage name. In 2007, he released his breakthrough single titled "Gurage Tone", becoming major success in the music industry. In 2018, he released Prisoner, referring to "prisoner of culture" in hip-hop context. The album has 18 tracks with different beats. His single "Africa" from the 2018 album Arada, Vol. 2 described as "upbeat, feel-good song about Africa’s culture, struggles, and beauty" The album also features celebrities like the Jungle Crew and reggae star Jah Lud. Assefa is signed to Hope Music Ethiopia and Nahom Records.[3][2]
On 31 December 2022, he was jailed for night after releasing "Menberish" ("Your throne"), which was critical for the incumbent government for emphasizing free speech regarding Oromo dominance in Addis Ababa. In the music video, he is seen in the jail in harsh condition while depicting Addis Ababa residents.[4][5] On 5 January 2024, he released Yileyal.
Selected discography edit
- Arada, Vol. 2 (2018)
- Prisoner (2018)
- Yileyal (2024)
References edit
- ^ "Prominent rapper Teddy Yo arrested after release of critical song". Mereja.com. 13 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Teddy Yo's love of africa and ethiopian culture". The Hip Hop African. 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ Aga, Mark T. "10 of the Best Ethiopian Rappers/Hip Hop Artists in 2024 — allaboutETHIO". allaboutethio.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ "Artist Jailed in Ethiopia For Rapping in Amharic ?". The Habesha: Latest Ethiopian News, Analysis and Articles. 2023-01-03. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ "teddy yo about - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.