A formal state honor and farewell ceremony for the legendary veteran artist Asleftech Bekele Nek’atibeb was officially hosted today at the historic Ethiopian National Theatre.
Artist Asleftech Bekele, who served the nation’s creative arts sector with distinction for 37 consecutive years beginning in 1966 (1958 E.C.), was honored in a morning ceremony attended by family members, executive leadership, institutional colleagues, close relatives, and public admirers. During the memorial, colleagues recalled her exemplary character, professionalism, and lifelong devotion to public service.
Speaking on behalf of her peers, prominent artists including Atnafu Mekuria, Weinshit Belachew, Fikirte Desalegn, Alganesh Tariku, Admasu Gizaw, Kusia Tolonge, and Wendimu Tola described her as a tireless professional who diligently passed her immense experience down to the next generation. They emphasized that she possessed exceptional organizational capabilities, championed the rights of others, and strictly removed herself from institutional factionalism that compromises public service delivery.
Her colleagues further noted that Artist Asleftech was a living archive of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures. Within the National Music Ensemble, she did not merely imitate regional styles; rather, she embodied the authentic songs, dances, and expressions of various nations and nationalities with absolute artistic discipline. She was celebrated for performing fluently in Amharic, Afan Oromo, Tigrinya, Agew, Afar, Sidama, Hadiyya, Kunama, Kafficho, and numerous other languages, captivating audiences while adorned in the beautiful traditional vestments of each region.
In an address at the ceremony, the President of the Ethiopian Musicians Association, Honor-Doctor Dawit Yifru, highlighted her historic contributions. He noted that during an era when severe socio-cultural barriers made it exceptionally difficult for women to enter the performing arts, she boldly shattered those obstacles at great personal sacrifice, serving as an enduring role model. Dr. Dawit expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the Ethiopian National Theatre and the Ministry of Culture for consistently allocating formal platforms to honor veteran masters and safeguard the nation’s creative history.
An official wreath-laying ceremony was conducted, led by representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Sports, including the State Minister for Creative Arts and Creative Development, Honorable Assistant Professor Nebiyou Baye, alongside the executive directorate of the Theatre and veteran artist Getnet Enye.
Following a comprehensive presentation of her life history read by artist Kaleb Walelegn, the official program concluded. The formal burial service was subsequently executed with high honors at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa. The executive leadership and staff of the Ethiopian National Theatre express their profound condolences to her family, colleagues, and global admirers.