The passing of Dr Ali Mohammed Musa “Ali Birra”

10-November 2022,
A letter of condolence from HAJE.
AsalamuAleykum warahmatullah, Wabarakatuhu!

Rabbiin siif ha araramu jannatul firdoosin siif ha qoodu

It is with great sorrow that we all heard of the sudden passing of Dr. Ali Mohammed Musa “Ali Birra”, an exceptional Oromo icon artist, freedom-fighter and social personality who was gifted with extraordinary powers as a musician able to sing in multiple languages and ability to captivate the hearts of millions of Ethiopians and indeed millions from around the world with his poignant and melodious songs.

Rabbiin siif ha araramu jannatul firdoosin siif ha qoodu

Ali was born in the trading city of Dire Dawa in eastern Ethiopia, the only son of a plumber. His mother later
moved to the city of Gursum and remarried and had six other children. In the early 1960s, while just a teenager,
Ali acquired his nickname Ali Birra singing his 1st song “Birra Nanberihu Illili Noor Goytte”. The Band had two other Ali’s, Ali Shabbo, and Ali Abdi Jama. So, friends named him Ali Birra. His albums included "Al-Habib Ween" Sudanese and famous Harari songs such as "Yidenqal" and “Makhtut Hiraat” a duet with famous Harari Singer Atham Ahmed Addus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzSrAnQXe4E

The Harari community has a deep respect, love and admiration for Ali and his works. We also view Ali as one of our own, since he spoke our language, sang our songs, and associated with Hararis, in his youth as well as during his adulthood. Ali Bira will be missed by the entire Harari community in Ethiopia and in the Diaspora!
May Allah have mercy on him and let him reside in Jannah with his ancestors who passed before him.
From the bottom of our heart, we wish his family, relatives, friends, and admirers all over the world, strength, comfort, and consolation at this difficult time!

Harari Alliance for Justice and Equality (H.A.J.E)