Hachalu Hundessa

Hachalu Hundessa (also Hacaaluu Hundeessaa; d. 29 June 2020) was an Ethiopian singer, songwriter and former political prisoner.

Hachalu Hundessa was born in Ambo, Ethiopia to Gudatu Hora and Hundessa Bonsa. His family is Oromo and he sang in school clubs and while tending cattle.

In 2003, at the age of 17, Hundessa was sentenced to prison for taking part in protests. He was imprisoned at Karchale Ambo for five years. His case was dismissed and he was released from prison in 2008.

Hundessa released his first album, Sanyii Mootii in 2009. In 2013 he toured the United States and released his second album, Waa'ee Keenyaa. #1 African music album on Amazon. His protest anthems unified the Oromo people, encouraging them to fight against oppression. His songs were closely linked with the anti-government resistance that started in 2015. His ballads "Jirra" and "Maalan Jira", captured Oromo frustrations and aspirations. According to lecturer Awol Allo, "Hachalu was the soundtrack of the Oromo revolution, a lyrical genius and an activist who embodied the hopes and aspirations of the Oromo public."

Hundessa was shot while he was driving on the evening of 29 June 2020 at the Gelan Condominiums area in Addis Ababa. He was taken to the Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital where he died. Suspects were arrested in connection with the murder. His death sparked protests in Adama, with 70 people injured and nine killed. Thousands gathered at the hospital, as police used tear gas to disperse crowds and people set tyres ablaze. While protesters insisted he should be buried in Addis Ababa, his body was airlifted to Ambo. Protests spread throughout the Oromia Region. At demonstrations in Adama, five protesters were killed and another 75 were injured. Two people were shot to death in Chiro. Protesters in Harar topped a statue of prince Makonnen Wolde Mikael. Ethiopia's internet was shut down the following day and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences, urging calm amid growing unrest over elections delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Media mogul Jawar Mohammed responded to Hundessa's death on Facebook, saying "They did not just kill Hachalu. They shot at the heart of the Oromo Nation, once again !!...You can kill us, all of us, you can never ever stop us!! NEVER !!"

Hundessa reported receiving death threats and, in the week prior to his death, had given an interview with the Oromia Media Network.