President Girma Woldegiorigs, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the House of Peoples’ Representatives through their representatives put wreaths at the artiste's grave.

Born on September 1940, in Addis Ababa to his mother Gete Gurmu and his father Gessesse Woldekidan, Tilahun started music at the Hager Fikir Theater.

After serving two years at Hager Fikir Theater, he joined the Imperial Bodyguard Band where he worked for 30 years as a leading singer. Then he moved to the National Theater and served for four years, according to brief life history read out at the funeral ceremony.

The late Tilahun played key role in “People to People Music Tour" organized for 118 days in 1987 with a view to promoting the positive image of the country.

In a message he sent to the artiste's family, Prime Minster Meles expressed his sorrow over the death of the artiste.

Meles said the late Tilahun played significant role to the growth of Ethiopian music and has been one of renowned personalities on whom the nation is proud of.

President Girma also wished comfort in his message to the artiste's family .

Mass media particularly the Ethiopian Radio and Television broadcast live the funeral procession. Mayor of Addis Ababa City, Kuma Demekessa, ministers, renowned personalities, hundred thousands of fans attended the funeral procession.

The late Tilahun passed away last Sunday night at the age of 68.

---END---