Mahmoud Ahmed to Receive Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters Honour

Renowned Ethiopian musician Mahmoud Ahmed is to receive France’s Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of the country’s premier, national, cultural honour, Ethiopia Observer learnt. The artist is to be given the award on July 19 at the French Embassy in Addis Ababa, an award which was created in 1957 to recognize artists and cultural figures who have made significant contributions to society.

Ethiopia’s iconic musician and an international star, Mahmoud has been promoting Ethiopian culture at home and in the West for decades. With dazzling combinations of unforgettable Amharic lyrics, tone and melody, Mahmoud Ahmed’s soulful body of work –ranging from recordings like Almaz (1973), Alemye (1974 ), Ere Mela Mela (1975), Tezeta (1975)– is not only part of his personal legacy but also part of a wider heritage collection; a valuable part of Ethiopia’s musical history and cultural heritage.

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