Mahmoud Ahmed

About

Popular performer in the 1970s and 1980s, especially among Ethiopian refugees driven out by the military coups of the 1970s.

Before Fame

He was a shoe-shiner and also a handyman at the Arizona Club, where he became a regular performer in 1962 after pinch hitting for the band's singer.

Trivia

He was one of the first contemporary Ethiopian singers to become an international hit and perform in the United States.

Family Life

He was born of Gurage ancestry in Addis Ababa's Mercato district and grew up mesmerized by the music on the radio.

Associated With

He and Ry Cooder were both recipients of the BBC World Music Award.