Ali Birraa - Ethiopia's Frank Sinatra...in Toronto

A musical legend right here in our midst. When Music Africa recently discovered that Ali Birraa was living in Toronto, they did what any organization dedicated to promoting African music would do: they promptly gave the singer an Award of Merit. 

A pioneer of Ethiopian music’s golden age in the ’70s, when funky orchestras with big brass and soulful singers ruled the Horn of Africa, Birraa has lived a charmed life. Recruited by Emperor Haile Selassie’s Imperial Bodyguard Band at the age of 18, he sang for kings, presidents and visiting dignitaries at the palace in Addis Ababa. His first hit, 1967’s “Jiruu Tiyya Cufaa (I Never Held Back My Love),” launched a solo career that saw his seven studio albums and numerous cassette reissues (piracy is rampant in Ethiopia) outsell all but a handful of competitors.

A kind of Ethiopian Frank Sinatra, Birraa developed a reputation as a crooner whose romantic style attracted an ardent female following. With his 1982 marriage to a Swedish diplomat, Birraa joined the international jet-set, taking up postings in many of the world’s capitals, including Ottawa in 1988. 

But when his marriage failed four years ago, Birraa emigrated to Toronto and quietly opened a business. Using Birraa’s, on Bloor west of Ossington, as his launching pad, he set about re-establishing himself, performing weekends for African customers while his staff served dishes of fine Ethiopian cuisine. 

Now, encouraged by the award recognition and his growing club following, Birraa is ready for a wider audience. This Sunday (July 7), he performs at Afrofest in the Park, unveiling the sinuous melodies and hypnotic grooves that characterize his classic sound. “I’ve been awakened to the fact that people outside the African community might be interested in my music,” says Birraa over a plate of his restaurant’s waadi, beef strips and vegetables served with a flat bread called biddeena. “I’m looking forward to expressing myself to these people.” 

While he also admits he’d love to record an album for the Western market (and jokes that he needs to meet a pop mentor like Peter Gabriel) Birraa is content to slowly build his profile. He can afford to: along with his thriving restaurant and club business, the 48-year- old singer currently enjoys a lucrative sideline, performing at lavish Ethiopian weddings across North America.

Last week, he was flown to one in Atlanta, where he was paid a staggering $3,000 U.S. “Yes, it’s big bucks,” grins Birraa, who speaks English fluently, along with six other languages. “But they get their money’s worth. I sing praises to the bride and groom and then perform love songs for four straight hours.” 

Birraa also receives big tips, as appreciative wedding-goers slap upwards of another $1,000 on the tuxedoed performer’s balding head. “It’s a good thing I’ve lost so much hair,” he quips. “It leaves more room for money.” 

Originally published in eye weekly, 4 July 1996

Postscript: Ali Birraa returned to his native Ethiopia and died on November 6, 2022 at the age of 72. Thousands of fans and notable people were present at his funeral.