Dawit Firew Hailu

BIO

Dawit Firew Hailu is a Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is the son of Firew Hailu, a legendary vocalist and musician. The late Firew Hailu was one of the famous singer and instrument player who came to fame during the 1950’s. Dawit had a very deep music interest from his childhood. When he completed his higher education, he went to Yared Music School and graduated with a major clarinet, minor piano and traditional Masinko.

He then joined Ethiopian National Theatre and played Alto Saxophone and worked for almost ten years. Dawit, while working with Ethiopian National Theatre Modern Band played with so many Bands in the night clubs and one of them is the Addis Acoustic renaissance project. He played with the band and took part on ‘Tewista Album’ where he has shown his extraordinary clarinet skill with Ethiopian touch.

He has also performed with foreign musicians who visit Addis to perform. These include Supernova, The Either orchestra and famous Cuban American Clarinet Player Paquito d’rivera.

Dawit has released two albums, the first title of Dawit Firew’s CD is 'Firew' named After his father Firew Hailu'. He later released his second album under the title ‘Tila Kelelaye’ which he dedicates to the most famous legend Ethiopian vocalist Tilahun Gessesse.

Dawit has participated at different concerts. In 2009 he performed at the WOMEX music festival in Denmark and traveled to different countries like Sweden, Germany, the Middle East and some different parts of Africa. Dawit has a vision to work with International Music Bands and wants to play his part in promoting Ethiopian Music in order to reach audiences from around the world.