Endalegeta Kebede
Endalegeta Kebede was born and raised in Wolkite City, where he completed his elementary and middle school education at Ras Selase, followed by his secondary education at Goro General Secondary School. In the 1990s, he moved to Addis Ababa, where he earned a diploma in journalism and communication from Unity University and a bachelor's degree in theater arts from Addis Ababa University. He also holds a second degree in folklore education and is currently pursuing a third degree in the same field.
Endalegeta's passion for literature began during his childhood. He first gained recognition by presenting poems and dramas in school forums, and later became known to readers through his short stories and articles in the Addis Admas weekly newspaper. Since 2003, he has personally authored thirteen books, in addition to collaborating on several others as an editor. His works span genres from folklore to historical novels.
One of his notable works is the folkloric and historical novel Embita, which tells the story of Yekake Wardwat, a woman from Gurage who pioneered the fight for women's rights in the 1860s. The novel was translated by renowned author and translator Sahleselassie Birhane Maryam under the title The Defiant and is expected to be published soon. The significance of Embita, roughly translated as "Refusal," was profound, inspiring Enat Bank to open a branch named after Yekake Wardwat. Other works, such as Maekeb and Be’alu Girma: His Life and Works, reflect on the sacrifices Ethiopian writers have made for their country, highlighting the challenges of censorship and the dedication of writers to their craft. His books Zagol and Misale (Example) have garnered critical acclaim for their unique narrative style and insight into Ethiopian life.
In 1996, Endalegeta founded Hope Book House (ተስፋ መጻሕፍት ቤት) in Wolkite City, a library that charged just twenty-five cents for twenty-four hours of reading. The center not only provided access to books but also brought veteran authors to interact with residents, organized literary competitions, and inspired a love for reading within the community. Alongside his siblings, Endalegeta also founded the Elfnesh Naji Education Aid Charity Organization (እልፍነሽ ናጂ ትምሕርት አጋዥ በጎ አድራጎት ድርጅት) in honor of their mother. Since 2020, the organization has provided scholarships and daily meals for twenty-five students who otherwise lacked the means to continue their education.
Endalegeta’s contributions to literature and folklore have earned him admiration from scholars and readers alike. In addition to his books, he has contributed research to various newspapers and magazines, including Fith, Fact, and Leza. He co-wrote the script Yilunta with Binyam Worku, which was directed by Michael Million and starred Ermias and Meron. His work in documentary writing includes contributions to the Araya Sab program on EBS television, which profiled more than thirty prominent Ethiopian figures, including leaders, veterans, and athletes.
Throughout his career, Endalegeta has received numerous awards and certificates from various institutions, recognizing his role in the development of Ethiopian literature, poetry, and the moral upbringing of youth and children. His professional roles have included serving in the public relations department at Unity University, directing the cultural center named after renowned author Kebede Michael, and acting as chief secretary of the Ethiopian Writers Association from 2004 to 2012. Additionally, he was the founder and director of the Blaten Geta Hirui Woldeselassie Center for the Arts at the Ethiopian Science Academy for four consecutive years.
Endalegeta’s lifelong commitment to literature, education, and culture has left a lasting impact on Ethiopian society.
