By: Fitsum Getachew
Here in Ethiopia the denomination ‘artist’ especially in the Amharic language is often used freely to describe anyone who at some occasion has been involved in some ‘artistic’ endeavour, be it a scene in a play, drama or film, a dance in a video clip for some song, a few articles published on some media or release a single song, play a musical instrument or even take part in a fashion show etc. People say so and so is an ‘artist’ when they describe them or call them relating to one of the above conditions. It is considered a norm and no one seems to be surprised or amazed. No one seems to take the time or bother to inquire a justification or demand the specifics. But such generalized denomination does not do justice to those who actually deserve more than anyone such appellative.
One of these people is the versatile and highly gifted ‘artist’ Netsanet Workneh who suddenly and tragically passed away a few days ago on the eve of ‘Timket’ or Ethiopian Epiphany. As soon as his death was announced by his employer TV station, the social media disseminated it to the entire people here in Ethiopia as well as abroad. Netsanet Workneh was such a beloved TV personality that many did not want to believe that he had just died! Given especially that in many cases in the past there have been fake news pertaining to well-known public personalities being seriously sick or even dead in order to seek attention and earn some money for the views on social media, on that fateful day, there was resistance to take as true such ‘sensational’ news. Many tried to ignore it considering it as one of those ‘stupid’ means of earning money by ‘killing’ all sorts of artists that are considered to be very much popular and beloved by a large audience. But the news that dominated the entire day of January 16, 2026 was not fake. Unfortunately, it was true! Confirmations began to flood all media outlets, be it radio stations and TV broadcasts. Condolences began to inundate the various FM radio stations with telephone calls made by listeners. Presenters and broadcasters were heard expressing their deep grief for the death of this versatile and beloved personality who was also a journalist himself to all intents and purposes even while disseminating his comedies and creative products to the public.
TV personalities such as Netsanet Workneh reach every household, every home, especially in the comedy business, and are therefore so beloved that any news concerning them is a huge source of curiosity and attention. Hence when the death of Netsanet was known social media activists invaded the air and made the most out of it. Immediately the news was treated from various angles and many stories regarding the artist as well as his family and friends were posted both in written form accompanied by pictures and narrated as well.
It was of course a bombshell in the media and Ethiopians were shocked because there were no indications or news of his health conditions that could result in such premature and sudden death. Some months ago there was the bad news that he was so sick seriously that he was taken to a foreign hospital for advanced treatment. But the news was later diluted by a denial that there was nothing severe about it and that it was a routine medical checkup to be reassured of his condition. Netsanet himself did not look very concerned about this circumstance because it was more of a precautionary move to keep his health under control and not be obsessed with worries.
Netsanet has been a very popular artist for years always in the eye of the storm among followers of films, drama, radio and TV shows. He was also a regular and constant presence in radio stations and people know and appreciate his artistic talent. Netsanet was an all rounded, versatile artist besides being an explosive communicator and comedian with a quick mind full of communication skills. That was also why we have seen him in various commercial ads and has been well appreciated in the field.
On the occasion of the final farewell of Netsanet at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the people who have known him since his adolescent years, Assistant Professor Nebiyu Baye who is also Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture and Sport said, Netsanet is an extremely gifted person who is fast mentally but also in terms of vocal or oral expression, always ready to instigate laughter in people at any occasion no matter what. He is capable of extracting fun or a comical moment even from sad circumstances and provoking unexpected laughter because of his quick mind.
Unfortunately, he was also fast in departing from this world prematurely. Nebiyu then noted that it is not easy to be a comedian and it is very difficult to provoke laughter in people unless one is extremely talented with a very sharp and intuitive brain that could read into the mentality of the audience which is a target of the job. Becoming a successful comedian such as Netsanet needs a brilliant mind and a capacity to observe what happens to people in life. One should take a story that is lived and extract from it the funny part because even in a tragic circumstance, one can derive a comic or funny segment and make people laugh.
Netsanet was someone who could create a funny situation from practically any social episode and provoke laughter and delight. Certainly he was talented and knew about it since his school days during which he made his beginnings in the artistic field. He then began to take part in plays including authoring stories which he then presented to his audience. He continued to write comedies and act in them and since he got favourable feedback from his audience he felt that he could go on with his vocation. Later on his popularity skyrocketed and he was to become a household figure in the comedy genre, one of the hottest comedians in circulation. Besides several other stories, the series of films he wrote and acted in called FBI, consecrated his name among the top actors of the times. He presented all his creative skills in the films he acted in and the market fell in love with him.
Netsanet has worked in all electronic media beginning from the radio channel FM Addis 97.1 to ETV, Addis Media Network and other media writing and presenting stories with a background of fun but dealing also with serious and socially important and pressing issues. Because of such multiple personality of the artist, he earned not only the affection of his audience but also their admiration. His TV show on EBS television cemented his name and fame with a wide audience of households in every house. His ‘Yebeteseb Chewata’ or ‘Family Games’ has reached exceptional popularity eagerly awaited every week by TV audiences. In the show he was particularly loved by children who have found him very friendly and welcoming joking with them and entertaining them. They were seen on TV screens in delightful mood and that remained in their psyche. That was why when his death was suddenly announced millions were shocked and filled with grief, incredulous of the tragic news. The coincidence of his funeral with a major national holiday, ‘Ketera’ did not prevent people from attending it to bid him their final farewell.
Those who have known him since his childhood days around the place where he was born in a neighbourhood called Urael in the heart of Addis, witness that Netsanet was such a generous and sympathetic person that despite his meteoric rise to success and popularity, he never forgot his less privileged friends and continued to assist them financially. Netsanet is also reputed for his love for his family composed of his wife and three children whom he leaves behind.
Netsanet’s rise to success and popularity was very fast and the attention and admiration of his audience continued to rise as he continued to write and act persistently testifying to his natural gift both as an actor, producer, director and as a prolific writer. Many say that popularity may be acquired for a short time for any artist but to maintain it for years without fading is the result of a real and profound talent and capacity as well as professional discipline and that was how Netsanet was made. Unfortunately for all his fans and admirers as well as the Ethiopian population at large he could not last long, and when one considers the fact that he could produce much more in the future, his passing away really leaves a vacuum in our lives that used to be filled with his works.
Netsanet’s death has been too harsh to digest easily because there were no indications that he was about to expire so suddenly and prematurely. His followers on TV, in his films and stories, in his publicity ads have found it very hard to accept such sudden exit because he was still working actively until the final day of his life! He will certainly be missed by millions who have found moments of joy and laughter with his inventions and wit. In a way, one can say that he reminded us all that the boundary between life and death is so little that anything can happen in no time in totally unexpected circumstances as long as we breathe! That is what exactly happened to the beloved Artist Netsanet Workneh and what we can say is ‘let his soul rest in peace’ and even if we miss him physically, his works will survive him for years to come.
