Asfaw Meshesha Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Children, Death & More

Asfaw Meshesha was a renowned Ethiopian journalist, talk show host, and producer who worked for EBS TV, one of the most popular satellite television channels in Ethiopia. He was best known for creating and hosting the EBS Sunday Show, a weekly program that featured interviews with celebrities, politicians, artists, and other influential figures.

He was also a loving father, husband, and son who faced unimaginable tragedy and loss in his life. He died in January 2024 at the age of 45, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, courage, and inspiration.

Early Life and Family

Asfaw Meshesha was born on June 15, 1978, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was the son of Meshesha Asfaw, a prominent lawyer and politician who served as a member of parliament and a minister of justice in the Ethiopian government. He was also the grandson of Asfaw Wossen, the last crown prince of Ethiopia, and the son of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Asfaw grew up in a privileged and influential family, but he was also exposed to the political turmoil and social unrest that plagued Ethiopia in the 1970s and 1980s. He witnessed the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of the communist regime, the civil war, the famine, and the transition to democracy. He developed a keen interest in journalism and media, as he wanted to inform and educate the public about the issues affecting his country and the world.

Asfaw Meshesha Wiki/Bio

NameAsfaw Meshesha
Birth DateJune 15, 1978
Birth PlaceAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
Death DateJanuary 2024
Death PlaceLos Angeles, USA
Cause of DeathLung cancer
OccupationJournalist, talk show host, producer
Years Active2000-2024
EmployerEBS TV
SpouseSelamawit Assefa (2004-2010)
ChildrenSamson (Japi) Asfaw
ParentsMeshesha Asfaw and Aster Asfaw
GrandparentsAsfaw Wossen and Medferiashwork Abebe
Instagramasfawmeshesha
Homepagenewsunzip.com

Education

He attended the prestigious Sandford International School in Addis Ababa, where he excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was a member of the school’s debate team, drama club, and soccer team.

He graduated from high school in 1996 and received a scholarship to study journalism at the University of Missouri in the United States. He completed his bachelor’s degree in 2000 and returned to Ethiopia to pursue his career.

Career and Achievements

Asfaw began his career as a reporter and editor for the Ethiopian Herald, the oldest English-language newspaper in Ethiopia. He covered various topics, such as politics, economics, culture, and sports. He also wrote opinion pieces and editorials, expressing his views and analysis on current affairs. He quickly gained recognition and respect for his professionalism, integrity, and eloquence.

In 2003, he joined EBS TV, a newly established satellite television channel that aimed to provide quality entertainment and information to the Ethiopian diaspora and the global audience. He became the head of the news department and the anchor of the prime-time news program. He also created and hosted the EBS Sunday Show, a weekly talk show that became one of the most popular and influential programs in Ethiopia and abroad.

He interviewed celebrities, politicians, artists, and other influential figures, such as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, singer Teddy Afro, actor Idris Elba, and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. He also discussed various topics, such as democracy, development, culture, and human rights. He was known for his charisma, humor, and intelligence, as well as his ability to ask tough questions and challenge his guests.

Meshesha was widely regarded as one of the best journalists and talk show hosts in Ethiopia and Africa. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, such as the Ethiopian Journalists Association Award, the African Media Excellence Award, and the CNN African Journalist of the Year Award. He was also invited to speak at various national and international events, such as the World Economic Forum, the United Nations General Assembly, and the TEDx Addis Ababa. He was a role model and a mentor for many young and aspiring journalists and media professionals.

Personal Life, Wife & Kids

Asfaw Meshesha was married to Selamawit Assefa, a beautiful and talented actress who starred in several Ethiopian movies and TV shows. They met in 2002 at a film festival and fell in love. They got married in 2004 and had a son, Samson (Japi) Asfaw, in 2006. They were a happy and loving family, and they enjoyed traveling, watching movies, and spending time together.

However, in 2010, Asfaw faced a devastating tragedy that changed his life forever. His wife, Selamawit, died in a car accident while she was on her way to visit her parents. She was only 32 years old. On the same day, his father, Meshesha, also passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 68 years old. Asfaw lost his wife and his father on the same day, and he was left alone to raise his four-year-old son.

Asfaw was heartbroken and depressed, but he decided to be strong for his son and his career. He continued to work for EBS TV and to host the EBS Sunday show, despite his grief and pain. He also devoted himself to his son, Japi, who was his source of joy and hope. He raised him with love, care, and support, and he taught him about his mother and his grandfather. He also encouraged him to pursue his dreams and passions.

Death Cause

Asfaw died in January 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022, and he underwent several treatments and surgeries. He kept his condition private, and he continued to work and to host his show until his last days. He passed away peacefully in his home in Los Angeles, where he had moved for his medical treatment. He was surrounded by his son, Japi, his mother, Aster, his sister, Sara, and his close friends and colleagues. He was 45 years old.

Meshesha was a legend and a hero in the Ethiopian media industry and beyond. He was a brilliant journalist, a captivating talk show host, and a visionary producer. He was also a loving father, husband, and son who faced unimaginable tragedy and loss in his life. He left behind a legacy of excellence, courage, and inspiration. He will be remembered and missed by millions of people who admired and loved him.

Net Worth and Income Sources

Asfaw was one of the most successful and influential journalists and talk show hosts in Ethiopia and Africa. He worked for EBS TV, one of the most popular satellite television channels in Ethiopia, as the head of the news department and the host of the EBS Sunday show. He also created and produced several other programs and documentaries for EBS TV and other media outlets.

According to some sources, Asfaw had an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2024. His main income sources were his salary from EBS TV, his earnings from his YouTube channel, his sponsorships and endorsements from various brands and organizations, and his awards and honors from various national and international institutions.

Height, Weight, and Physical Stats

Meshesha was a tall and handsome man who had a charming personality and a captivating smile. He was 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighed 176 lbs (80 kg). He had black hair and brown eyes.

He was fit and healthy, and he enjoyed playing soccer and basketball with his son and his friends. He also followed a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.

Children, Parents, and Siblings

Asfaw was married to Selamawit Assefa, a beautiful and talented actress who starred in several Ethiopian movies and TV shows. They had a son, Samson (Japi) Asfaw, who was born in 2006. Asfaw Meshesha loved his son dearly and raised him with love, care, and support. He also taught him about his mother and his grandfather, who both died on the same day in 2010.

Meshesha was the son of Meshesha Asfaw, a prominent lawyer and politician who served as a member of parliament and a minister of justice in the Ethiopian government. He was also the grandson of Asfaw Wossen, the last crown prince of Ethiopia, and the son of Emperor Haile Selassie. Asfaw had a close and respectful relationship with his father and his grandfather, who both influenced his career and his life.

Asfaw had a mother, Aster Asfaw, who was a businesswoman and a philanthropist. He also had a sister, Sara Asfaw, who was a lawyer and a human rights activist. He had a strong bond with his mother and his sister, who supported him throughout his life and his career. He also had many cousins, uncles, aunts, and relatives who were part of his extended family.

Controversies

Asfaw Meshesha was a professional and ethical journalist and talk show host who always respected his guests and his audience. He was not afraid to ask tough questions and challenge his guests, but he never crossed the line or offended anyone. He was also careful not to take sides or express his personal opinions on controversial topics, such as politics, religion, or ethnicity. He always maintained his neutrality and objectivity, and he focused on providing quality information and entertainment to his viewers.

However, Asfaw was not immune to criticism or controversy. Some of his interviews and segments sparked debates and reactions from different groups and individuals, who either praised him or criticized him for his work.

For example, some of his interviews with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, singer Teddy Afro, actor Idris Elba, and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus generated positive and negative feedback from his fans and his critics. Some people accused him of being biased, unprofessional, or sensationalist, while others defended him and applauded him for his courage, honesty, and excellence.

Meshesha always handled controversies and criticisms with grace and dignity. He never responded to the attacks or the insults, and he never let them affect his work or his life. He always thanked his supporters and his fans, and he always welcomed constructive feedback and suggestions. He also learned from his mistakes and improved his skills and his performance. He was always humble and grateful, and he never let fame or success get to his head.

Ethnicity and Religion

Asfaw Meshesha was an Ethiopian citizen who belonged to the Amhara ethnic group, one of the largest and oldest ethnic groups in Ethiopia. He was proud of his heritage and his culture, and he celebrated Ethiopian holidays and traditions with his family and friends.

He also respected and appreciated the diversity and richness of the Ethiopian people, who comprised more than 80 ethnic groups and spoke more than 80 languages. He always promoted peace, unity, and harmony among the Ethiopian people, and he condemned any form of violence, discrimination, or hatred based on ethnicity or any other factor.

Meshesha was a devout Orthodox Christian, who followed the teachings and practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

Trivia

  • Meshesha was fluent in Amharic, English, and French. He also learned some Korean, as he visited South Korea several times and had a close relationship with the Korean government and media.
  • Asfaw was a fan of soccer and basketball. He supported Arsenal FC and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also played soccer with his son and his friends.
  • He was a philanthropist and a humanitarian. He supported various causes and charities, such as the Ethiopian Red Cross, the African Children’s Hope Foundation, and the Asfaw Scholarship Fund, which he established to help young and talented journalists and media professionals.
  • Meshesha was a devout Orthodox Christian. He attended church regularly and prayed every day. He also celebrated Ethiopian holidays and traditions with his family and friends.

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