Hamelmal Abate (ሐመልማል አባተ), was born in Harar and grew up in eastern Ethiopia, in a city called Asebe Teferi. Hamelmal is a strong woman who established herself as the reigning queen of Ethiopian music. Her incredible voice and timeless arrangements appeal to traditional and modern tastes alike, which is why her live shows play to sold out crowds around the world. Hamelmal won the "Best Africa Traditional Music" award in the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2017. Hamelmal has released numerous CD's and has her own fan base in the Ethiopian music landscape.