Documented By Ezra Ejigu and Berssabeh Gete
Today, Ginbot 25, 2017 E.C., we were together with Dereje Haile. The book launch of the former writer and journalist Mezgebu Abate took place at Dere Mengonnen Hall. Dereje was chosen to present the gift prepared for Mezgebu Abate’s daughter, Tsehay Mezgebu. Since the book launch itself was organized by tewedaje Media, Dereje’s act of presenting the gift carried special significance. Accordingly, Dereje presented to Tsehay the gift that had been provided by Daniel Argaw from the Pagume Awards Organization.
We then began a heartfelt conversation with Dereje. Seeing Mezgebe Aemiro and the documentation of 208 individuals amazed and greatly encouraged me. I told him that I would document Dereje’s life story in Mezgebe Aemiro, Volume 3, and I signed and gave him my book. I believe his willingness reflects his consent for his story to be documented. My friend Dereje—may your path be smooth! As you know, I have already gathered a great deal of information to work on your life history. I told him, “Hurry up and give your consent.”
tewedaje Media and Communication has so far documented the life stories of 400 media and arts figures. Through Mezgebe Aemiro, their histories have been compiled into books and made accessible to future generations. Dereje Haile is one of the media figures whose story will be included in the upcoming Volume 3 encyclopedia. Since all members of the Mezgebe Aemiro advisory board unanimously decided that his story should be documented, we hereby present a brief preview. This biographical text is based on thorough research and includes essential documents, with new information to be added over time. The biography was prepared by Ezra Ejigu and Bersabeh Gete, editors of Mezgebe Aemiro biographies, with the participation of seven research advisors, and more advisors will be added to further strengthen the story of journalist Dereje.
His elegant attire reflects the respect he has for his guests. Among the distinguished professionals who brought prestige to journalism, he stands out as one of the foremost figures of our time. His careful choice of dress and meticulousness may well stem from his experience in national military service. During his training at Bale Goba Training Center, Fourth Round, for six months, he learned not only how to handle weapons but also the values of patriotism and sacrifice, instilled both psychologically and disciplinarily.
Just as family, community, and school shape life, training institutions like national military service play a vital role in shaping character. Dereje once said, “National military service shaped my resilience,” and this reflects that truth. Inheriting seriousness and quietness from his beloved father, and playfulness and laughter from his lively mother, the prominent journalist Dereje Haile has reached today, and on the occasion of his birthday we wished to say a few words about his work and contributions.
He was born in Nazret (Adama) on Sene 7, 1957 E.C., and grew up in Addis Ababa, around the Beklo Bet area. He completed his primary education at Saint Yared School in Nazret and his secondary education at Abiyot Kirs. His love for journalism began as a freelancer, working on Ethiopian Radio’s Saturday Youth Program. When he was called for national military service, he gladly accepted and went to Bale Goba. After returning from training, around 1980 E.C., he joined the Ethiopian Armed Forces Radio production unit and began demonstrating his abilities. Among those he worked with there were Tsehay Teferedegne, Sisay Tadesse, and Aklilu Zeleke.
Dereje later joined Ethiopian Radio’s Youth Program, gaining popularity among listeners. After working there until 1986 E.C., he transitioned to print media. Beginning with Ethiop, he conducted interviews with guests across various magazines and newspapers. Particularly in Ethiop newspaper, through the column “When Art Is Questioned,” he published numerous articles. Writing under the pen name “Tora Totorra,” he demonstrated his strong writing skills during that period.
From 1986 to 1992 E.C., he was active in print media, and his name “Haile Zebeklo Bet” became widely known and respected among readers. In 1992 E.C., through the Saturday Game program on FM 97.1, he earned admiration from both guests and audiences.
As he matured professionally, he consistently showcased his competence by interviewing prominent figures. Among his interviewees were President Negasso Gidada, tourism pioneer Gash Habteselassie Tafesse, Solomon Deressa, Abdulla Gameda, Deacon Daniel Kibret, Fasiqa Sidellil, members of Mengistu Hailemariam’s family, and Jawar Mohammed, among others.
It is hard to find a subject he did not explore. Among his notable recent works are the television program By the Way on Arts TV, Deraw’s Game on Fana FM, and a quiz program produced by Tamesol Communication in collaboration with Ethiopian Television, all of which gained wide popularity. Across Armed Forces Radio, Unity FM, FM 97.1, and others, Dereje Haile was a central highlight.
In print media, he contributed diverse articles under multiple pen names, particularly in Ethiop newspaper under “Haile Zebeklo Bet” and “Tora Totorra.” He also published enduring works in Kalkidan magazine and newspaper. The pen name “Tora Totorra” has a historical origin, which he explained in a July 1995 E.C. interview with Infotainment magazine.
Despite his many unforgettable contributions in both print and electronic media, Dereje himself believes that radio is where his soul belongs. Among veteran Ethiopian Radio journalists, Tadese Muluneh is regarded as his professional father and mentor, while he holds great admiration for nigussid Aklilu. Addisu Abebe has been a close professional companion from whom he learned much. Known for his excellence in documentation, Dereje’s home is often described as a small library.
His well-organized audio archives and carefully catalogued written documents form the foundation of the credibility and quality of his productions. Today, many journalists look up to Dereje Haile as a role model, striving to emulate his interviewing style and reading culture.
On this occasion, colleagues and friends shared reflections, praising his discipline, preparation, respect for radio, depth of inquiry, and lasting impact on Ethiopian media.
Zekarias Birhanu about dereje haile
He is a journalist whom I admire and respect for his professionalism, and the reason I came to know him closely was the program titled “Yederaw Chewata” (The Game of the Street), which aired on Fana FM 98.1. At the time, since I was serving as a head of the entertainment department, we were working hard to come up with a better radio presentation.
Accordingly, together with the co-producers, we focused on identifying and persuading individuals who were considered outstanding across the country and bringing them onto the program.
Although journalist Dereje Haile was a well-known and respected journalist, the life challenges he faced at the time had led him to withdraw from everything, so finding him, talking to him, and persuading him to work again required a very heavy responsibility. Convincing Dereje and bringing him back to his work took a long time. When he finally agreed and returned to work, I assigned people to handle matters outside his core focus—such as business licensing, radio format recording, and other necessary operational processes—so that Dereje could concentrate solely on his work.
From its very title, the concept of “Yederaw Chewata” was Dereje’s idea. When it came to shaping the radio format and choosing among the titles proposed for the program—namely “Yederaw Chewata” and “Benegerachen Lay” (By the Way)—although Dereje preferred “Benegerachen Lay,” I was the one who chose “Yederaw Chewata” and convinced him.
When we agreed to launch the program, the assistant producer Dereje selected was Azeb Worku, whom we knew from essays and drama. Even though we did not fully know her media capacity, believing in the idea of “there is something I have seen,” we started together. They did not disappoint us; within a short time, the program became popular and influential.
Initially, it aired once a week. Later, it expanded to two days a week. Before the program began, I conducted an interview with him, and we had a very good conversation. The feedback we received from listeners was very encouraging.
What I most admire about Dereje’s work is the preparation he does for each program before it goes on air. He respects radio. He is careful with the program; he arrives two hours before airtime, reviews the prepared material, and maintains a rich archive. Like a television producer, when he came to the studio, he paid close attention to his appearance—even applying perfume. He would always call me in the evening to get feedback on the ideas for the program, which impressed me greatly.
The program stayed on air for three years and remained popular and influential throughout.
In my opinion, although Dereje’s heart and honor are rooted in radio, seeing “Benegerachen Lay” presented with an arts focus was also a beautiful and enjoyable piece of work. Especially through presenting deep interviews on social issues, Dereje delivers programs with substantial content. The way he questions people can serve as a model for others, and I believe he has left a significant mark on Ethiopian media.
Wosenseged Gebrekidan on Dereje.
We had the opportunity to work together at Ethiop newspaper. Ethiop newspaper and magazine were published weekly, and under both the magazine and the newspaper, through the columns “Yegiteb Sikonetar Amde” and “Manin Tazebu,” using the pen name Tora Totorra, he introduced artists and other public figures, presenting high-quality works. He presented his work with research, while also making it engaging for readers. Among the selected journalists of the time, Dereje was one of them.
As far as I am concerned, Dereje is not a radio person but a print media person. His literary skill is admirable.
Recalling the occasion when Dereje Haile once left Ethiopian Radio, he said the following:
“…I left Ethiopian Radio due to conflict. It was in the 1986 E.C. evaluation that I left. I had a program called ‘Public Movements.’ Many stakeholder cases were presented there. It aired every Monday evening at 9:30. These programs were interest-related, and there was a generalized accusation that some of the programs Dereje produced were interest-driven. However, there was no specific claim that this particular program was produced in such-and-such a way or that it benefited someone in particular. At the time, when the officials spoke rather harshly, I stated that I could go anywhere and work. People had to calm me down.
I said I could work elsewhere, and the official who is no longer there told me, ‘Go, leave, work,’ and I left.
I have worked on arts-related topics and interviews in various presses, especially in Ethiop, under the pen name Haile Zebeklo Bet, where I interviewed various artists. I also contributed articles under Tora Totorra Bekeleme. Later, I did some private advertising work, as my friends had advertising agencies, and when opportunities arose, I participated.”
An Open Letter to Dereje Haile
Dear my brother and former colleague, Dere, happy birthday. Your existence is our honor. Your birth adorns those of us who know you. During those beautiful times when we worked together on the youth program at Ethiopian Radio, you were the beauty of Saturdays. The atmosphere of those Saturday afternoons still vividly comes to mind.
It is not only your voice I remember, but your entire presence—your tall figure, the half sheet of paper on which you wrote introductions, and your neat handwriting. Wow… the way you repeatedly reminded us of Gash Tadesse Muluneh, spoke about giving the studio the respect and reverence of a place of worship, and lived by that respect is a great chapter of your life.
Your meticulousness, preparedness, inquisitiveness, courage proportionate to your knowledge and preparation, and the pure outcomes of your work are countless chapters of your life. Knowing your capacity for collecting national and historical documents, as well as audio archives and programs, continues to amaze me.
Abune Petros and Dereje; Dereje and Ethiopian Radio… a 60-year journey colored by youthfulness. Once again, happy birthday, my brother. I wish you a long life and good health.
Birhanu Gebremariam
Sisaye Tadesse on Dereje
I was the head of the Armed Forces Radio. I think it was around 1979 or 1980. He had been assigned to the Armed Forces when people, after receiving national military training, were sent out for compulsory service. Since the work was national service, the pay was around 100 birr, with a lunch coupon added.
His first job was editing letters; later he was involved in preparing program transitions and presenting poetry. Gradually, he moved into writing, and he began narrating a serialized piece titled “Life in the Training Center,” accompanied by the herdsman’s classical flute. It was a very beautiful work. Later, it was published in installments in Yekatit Chibo.
Dereje was someone who worked when there was work and disappeared when there wasn’t. He was a talented journalist.
Tsehaye teferedegne on Dereje haile
Back around 1980, during the Derg era, when the Armed Forces Radio was operating, we had the opportunity to work together. We were very close friends. It was considered a national duty that media personnel receive national military training, so arrangements were made for us to join the armed forces.
The Armed Forces Radio program was, at the time, based around the Holy Trinity Cathedral area. Our program used to go on air on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Our superior was General Feleke, and we worked together with several journalists: Birhanu Assefa, Teferi Tsagaye, and Dereje Haile.
Dereje was popular for his voice and written productions. In particular, he used to present programs that highlighted opportunities for national military service. Dereje was a talented journalist.
One thing I will never forget from our time working together is this: Meṣḥafe Sirak and I was narrating a book Dereje told me that Belay Zeleke’s sister was still alive. He then searched for her, made an appointment, and helped me produce an excellent feature program. He is my colleague who supported me in this way.
