His father, Tsegaye Mekonnen, went to the radio station to get the music taken down. With a dilemma between family and music, Getachew made a life-altering decision. The defiance was symbolic of Getachew’s character; a man whose passion for music led him to forsake his family name in favour of his girlfriend’s surname, Kassa, marking a definitive break from tradition and setting him on a path to musical renown.
Getachew’s ascendancy in the music scene from the 1960s through the 1980s coincided with an era of limited technological access, when live performances were the primary medium through which artists connected with their audience. Venues like Wube Berha (Patrice Lumumba), Sombrero, Venus clubs, and hotels such as Aksum, Shebele, and Hilton were stages that bore witness to Getachew’s rise, his mastery of the drums and keyboards and his unique stage presence — one hand on the microphone, the other clenched in a rhythmic fist, embodying the passion and energy of his performances.
Beyond his performances, Getachew played a principal role in reviving the Tizita genre, infusing traditional slow tracks with his distinctive golden voice and progressive beats. His influence transcended generations, cementing his status as a genre-defining maestro whose music captivated hearts. He spurred a collective nostalgia for the depth and richness of culture.