Debalkew Kiros

We explored the song “Ras Mule Yeselet Lij”, working on lyrics and pronunciation, and he always helps with recordings and old-school romanization I truly appreciate. As Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.”

Debalkew is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher. For the past two months, he has helped me with songs and improved my Amharic pronunciation while also teaching me about Ethiopian culture. This lesson we focused on Teddy Afro’s Demo Be Abay, a powerful song about the Abay (Nile) River and its deep significance. I learned words and phrases like “መሄድ በለው (Che Belew)” – “giddy up / move forward,” “ጎራዴ (Gorade)” – “sword,” and “አስተማሪ (Astamari)” – “teacher.” I’m truly grateful to be on this journey of language and culture with him. እግዚአብሔር ይባርክ። (Egziabher yibark / God bless)

I had an awesome lesson with Debalkew; we even went overtime on Teddy Afro's Naet. He breaks it down so clearly that I’m now picking up words, patterns, and pronunciation, and it gets easier each time. His recordings and write-ups make learning fun and stress-free. እግዚአብሔር ይመስገን (Egziabher yimesgen; Thank God).

A great teacher, a humble man, and a respected elder of the Ethiopian community. Truly someone to honor. God bless. አስደናቂ አስተማሪ እና ክቡር አለቃ፣ በኢትዮጵያዊያን ማህበር ውስጥ የሚከበር። እግዚአብሔር ይባርከው። Asdenaqi astemari ena kibur aleqa, be-Ityop’iyawiyan mahber wust yemikebar. Egziabher yibarkew.

Debalkew helped me study “ኦ ውሸቷን ነው” by Yohana, guiding me through the lyrics, more profound meaning, and pronunciation. We even sang it together, and he explained the difference between Ge’ez and Amharic. He is a patient & insightful teacher!

As the proverb says, ‘He who loves the land honours its harvest.’ Debalkew’s love for Ethiopia shows in every lesson. Thanks to his breakdown of Yared Negu & Micky Gonderegna – Ethiopiye, I went from tongue-tied to singing along with confidence. Pure joy, pure Ethiopian pride!"