The Top 15 Famous People from Eritrea You Never Knew

Famous People-featured

Eritrea, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has produced many renowned individuals in various fields. Here is a list of the top 10 famous individuals from Eritrea, including those with strong connections to California:

  • Isaias Afwerki – Isaias Afwerki is the current President of Eritrea since its independence in 1993. He played a major role in the liberation struggle against Ethiopian occupation and has led the country through various challenges.
  • Zersenay Tadese – Zersenay Tadese is a long-distance runner who has achieved great success in his career. He has won multiple World Championship medals and holds the world record for the Half Marathon.
  • Ghirmay Ghebreslassie – Ghirmay Ghebreslassie is another prominent long-distance runner from Eritrea. He became the youngest-ever winner of the New York City Marathon in 2015 at the age of 19.
  • Meaza Ashenafi – Meaza Ashenafi is a prominent women’s rights activist and lawyer. She founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association and has been instrumental in advocating for gender equality and justice for women.
  • Mussie Hailu – Mussie Hailu is a Roman Catholic priest and renowned humanitarian. He has worked tirelessly for peace and development in Eritrea and has been recognized with several international awards for his contributions.
  • Ruth Negga – Ruth Negga is an Eritrean-Irish actress known for her roles in films like “Loving” and “Preacher.” She has received critical acclaim and nominations for various prestigious awards, including an Academy Award.
  • Isaias Wolde – Isaias Wolde is a former Eritrean national team football player who gained fame for his exceptional skills and performances. He was an integral part of the team during its successful run in the 2004 African Cup of Nations.
  • Yohana Yohannes – Yohana Yohannes is a prominent Eritrean-American musician and composer. He is known for blending traditional Eritrean music with contemporary sounds, creating a unique and captivating musical style.
  • Nathaniel Abraham – Nathaniel Abraham is an Eritrean-born American chef who gained fame for his culinary skills. He has worked in several renowned restaurants and has even appeared on popular cooking shows.
  • Asmeret Asefaw Berhe – Asmeret Asefaw Berhe is an Eritrean-American soil biogeochemist. She is a prominent researcher and educator, known for her work on understanding the impacts of climate change on soil ecosystems.

These individuals have not only brought pride to Eritrea but have also made significant contributions to their respective fields. Whether in politics, sports, activism, entertainment, or academia, they continue to inspire others and leave a lasting impact on society.

One of the historic site of people from Eritrea

Most Famous Celebrities from Eritrea

Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Although it may not be widely known for its famous celebrities, there are a few individuals of Eritrean descent who have made a name for themselves in various fields, including entertainment, sports, and activism. Here are the top 5 famous celebrities from Eritrea:

  • Trevor Noah: Trevor Noah is a well-known comedian, television host, and political commentator. While he was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, his mother is of Eritrean descent. Noah became famous for his role as the host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, where he uses humor to discuss current events and social issues.
  • Nas: Nas, whose real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is a legendary rapper and entrepreneur. His father is from Eritrea, and Nas is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and poetic storytelling. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Illmatic,” which is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time.
  • Ella Thomas: Ella Thomas is an Eritrean-American actress and model. She has appeared in various television series and films, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bones,” and “NCIS.” Thomas’ talent and striking looks have helped her make a mark in the entertainment industry.
  • Meb Keflezighi: Meb Keflezighi is a retired long-distance runner and Olympic medalist. He was born in Eritrea but immigrated to the United States at a young age. Keflezighi represented the United States in several Olympic Games and won a silver medal in the marathon event in 2004. He is also the winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon, becoming the first American man to win the prestigious race since 1983.
  • Messay Kebede: Messay Kebede is an Eritrean philosopher, writer, and academic. He has written extensively on Ethiopian and African philosophy, politics, and literature. Kebede has taught at several universities in the United States, including California State University, Northridge. His insightful writings have contributed to shaping the discourse on African philosophy and cultural identity.

These Eritrean celebrities have not only achieved fame in their respective fields but have also helped shed light on the rich cultural heritage and diverse talent that Eritrea possesses. They serve as inspirations for young Eritrean individuals and showcase the incredible contributions that individuals of Eritrean descent have made around the world.

Top Richest Individuals from Eritrea

Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa, is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. While the country is home to many talented and successful individuals, the list of the wealthiest people is relatively small. Here are the top 5 richest people from Eritrea, including those born in California or with strong connections to the state:

  • Isaias Afwerki: Isaias Afwerki is the current president of Eritrea and has been in power since 1993. While his exact net worth is difficult to estimate, it is believed that he controls significant assets within the country. His expertise lies in politics and leadership.
  • Yemane “Charlie” Ghebremichael: Born in Asmara, Eritrea, Charlie Ghebremichael moved to California as a child. Charlie made his fortune through his successful career as a real estate investor and developer in California. He is the founder and CEO of V4 Development, a real estate development company that specializes in urban revitalization projects.
  • Mohammed “Mo” Ibrahim: Although Mo Ibrahim was born in Sudan, he has strong connections to Eritrea as his father was Eritrean. Mo Ibrahim made his wealth by founding Celtel International, a mobile phone company that operated in many African countries. After selling Celtel, he turned to philanthropy and established the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
  • Meaza Ashenafi: Meaza Ashenafi, born in Eritrea, is an influential lawyer and women’s rights activist. While not primarily known for her wealth, she is a prominent figure in Eritrea and has made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s rights in the country. Meaza Ashenafi currently serves as the President of the Supreme Court of Ethiopia.
  • Yohannes Gebregeorgis: Yohannes Gebregeorgis, born in Eritrea, moved to California in the 1980s. He is the founder of the Ethiopian Children’s Book Project and Reading Across Continents, organizations that promote literacy and provide books to children. While his wealth may not be as substantial as others on this list, his dedication to education and literacy has made a significant impact in Eritrea and beyond.

These individuals exemplify the diverse expertise and backgrounds of successful people from Eritrea. From political leaders to entrepreneurs and activists, they have made their mark and contributed to various fields. While the list of the wealthiest individuals from Eritrea may not be extensive, their accomplishments and contributions to society underline their success beyond financial measures.

One of Eritrea’s iconic sites

The Most Famous Rappers from Eritrea

While Eritrea may not be widely known for its contribution to the rap industry, there are a few talented individuals with Eritrean origin who have made a mark in the world of hip hop. Some were born in California, while others have strong connections to the state. Here are the top 5 famous rappers from Eritrea:

  • Nipsey Hussle: Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Nipsey Hussle was an Eritrean-Ethiopian American rapper and songwriter. He gained recognition for his mixtapes and independent releases, eventually founding his own record label, All Money In. Nipsey’s entrepreneurial mindset and dedication to his community in South Los Angeles played a significant role in his rise to fame and wealth.
  • DJ Khaled: While DJ Khaled is primarily known as a record producer and media personality, he has also demonstrated his skills as a rapper. Born Khaled Mohamed Khaled to Palestinian Eritrean parents, DJ Khaled has achieved significant success with his energetic and catchy music. His knack for assembling star-studded collaborations and his charismatic personality have helped him amass considerable wealth.
  • Winta Mehari: Born in Eritrea and raised in California, Winta Mehari is a gifted rapper known for his unique flow and introspective lyrics. He has garnered attention with his tracks that touch on personal experiences and social issues. Mehari has built a dedicated following through his talent and genuine storytelling.
  • King Sheeba: King Sheeba, whose real name is Ermias Abraham, is a rapper and songwriter born in Eritrea but now based in California. Known for his catchy hooks and infectious beats, he has gained recognition for his versatile style that merges different genres. King Sheeba’s ability to create music that resonates with various audiences has contributed to his success.
  • Dagmawi Woubshet: While not primarily known as a rapper, Dagmawi Woubshet, an Eritrean-American professor and writer based in Pennsylvania, deserves a mention for his influence on the academic study of hip hop. Woubshet has written extensively on rap music and its cultural significance, examining topics such as race, identity, and politics. His insightful analysis has contributed to the understanding and appreciation of the art form.

These talented individuals with Eritrean origins have left their mark on the rap industry, showcasing their unique styles and perspectives. Their contributions not only reflect their own identities but also enrich the broader hip hop culture.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.