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Biography
Ethiopian-born artist Yohannes Bekele, better known as Jonny Ragga, is Ethiopia’s pioneering homegrown Reggae artist and one of the most influential figures in the country’s contemporary music scene. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Jonny’s passion for music, acting, and poetry took root at an early age during his elementary school years. By the time he reached high school, his love for Reggae music had become the defining force behind his artistic journey.
Jonny began his professional music career in 1997 as part of Medina Band, one of the most popular bands in Ethiopia at the time. Over the years, he has collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Teddy Afro, Lafontaine, Chachi, Michael Belayneh, Shewandagn Hailu, Haile Roots, Ny (UK Artist), and Kenny Allen (African-American R&B Artist based in Ethiopia).
Ethiopian-born artist Yohannes Bekele, better known as Jonny Ragga, is Ethiopia’s pioneering homegrown Reggae artist and one of the most influential figures in the country’s contemporary music scene. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Jonny’s passion for music, acting, and poetry took root at an early age during his elementary school years. By the time he reached high school, his love for Reggae music had become the defining force behind his artistic journey.
Renowned for writing all of his lyrics, melodies, and musical
arrangements, Jonny is also celebrated for his groundbreaking music videos that have redefined visual storytelling in Ethiopian music. His six official music videos have collectively garnered millions of views across digital platforms, reflecting his enduring appeal both at home and abroad.
Over the past two decades, Jonny Ragga has toured extensively across South and North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, performing at globally recognized festivals such as Fest Horn in Djibouti (2006), Sauti Za Busara in Tanzania (2010), and the Rototom Reggae Festival in Spain (2018). He has shared the stage with Reggae legends including Third World, Gregory Isaacs, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, and rising star Chronixx.
arrangements, Jonny is also celebrated for his groundbreaking music videos that have redefined visual storytelling in Ethiopian music. His six official music videos have collectively garnered millions of views across digital platforms, reflecting his enduring appeal both at home and abroad.
Over the past two decades, Jonny Ragga has toured extensively across South and North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, performing at globally recognized festivals such as Fest Horn in Djibouti (2006), Sauti Za Busara in Tanzania (2010), and the Rototom Reggae Festival in Spain (2018). He has shared the stage with Reggae legends including Third World, Gregory Isaacs, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, and rising star Chronixx.
Beyond his music career, Jonny is a committed advocate for artist empowerment and industry reform. In 2018, he co- founded Awtar, Ethiopia’s first online music production and distribution platform, designed to directly benefit musicians and copyright holders. As CEO of Awtar, Jonny has been instrumental in shaping the country’s evolving music landscape, dedicating the past four years to advancing fair compensation and rights protection for Ethiopian artists.
With this legacy behind him, Jonny Ragga now returns to the studio to work on his next major project – a landmark musical release that promises to further cement his role as a
trailblazer in Ethiopia’s cultural and creative sectors.
With this legacy behind him, Jonny Ragga now returns to the studio to work on his next major project – a landmark musical release that promises to further cement his role as a
trailblazer in Ethiopia’s cultural and creative sectors.
