He was a man who motivated and persuaded individuals, groups, communities and even the whole nation for a good cause. He was a soldier, a teacher, a businessman. He was simply a great Ethiopian who loved his country and people. Iyasu was a good man with exceptional talent. Iyasu symbolized brilliance, creativity and uniqueness.

When he was in the field fighting for freedom, he went beyond fascinating and energizing his comrades-in-arms and reached communities across the nation and abroad. His art and his music went beyond borders. His music can make one cry for love of freedom; it can make one laugh and enjoy life to the full because Iyasu is simply hilarious and at times funny.

To be with Iyasu is simply to have fun and enjoy life because he was a happy man. One can say more and more about this extraordinary man; but what remains in my mind for ever is when he came to North America to inspire the Ethiopian diaspora and what a show it was! All the Ethiopian diaspora there wanted to have a bit of him; they all rushed to salute him; they all rushed to embrace him; they all loved and admired him and they all showered him with gifts and presents.

Even before he started singing, there was a queue of people from the audiences ready to shower him with gifts of love and admiration. Here at home, Iyasu Berhe is a household name because he was everywhere helping fund-raising for communities, for youth, for women, for the elderly and the like.

He is master of ceremonies with exceptional stage talent. He can make the impossible possible. Finally though, he has to stop all that outstanding performance because as he is but human, he is tired and he has to rest for good. We do not want him to rest even for a while though; maybe not him either, but the other power wanted him to rest.

We have no power to stop that even if we wanted to. So, all of a sudden, his heart had to stop functioning and he had to go to rest for ever. We all are going to miss him as he was with us in good and in bad times. We shall cherish his exceptional talent and personality as long as we lived. His unique service to our country and our people at home and abroad shall never be forgotten and will be remembered for ever. May God bless him and may God give strength and courage to his family and friends.