The Day the Music Refused to Die
That infamous Monday—29 June 2020—is etched in the soul of Oromia like a scar that will never fade. On that day, we lost more than a beloved artist. We lost a living voice of a people, a symbol of resistance, and the beating heart of Oromo awakening. The assassination of Hacaaluu Hundeessaa, the iconic son of Oromia, tore through the consciousness of a nation still struggling for dignity, justice, and recognition.
As we continue to grapple with that loss in our own way, we’ve come to accept one unshakable truth: the grief is real—raw, collective, and unresolved.
Hacaaluu wasn’t just a musician. He was:
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A cultural icon who restored pride to an identity long suppressed
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A political voice who gave rhythm to Oromo pain and a melody to their aspiration
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A unifying figure who transcended regional and class divides to echo one truth—Oromia must rise.
His music was never mere entertainment. It was therapy for the wounded, resistance for the oppressed, and identity for the silenced. He became, in every psychological and symbolic sense, a part of the Oromo collective self. His murder—under suspicious and unresolved circumstances—was not just a loss. It was an assault on that very self.
June is Hacaaluu’s Month!
In recognition of his enduring legacy, OROMIA TODAY solemnly declares this month of June as Hacaaluu’s Month.
Let this be more than remembrance. Let it be reflection. Let it be resolve.
In our contemplation, may we be guided by his dreams—by what he would have sung, by what he would have fought for, and by the dignity he gifted us in every verse.
Because Hacaaluu did not die. He was planted in the heart of a nation—so that freedom may rise in harmony.
- What lessons does Hacaaluu’s life offer us?
- What would Hacaaluu ask of us today?
As we approach the fifth anniversary of that sorrowful day, let June become not just a month of mourning—but a month of meaning, where we rise to honor his dreams through our deeds.
Read Hacee’s dedication here.
OROMIA TODAY’s Selected Favorites of Hacaaluu’s Music
- Hacaaluu Hundeessaa – Jirra – 2017 (1M views)
- Hacaaluu Hundeessaa – Cabsaa – 2020 (471 views)
June is Hacaaluu’s Month!
