Jonny Ragga

Yohannes Bekele, known as Jonny Ragga,is Ethiopia’s pioneering Reggae artist and a leading figure in contemporary Ethiopian music. Born in Addis Ababa, he began his career with Medina Band in 1997 before launching his groundbreaking solo path. His 2006 album Kulfun Sechign (Give Me the Key) became Ethiopia’s first acclaimed Reggae release, earning national and international recognition, including “Best East African Video” at the Channel O Awards. Known for writing his own lyrics, melodies, and arrangements, Jonny also redefined Ethiopian music videos, with millions of views across platforms. He has toured globally, performing at festivals such as Fest Horn, Sauti Za Busara, and Rototom Reggae, and shared stages with legends like Third World, Shaggy, and Damian Marley. Beyond music, Jonny co-founded Awtar, Ethiopia’s first digital music platform, advocating for artist rights and fair compensation. Returning to the studio, he continues to shape Ethiopia’s cultural and creative landscape.