By: Sara Hassan Adam
Subject: Passing of Artist Ilfinash Qannoo Fearless Woman Fighter, Cultural Icon, and Voice freedom(1969–2026)
It is with profound sorrow that I, Sara Hassan, President of the Oromia Diaspora Association, and our entire global Diaspora community, mourn the passing of our beloved mother, sister, and fearless champion Artist Ilfinash Qannoo.
For 57 years from 1969 to 2026 she stood unwavering as a woman, a leader, and a freedom fighter. She fought tirelessly for our rights, dignity, and freedom for the people at home and across the Diaspora. Under the past regime, she endured imprisonment, torture, and hardship yet she refused to be silenced. The suffering she endured forced her into exile, away from her homeland, for many years. Her voice was our strength; her music our resistance; her life our struggle.
To the Oromia Diaspora, she was our voice, our pride, our unity. Her songs crossed borders and oceans, uniting us wherever we lived. For 57 years, she gave us courage, hope, and identity.
Her voice has fallen silent, but its echo will never fade. She turned her pain into power, her suffering into song, her struggle into our legacy.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, her children, and all who loved her. We promise to carry forward the struggle she fought for 57 years standing together, protecting our dignity, and continuing the journey she began.
May she rest in eternal peace and power.
Sara Hassan
President, Oromia Diaspora Association