Ashenafi Kebede (Amharic: አሸናፊ ከበደ; 1938 – May 8, 1998) was an Ethiopian composer, conductor, ethnomusicologist, historical musicologist, music educator, novelist, and poet.
Ashenafi was educated in musicology in the United States at the Eastman School of Music (1962), and at Wesleyan University where he obtained his M.A.
His paternal grandfather was Liqe Mekuwas Adinew Goshu, a renowned hero of the Battle of Adwa and a close confidant of Empress Taitu.
[2] After the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie's government in 1974, Ashenafi decided to settle permanently in the United States with his family.
[3] Ashenafi was executive officer of Ethius, Inc.; and chair of the International Arts Council for African and Afro-American Affairs.
His best-known composition, though rarely heard outside Ethiopia, was "The Shepherds Flute", performed in 1968 with the Bulgarian Symphonic orchestra.