His funeral took place in Addis Ababa at Holy Trinity Cathedral on 23 April with mass public figures and mourners gathered.

Tilahun dropped out of school at age 13 and tried to travel to Addis Ababa to pursue his career, a journey he began on foot without his family's consent.

Tilahun traveled fifteen kilometers on foot, he was caught in the small town of Tulu Bolo and stayed overnight with his aunt.

After staying only one night at his grandfather's house, he again began his journey to Addis Ababa, this time hiding in the back of a loaded truck.

[citation needed] Recordings made by Tilahun during the 1970s and 1980s helped raise large sums of money to aid famine victims.

Tilahun released his debut single "Yehagere Shita" in 1970, accompanied with 7", mono formats and Philp Philips served as the record label.

With these formats, Tilahun continued to release singles and EPs, including "Tiz Alegn Yetintu" (1970), with Mulatu Astatke, "Kulun Manqualesh", "Min Libejegn" (1972), "Aykedashm Lebe" (1974), and "Yikir Yibelatchew / Leyito Blaskerew" (1974).

Each album were re-recordings of his older songs which were done by prominent instrumentalists such as Abegasu Kibrework, Fasil Wuhib, Teddy Mak, Theodros Mitiku, Yared Tefera, and other artists.

[12] Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stated that "Tilahun stood out as an artist of great renown with his lifetime contributions to Ethiopia's modern music, which he popularized across the world".

[14] A candlelit vigil was held by friends and family in the garden of the National Theatre in Addis Ababa on the night of 22 April 2009.

About one million Ethiopians, including government officials, and entertainers,[16] gathered in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa and heard messages of condolence from the prime minister and President Girma Wolde-Giorgis.