Abiy Melak: The Man Behind Ethiopia's Donald Trump

June 1, 2026

Faisale Shefawe

Growing up, Abiy Melak was known for mimicking family members, and he rarely disappointed. His natural ability to imitate voices and mannerisms often left relatives laughing.

Later, while studying at Unity University College, he gained attention from fellow students by impersonating his professors. His talent was further validated when he won a college talent show before graduating.

On June 16, 2015, when Donald J. Trump announced his candidacy for President of the United States, Abiy immediately recognized an opportunity. Trump's unique speaking style and mannerisms made him an ideal subject for impersonation.

Although Abiy has never visited the United States, he can imitate a wide range of public figures, including John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and several local and international celebrities.

“It doesn't take me long to study and imitate most people,” Abiy said. “But there are some voices that are extremely difficult to copy.”

When asked how challenging it was to learn President Trump's voice and mannerisms, Abiy said it was one of the easier impersonations he has done. “It was very simple,” he said. “He speaks very simple English.”

After graduating from college, Abiy spent years performing stand-up comedy and developing his skills as an impressionist. He later appeared on several popular television programs that introduced him to a national audience.

One of his most memorable appearances was on The Seifu Prank Show, where he impersonated well-known personalities while making prank calls to celebrities.

Today, Abiy is working on a 3D animated film that is expected to be released soon. According to him, the project will highlight Ethiopia's culture, landscapes, and wildlife.

Despite being denied a U.S. visa four times, Abiy's success demonstrates that talent knows no borders. His recent collaboration with a Nigerian comedian during the African Social Media Influencers Summit generated more than 180,000 views on Instagram.

In the video, Abiy portrayed Donald Trump attending a meeting with African governors in Addis Ababa. The performance received positive reactions from viewers. One Instagram user commented, "This Trump guy ate his role."

Whether portraying world leaders, celebrities, or local personalities, Abiy continues to entertain audiences with a talent he began developing as a child. From making family members laugh at home to reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers online, he has built a career by bringing familiar voices and personalities to life