Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s enigmatic capital, is undergoing a makeover that’s as controversial as it is transformative. Historic neighborhoods that breathe life and culture into the city – like Piassa, Legehar, Arada, Postabet and Beherawi – are being bulldozed to pave the way for modern glass and steel structures.

While this redevelopment promises economic gains, it’s also erasing chapters of the city’s artistic and historical narrative. Even as new attractions spring up across Addis, preserving the city’s architectural remnants – irresistible to travelers and historians alike – remains paramount.

Piassa, Addis’ beating heart, is known for its Italian-style buildings remnants of the Fascist occupation. Its medley of European and Ethiopian influences has long epitomized the city’s adaptability and persistence.

The landmark Taitu Hotel, Ethiopia’s first, stands as a tribute to Addis’ rich past, hosting legends like Evelyn Waugh and Emperor Haile Selassie. Demolishing such structures means more than losing buildings; it severs Addis’ connection to the past that shaped its unique identity.

Another target in Addis Ababa’s bulldozer’s sights is Leghar, home to the Franco-Ethiopian Railway, a remnant of Ethiopia’s early flirtation with globalization. The railway station’s distinctive Art Deco style is a tangible tether tying Addis to its international past. Snapping that line risks breaking residents’ collective memory.

In Postabet, the old post office area symbolizes Addis Ababa shaking off its traditional skin and transforming into a modern nation. The post office’s architecture recalls Addis’ entry into the modern age.

The bustle of Arada’s markets and artisan shops, traditional Orthodox churches like roaring St. George’s Cathedral – a religious and historical juggernaut – and Beherawi, birthplace of world-renowned artists, imbue Addis Ababa’s historic districts with their one-of-a-kind character.

Razing these districts means more than demolishing buildings; it is erasing stories, memories and a sense of place. Each district houses chapters of Addis Ababa’s collective autobiography, witnessing its struggles, triumphs and evolution. Their destruction signals a break from the past, a discontinuity integral to the city’s DNA.

For Wegayehu Derese, showing tourists Addis Ababa’s living history is her passion. But the city’s bulldozers are threatening the historic quarters that brought those stories to life.

The 32-year-old tour guide has witnessed Addis Ababa’s rapid modernization firsthand – and its heavy cost to the city’s architectural soul. The places she often takes visitors to experience Addis’ rich past – like Postabet’s shops and Leghar’s railway station – are now disappearing.

“Tourists really love hearing the stories connected to these historic sites,” Wegayehu says. “They always buy souvenirs from the shops in Postabet.”

But recently, she has seen increasing demolitions in these areas, making way for gleaming new buildings rising in their place.

While Wegayehu believes Addis Ababa’s modernization is inevitable, she wishes the city’s history could be preserved alongside it.

“Of course the new recreational areas and buildings are attractive,” she says. “But they shouldn’t come at the expense of the historic architecture, which also has its own charm.”

For Wegayehu, Addis Ababa’s living history – embodied in old railway stations, shops and churches – is as much part of the city’s appeal as its futuristic new towers. But if development steamrolls over that past, she worries the city risks losing not just architecture, but also the stories that bring those buildings to life.

Addis Ababa faces a choice: Bulldoze its past or find a balance that simultaneously preserves history and enables progress. Adaptive reuse – repurposing historic structures into new developments – could strike that delicate equilibrium.

This approach would not only retain Addis Ababa’s architectural heritage but also its cultural and historical continuity, breathing new life into its storied buildings.

Addis Ababa’s transformation reflects a global trend where the rush for economic gains often steamrolls over cultural preservation. But one must remember: Cities are more than concrete and steel – they are living histories shaped by the past and enriched by culture.

The loss of Addis Ababa’s historic quarters represents a loss for Ethiopians. Unchecked progress can forget the past instead of building upon it. And in doing so, we lose part of the human story that future generations deserve to inherit.

While modernization is inevitable, Addis Ababa must pursue it in a way that values and safeguards what makes it distinct: its storied buildings, cultural continuity and sense of place derived from history.

With careful stewardship and vision, Addis Ababa’s rebirth could preserve the best of its past while paving the way for a vibrant future — becoming a model for development that honors both history and progress.

But as women rise economically, it also lifts up families, communities and entire nations. In Ethiopia where opportunity often overlooks women, Birknesh Fatuke is proof that grit and nous can trump the toughest odds.

The 35-year-old mother from Damot Pulasa, Wolayta, is turning the tide for women in her family, refusing to accept the limited futures of her mother and grandmother’s generation. She wanted different for herself.

The spark for Birknesh’s success was an unexpected place: a local women’s empowerment group sponsored by REAL called the Women’s Economic Group (WEG).

There, Birknesh learned invaluable business skills that lit a fire under her entrepreneurial spirit. The project gave her the tools and confidence she needed to start her own venture, despite having no prior experience.

The project instilled in her the belief that change comes not just through aid, but also through self-reliance and initiative. Armed with this insight, Birknesh started a group savings and loan system to fund her own business through collective savings.

She now owns an injera baking and livestock husbandry business, established in April 2017.

“The inspiration for my venture came from the training provided by the project,” says Birknesh.  Her business supplies injera, Ethiopia’s staple food, to the local rural market. She manages livestock, focusing on improved fodder to ensure good health and produce dairy for her family.

Like all entrepreneurs, Birknesh faced challenges building her business. The Belg season meant lower incomes for customers, limiting injera purchases. Rising teff prices, the main ingredient for injera, also impacted profits. Yet through grit and perseverance, she has overcome these hurdles and continues growing her venture.

Birknesh’s journey with International Development Enterprises (IDE), a non-profit that empowers rural women, has been transformative. IDE’s approach focuses on building women’s capacity for market-based activities through training in financial management, business skills and market analysis. IDE also provides access to credit, inputs like seeds and tools, and helps women connect with suppliers and access new markets.

“My journey with IDE has been enriching,” Birknesh says. “The most important lesson has been around mindset – believing we can bring about change for ourselves and our families starting with what we already have, not just relying on aid.

Birknesh’s business has experienced steady growth in its first two years, followed by rapid expansion. Her initial capital of 1,500 birr has grown to 25,000 birr. She has created jobs, employing others in her community.

She plans to expand further by introducing electricity to bake injera. “This could potentially increase supply, reduce labor and energy usage, providing a platform to scale up my business,” she says.

She believes her journey can inspire other women with similar experiences. She firmly believes women in similar businesses can transform their lives. “Challenges are often opportunities for growth,” says Birknesh. “Small business training is crucial for understanding business ideas and conducting cost-benefit analysis.”

Birknesh’s success exemplifies how even modest women-led enterprises – with the right skills, motivation and support networks – can make tremendous economic impacts by empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs and strengthening communities from the ground up. Her story shows the power of self-reliance and entrepreneurship in transforming the lives of rural Ethiopian women.

Currently, Birknesh is being honored by IDE’s “40 Under 40” initiative, which spotlights inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who are battling poverty and making a big impact in their communities.

Through her journey, Birknesh aims to remind people that with the right mindset and support, women can create lasting change in their own lives and communities. Initiatives like IDE’s Women in Business (WIB) and Women in Agriculture (WIA) programs – which provide women entrepreneurs with skills and resources – are critical to help women succeed, she says.

Birknesh’s experiences epitomize how grassroots entrepreneurship – coupled with targeted training, funding and market linkages for women – can unleash an upward spiral of economic and social progress, starting from the ground up and empowering entire families and communities with dignity, opportunity and hope. Her message to other women is clear: with the right training, resources and belief, they too can create lasting change in their own lives and communities.

Their journey has been filled with obstacles, but perseverance has enabled them to mentor a new generation of Ethiopian circus stars while showcasing the country’s talents on stages around the world.

For Bibi, 38, and Bichu, 37, their involvement in performing arts started over two decades ago with a dream of entering the magical, bone-defying world of the circus.

Fueled by a mutual love of circus performers’ acrobatics and illusions, the duo from Jimma, Ethiopia set sight on becoming performers themselves. With no circus schools nearby, opportunities seemed scarce, but their passion drove them to practice wherever they could – street corners, at festivals – honing their skills and building determination.

At ages 13 and 14, these future circus stars first began juggling, discovering their calling which also helped hone other shared talents. Over the years, the emerging circus scene in Ethiopia has expanded with new troupes and circus training centers sprouting up.

Overcoming early obstacles, especially the limited exposure to exhibit their artistry beyond Ethiopia’s borders for wider renown, they persisted.

One of the biggest obstacles was the lack of opportunities, they claimed. “You don’t get many chances, especially outside the country that would give you better prospects for recognition,” they said.

In addition to the challenge of finding opportunities, the development of their skills proved difficult. The issue of not having a place to learn was also a problem since acts and talents can only grow through training and learning.

“We didn’t even have the professional equipment to train and there wasn’t the chance to import it,” Bichu says.

They hand-made and crafted juggling props and used materials they could find, according to Bichu.

Bichu explained, “I remember, after moving to England to start performing, we finally had access to professional materials, we realized how much easier it made the act itself.”

In 1996, opportunity came knocking for Bibi and Bichu in the form of an invitation to join Circus Jimma for their first European tour at the Brighton Festival in England. The circus stars-in-the-making realized a childhood dream was within their grasp.

At the end of 1999, the doors to opportunity swung open in the form of an invite to England. Scouted during their Circus Jimma stint, the duo were recruited by Gandini Juggling, led by revered juggler Sean Gandini.

After two years with the troupe, Bichu and Bibi joined Giffords Circus where they dazzled audiences for an entire decade.

During a visit back home in 2011, Bichu crossed paths with his former acrobatics coach Solomon Tadesse, who directed circus troupe Wingate in Addis Ababa. During their conversation, Solomon mentioned the lack of funds forcing him to potentially close the school.   

“My brother and I have always wanted to give back to our country,” Bichu said. He says when they heard about Solomon’s school, they knew they had a chance to help.

“So we seized the opportunity,” he said.

Bichu and Bibi began funding Circus Wingate by providing materials and necessities. Initially, only 13 or 14 kids practiced circus arts there, but now there are over 150 kids.    

According to Bichu, the number of circus groups in Addis Ababa had risen to 20.     

He believes joining these troupes and schools gives youngsters a chance at a career and to support themselves financially by providing a stage to showcase their art while learning life lessons about grit and perseverance.

Soon after Bichu and Bibi started funding circus Wingate, they discussed with Giffords circus the potential and abilities of these kids. Upon gaining the green light, they brought 12 young Ethiopian circus stars to train and work alongside them.

“After working with them for two years there and seeing the potential these kids had, we had the idea of forming our own group,” Bichu said. “That’s how Circus Abyssinia was born, and launching in 2017 debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“Ever since launching, we continued to share our culture around the world,” he says. 

Circus Abyssinia recently completed their second world tour with shows in Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and Africa.

The troupe’s meteoric rise is remarkable because so few African circus troupes have made it onto the global stage. This wide-open landscape has cleared a path for the up-and-coming upstarts, catapulting them onto stages alongside juggernauts of the genre.

The challenge of measuring with some of the best in the genre also spurs Circus Abyssinia to hone their acts with laser-like focus. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival – where they’ve flown high for the past four years, with plans to return this coming August – is one of their premier showcases.

The Adelaide Festival in Australia, where they’ve had regular slots and enraptured audiences for three years straight, is also key exposure for Circus Abyssinia due to the massive audience and connoisseurs who can make or break a troupe.

Bichu attributes the flourishing of the circus arts to the influx of international circus stars and jaw-dropping productions. In Ethiopia, circus wasn’t well known or appreciated until recently – after a period of hiatus when reports of child abuse caused the industry to shutter briefly.     

Since then, things have changed for the better. Hundreds of circus artists are emerging, like those showcased at a recent Ethiopian circus festival. But Bichu notes that there’s still plenty of room to grow, for circus lacks traction as a true art form in Ethiopia.

“It’s disappointing that the government and those responsible don’t recognize the potential of circus arts,” says Bichu, explaining that many artists promote Ethiopia worldwide, winning competitions and gaining global recognition for their country.” 

He believes Ethiopian circus arts have reached a new level thanks to the efforts of these artists. They’re now competing evenly with Europeans, showcasing better performances and more artistic skill.

For Bichu, one reason Ethiopian audiences have been hesitant to embrace circus as an art form is the belief that it cannot provide gainful employment or be as viable a career path. More commonly, it is seen as an extracurricular activity.

Nevertheless, he firmly believes acceptance of the circus arts has made notable strides in Ethiopia and will continue to make headway over the coming decade. Troupes like Circus Abyssinia are helping reshape perceptions by demonstrating that circus can indeed serve as a respectable profession.

The artists journey from street performers to founding an internationally acclaimed circus troupe demonstrates the transformational power of perseverance, dedication to one’s art, and fortuitous opportunities.

Through Circus Abyssinia, Bichu and Bibi are showcasing Ethiopia’s vast circus talents on the world stage while inspiring a new generation of performers in their home country.

However, for the circus arts to truly thrive in Ethiopia, greater support and recognition from the government and public are still needed. Circus schools require more funding and resources while social perceptions must continue to shift towards valuing circus as a legitimate career option.

Still, troupes like Circus Abyssinia are helping drive that change through global success and cultural richness.

Through determination and talent, Bibi and Bichu have put Ethiopia’s circus arts in the spotlight, bringing Ethiopian performers onto stages worldwide. Their story inspires a new generation of circus artists within Ethiopia, demonstrating what passion and perseverance can make possible. As mentors for emerging circus stars, they show Ethiopia’s youth that their dreams of captivating global audiences can take flight from the most unlikely beginnings.

In that way, Circus Abyssinia has become more than just a troupe – it’s a beacon of possibility, illustrating what grit, vision and access to opportunity can make possible, even in the most unlikely of places.

OLIVE &BREAD’S BRUNCH

Indulge Sunday at Olive & Bread’s brunch. Sip cocktails, savor cuisine + jam to music 10am-3pm at their restaurant by Sanford Int’l School.

PARADISE HIKERS

Paradise Hikers hosts Ensaro hike on July 8-9. Package includes meals, transport, guide for cave and waterfall tours. Experience the wonders of nature for 1600 birr.

The Foundation envisioned Homosha as a flagship component of its expanding education initiatives across the continent, providing 250 students from underprivileged backgrounds access to schooling free of charge. The campus offers not only academic courses but technical and STEM training that equips students with the skills and opportunities needed for the 21st century job market – helping nurture the next generation of Ethiopian leaders, problem-solvers and innovators.

Founded internationally in 2011, the Foundation supports sustainable African development through investments in education, healthcare, and agriculture.

In 2016, it began designing and implementing large-scale integrated livelihood programs, initially in Ethiopia and Somaliland, with plans to spread into more African countries. In Ethiopia, it has been involved in several initiatives that have had a meaningful impact on the country’s economic and social development.

Education is a key impact area where the Foundation has made significant contributions in Ethiopia. It has established the Pharo School in Assosa and the Homosha Girls’ Boarding School, which offers quality education to children from low-income families in Benshangul-Gumuz region. It has also been working to improve early childhood education by building three primary schools in Shagademazin, Assosa, and Alhamer. All classrooms and playgrounds were newly furnished, increasing enrollment from 356 students in 2018 to 708 in 2022.

The Homosha Girls’ Boarding School was established to provide education to children who otherwise would not have access. The school offers free tuition, boarding, and other essential services to students across the Benshangul-Gumuz region.

Established in mid-2017, the boarding school campus was completed in 2019. In 2018, the first cohort of 60 9th grade girls were enrolled in a temporary campus in Assosa and later moved to the permanent campus.

The school aims to provide a comprehensive education that includes both academic and vocational training, equipping students with skills and knowledge for modern job markets.

Ermias Habte, Ethiopia representative of the Pharo Foundation, says the education system has historically lacked opportunities for girls and Homosha works to provide these opportunities.

“The districts’ female students have very low educational status and finding students who meet the criteria for joining high school is difficult,” he says.

The first criteria, according to him, is that the students must be from the district and have above 50 points in her 8th grade exams. “They also must pass the entrance exam prepared by our school,” he said.

All students currently at the boarding school met the criteria for admission. The school now has 156 female students, with an additional 70 scheduled to join in September.

Designed to empower young women, the boarding school aims to provide high-quality education focused on STEM and practical skills. Personalized attention and meaningful learning experiences are possible due to the small class sizes.

On June 23, 2023, 50 students graduated from 12th grade and are preparing for university entrance exams. This is the school’s second graduating class after their first 26 graduates started university studies last year. In addition to preparing students with sufficient knowledge to pursue higher education, the school facilitates scholarships through the Foundation so students can study abroad.

Beyond education, the Foundation contributes to Ethiopia’s agriculture, health, and water sectors.

In agriculture, the Foundation’s project enhances crop and livestock production while also diversifying households’ incomes. They established 219-member farmers’ savings groups in Menge Woreda, raising awareness of cooperative membership and providing access to savings and credit services.

The Foundation’s health project also works to improve access to care in Benishangul Gumuz. The project enhances health facilities’ capacities by improving existing infrastructure and building new medical centers in Assosa, including the Pharo Advanced Diagnostic Center which provides diagnostic services.

Investments in education, healthcare, and economic growth have also helped create positive change in Ethiopia. The Foundations commitment to working with local communities and stakeholders has helped ensure initiatives are sustainable and impactful.

Schools like Homosha demonstrate the transformative impact the Foundation is having in Ethiopia. By empowering young women with 21st-century skills and opportunities, the school is nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators and change agents who will contribute to Ethiopia’s continued advancement for years to come. The students graduating from Homosha are poised to make a difference in their communities and across sectors – across a range of sectors, including education, health, and agriculture – as a result of the holistic foundation the school has provided.

The multi-sector approach – investing in education, healthcare systems, livelihoods, and infrastructure – equips Ethiopians to drive development from within. When communities have the knowledge, resources and opportunities to meet their basic needs and improve their lives, societies prosper and economies grow.

The Foundation’s work in Ethiopia shows how strategic, community-based interventions can build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable future for all Ethiopians.

Born in 1928 in the Oromia region, Lemma used locally available materials like goat skin as canvas to produce distinctive paintings. His painting style, which is emblematic of his singular aesthetic vision, is studied in art schools across the country.

To carry on Lemma’s artistic legacy, the Lemma Guya Foundation opened in Addis Ababa after his death. The Foundation aims to nurture imagination and support emerging artists through its inclusive programs. It is also establishing a training institute where students can receive instruction in Lemma Guya’s Lemmism style and advance his distinctive approach for generations to come.

Artist Selam Lemma, daughter of Lemma Guya and founder/president of the Foundation, explains that the foundation’s main purpose—alongside continuing her father’s legacy—was to establish and support galleries and museums. The Foundation is currently training 150 students in techniques inspired by the pioneer’s distinctive style at the Lemma Guya Art Centre in Bishoftu.

“One of the main missions of the Lemma Guya Foundation is to reconnect humanity through fine arts,” Selam says. “Through fine arts, we want to connect globally by sharing Ethiopia’s diverse heritages and arts representing their culture and give everyone insight into who they really are.”

The Foundation conducts research into the various cultures and arts of Ethiopia’s ethnic groups. It also works in education, especially early childhood education and for children with special needs who lack access yet possess many hidden talents typically undeveloped at home.

“We want to help these children express themselves through digital art and art training so they can communicate what is difficult through speech through the medium of art,” stated Selam.

The Lemma Guya Foundation leverages various art platforms, including digital art that continually evolves due to technological advances. It offers training for students of all ages where they can create art and present their artwork in gallery exhibitions at graduation. The next generation of artists can learn the famed style through the trainings and showcase their artwork at different exhibitions

On June 20, the Foundation partnered with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in a joint venture to collaborate culturally and digitally through art, heritage preservation efforts, and cultural exchange initiatives.

The event, themed “Promoting and protecting the arts and cultural expression,” aimed to foster a positive relationship between the UAE and Ethiopia showcasing each other’s culture and heritage through various activities and provide training and exhibition opportunities for Ethiopian artists.

Henok Belay, who organizes different activities at the Foundation, explains that the event served as an opening for an exhibition showcasing paintings created by Lemma Guya artists. The exhibition is scheduled to run for the next month.

“The exhibition will be a place where people can come, experience the art, learn about the Foundation, and potentially form a relationship with it,” Henok said.

The Foundation is doing important work in promoting and preserving Ethiopian culture and heritage through art. Its efforts to educate and train the next generation of artists in the Lemmism Art style while promoting cultural exchange and preservation are commendable.

The exhibition showcasing paintings created by Lemma Guya offers an opportunity to experience the beauty and uniqueness of Ethiopian art and culture, and to learn more about the Foundation’s efforts in supporting artists and safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. Selam says the launch event promoted the preservation of cultural heritage and the responsibility of passing them on.

This partnership between the Foundation and the UAE Embassy demonstrates how cultural exchange through the arts can foster greater cross-cultural understanding and goodwill. By sharing and celebrating each other’s art and heritage, it can help Ethiopian and Emirati citizens appreciate their own cultures while developing respect and appreciation for different cultures. Through such efforts, the Foundations work can make a small but meaningful contribution to building stronger ties between nations.

Kebero Fest

Lubanja Events’ Kebero Fest returns on July 8, themed “The Culture Shock”. The celebration kicks off at 4 PM at Villa Verde for 200 birr regular tickets and 300 at the gate.

Jungle Jam

Jungle Jam, an Afrobeat and Amapiano music festival, takes place July 8 at Meskel Flower. Tickets to the event celebrating African culture cost 200 ETB on Ahun app.

Recently, a new regulation mandates all undergraduates must undergo an exit exam before receiving their degrees. This nationwide initiative, implemented for the first time, has sparked extensive debate and discussion among students across the country.

Although the intention behind the exams is to ensure academic proficiency and workforce readiness, they have triggered unease and anxiety among graduates, altering the dynamics of their joyous occasion.

Among the aspiring graduates is Selamawit Tibebe, a determined Economics student who recently completed her final semester. After dedicating years to her education, Selamawit eagerly looked forward to starting her professional journey. However, the unexpected exit exams disrupted her aspirations, adding stress and uncertainty during this transition period.

Selamawit has concerns about the impact on her degree eligibility. “This exam holds the key to our degrees. It decides if we participate in graduation, as only those passing will be eligible,” she said.

The sudden introduction of a new exam format has further complicated challenges, leaving students and teachers grappling with the unfamiliar.

Selamawit expressed her frustration over changing test subjects that kept giving them limited and delayed information. “Within a year, we learned about this never-before administered exam,” she says.

Despite exam uncertainties, Selamawit and classmates recognize the importance of preparing as best they can. Balancing exam study, assignments, final papers, and other tests, they feel ready. However, hopes recently dimmed with news of no government jobs available, casting doubt on immediate career prospects. Many feel dispirited and uncertain about their next path.

Afomia Yilma, a recent graduate of Hayat Medical College, diligently studied for exit exams hoping to secure a promising job. Witnessing peers struggle to pass and find work, she postponed her job search until after exams. However, news of scarce government vacancies shattered her aspirations.

“I lost all motivation to secure a good job after learning of the vacancies,” Afomia says.

Afomia’s predicament echoes that of graduates across the country navigating a challenging job market with limited entry-level positions. After investing efforts and energy acquiring qualifications, these talented individuals now confront the harsh reality of an uncertain future.

As graduation nears, the resilience and determination students have demonstrated amidst uncertainties should be acknowledged. They dedicated years acquiring knowledge and skills to prepare for successful careers and brighter futures. Now, society holds a collective responsibility to support and empower graduates navigating challenges.

Creating opportunities through mentorship programs, entrepreneurship initiatives and collaboration between educators, government and businesses are crucial steps bridging the education-to-employment gap.

By investing in career development and cultivating a supportive system, these talented graduates can be empowered to realize their potential and meaningfully contribute to society.

Semehal Getachew, pursuing a career unrelated to her degree, says career paths should not be limited to government jobs or specific majors.

“Parents and communities should stop pressuring graduates to only pursue ‘acceptable’ careers. Through collective efforts, we can ensure their journey beyond university gates offers opportunities, growth and dream realization,” Semehal says.

The future, according to Semehal, lies in their capable hands.

“We must pave the way for success and create an ecosystem where they freely explore creativity. I know money is crucial but it’s not the sole measure of a successful graduate,” she explained.

Family Fest

Jan Events and Ethio Parents School presents a children and family fest at the Gerji branch of Ethio-Parents school on June 24th and 25th, 2023. The event includes cultural and modern dance, playground activities, circus, creative workshops, painting and many more.

Eclipse

Psy Addis and Venture Addis present Eclipse 2.0 Travel Festival, escaping to Lake Langano from June 23-25 for two days of curated house DJs, dances, and scenic views. Choose between a 2-day pass costing 3,200 birr or 3-day pass for 3,700 birr for early birds, providing the perfect weekend escape from the city.

Music has the power to unite people across divides and Rophnan Nuri is doing just that through his “My Generation” tour of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian DJ and producer, known simply as Rophnan, is bringing fans together from towns and cities across the vast East African nation to celebrate his music – and in the process helping showcase the diversity of Ethiopian culture.

The tour kicked off in the capital Addis Ababa in 2021 after the release of Rophnan’s album “Sidist,” giving fans a chance to experience his unique blend of upbeat sounds and lyrics. And it’s not stopping there – Rophnan plans to take the tour to even more cities across Ethiopia and even the United States, where he’ll perform for the Ethiopian diaspora.

Rophnan has been causing a stir in Ethiopia’s music scene since bursting onto the scene in 2018 with the release of his debut album ‘Netsebrak’.

Since then, Rophnan’s talent and fame have grown with each new release. His unique artistry has found fans among Ethiopia’s youth, while his style, lyrics and ambition have also appealed to older listeners

In just five years, Rophnan has become a household name across Ethiopia and gained international attention by signing with Universal Records last year.

In 2021, Rophnan embarked on his highly anticipated “My Generation” nationwide Ethiopian tour, taking him to cities like Hawassa, Arba Minch and Dire Dawa. The tour showcased his wide appeal across the country.

The “My Generation” name, which Rophnan frequently uses in his art, signifies the faith he has in the current generation, according to Muluken Tekle of Tor Events and Records, which organized the tour.

“When people talk about this generation, it’s often in a negative way. Rophnan wanted to show the hope and faith he has for this generation, that they can positively impact their communities,” said Muluken.

The “My Generation” concept, Muluken says, expresses Rophnan’s belief in his generation’s kindness, ability to create through technology, new ideas and other avenues.

Through the tour, Rophnan was able to showcase the diversity of Ethiopian music and culture, and able to bring his art and music to fans all over the country. National concert tours are uncommon in Ethiopia’s music industry but the team still aimed to reach as many fans as possible.

“The youth of this generation are not just in Addis Ababa, they’re all over the country. There are young people in Mekelle, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Dire Dawa and more cities who are part of the generation, and we wanted to give them an equal opportunity to be a part of it,” explains Muluken.

The tour didn’t come without challenges. Muluken says planning concerts in all the cities Rophnan performed in, while ensuring the same production standards as the Addis Ababa concerts, was tough, especially given their desire to stage quality shows in each town.

“Ensuring we maintained the same standard in all other cities was very difficult, especially with the difficult situation the country was in. People didn’t think concerts were important, so it was hard to convince them to organize the concerts,” Muluken said.

Muluken claims it was very difficult overcoming bureaucracy and all the rules/laws in order to prepare the concerts, in addition to the financial restrictions they were already facing. But in the end, they were able to prepare concerts on a similar scale to the one prepared in Addis Ababa.

The “My Generation” tours ultimately succeeded, bringing together more than 100,000 fans who wanted to enjoy and experience Rophnan’s artistry. When the Tor team and Rophnan set out, they had certain expectations, but what they were met with was more than they expected. The way fans received Rophnan and engaged with his art and music was more than they had hoped for, according to Muluken.

The tour has continued after the release of Rophnan’s recent album, Sidist. It started with two shows in Addis Ababa, followed by concerts in Hawassa, Arba Minch and Dire Dawa, and they plan to continue to cities they haven’t yet reached. The tour will also continue in the US, giving Ethiopian youth the chance to enjoy Rophnan’s work.

The “My Generation” tour has not only showcased Rophnan’s artistic evolution but also highlighted his ability to unite people through music. Despite challenges in planning and organizing concerts across cities in Ethiopia, the tour has succeeded in bringing droves to enjoy his performances.