Addis Ababa, October 21, 2024 – A final farewell was held Monday night at the Fendika Cultural Center, marking the end of an era for one of Addis Ababa’s most beloved cultural institutions. The last concert, attended by hundreds of devoted fans, artists, and cultural enthusiasts, was a tribute to the iconic venue before its building faces demolition, set to begin on October 22, 2024.
Owned and run by dancer and choreographer Melaku Belay, Fendika has long been a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of the Kassanches neighborhood. Known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms, the center is a melting pot where artists of all generations gather to experiment with new ideas and revive old traditions in music, poetry, visual arts, and performance. Over the years, Fendika has established itself as a unique and popular space that acts as a catalyst for Ethiopian cultural expression, hosting both local and international talents.
Originally an ‘Azmari Bet’—a traditional venue for Ethiopia’s poet-singer-musicians (Azmari) to perform ballads with unique local instruments—Fendika is now the last remaining local music venue in the area. Melaku Belay’s journey with Fendika began in his teenage years when he did odd jobs and slept under the bar for seven years while training to become a dancer, choreographer, and musician. In 2008, he began managing the space, eventually gaining international recognition for his artistry. Determined to preserve Fendika’s legacy, Melaku successfully crowdfunded to secure a 100-year lease on the property.
Fendika’s influence extends beyond its walls. The center was awarded the prestigious Prince Claus Award for its role as a “catalyst inspiring and supporting cultural expressions in Ethiopia.” The Prince Claus Awards honor individuals and organizations whose cultural actions have a positive impact on societal development, especially in regions where resources and opportunities for cultural expression are limited.
Despite the sadness of seeing the current building come down, Melaku remains optimistic about Fendika’s future. During the event, he expressed his gratitude to the community and city officials: “Thank you to all our fans. I am very grateful to the Honorable Mayor Adenech Abebe and the entire staff of the Addis Ababa Municipality for realizing the social, cultural, and economic value of the Fendika Cultural Center. Until we build something new, our current building will come down.”
The farewell concert was live-streamed on YouTube, allowing fans around the world to join in the celebration. Performers delivered electrifying performances, showcasing the traditional and contemporary Ethiopian art forms that have defined Fendika’s legacy. The concert can still be viewed at www.YouTube.com/FendikaCulturalCenter1.
While the physical space will soon be demolished, Fendika’s essence will endure. Plans are already underway to rebuild the center, and fans are encouraged to follow its progress on social media and YouTube. The center’s leadership is committed to ensuring that Fendika will continue its mission to support and inspire Ethiopian culture for generations to come.
As Addis Ababa bids farewell to Fendika’s iconic building, the center’s legacy as a cultural hub will remain strong. Fendika has served as a beacon of artistic expression in the city, and its future promises to be just as impactful.
For more updates on Fendika’s reconstruction and future plans, follow them on social media and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
