Diaspora

Ethiopian-American Actress Ilfenesh Hadera Joins Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s ‘High and Low’

Ilfenesh Hadera, known for her role in “Godfather of Harlem,” has been cast alongside Denzel Washington in the upcoming Apple and A24 film “High and Low,” an English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller. Directed by Spike Lee, the film promises to be a riveting update of the classic story. Hadera’s collaboration with Spike

July 19, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Rediscovering Hidden Gems: The Tekle Legacy on Amha Records

By- Mag Reeves The story behind the Tekle releases on Amha: As the Derg regime took over in 1974, business became increasingly difficult for Amha Records. The National Bank was not letting Amha get loans for production costs as they had for years before, and importing records was becoming harder. Amha experimented with cheaper alternatives

July 13, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Books

Nebiy Mekonnen Celebrating the Life of Ethiopia’s Literary Legend

Nebiy Mekonnen (1956 – 3 July 2024) Nebiy Mekonnen, an influential Ethiopian poet, journalist, playwright, and translator, passed away on 3 July 2024. He was 68 years old. Nebiy was born in 1956 and became a pivotal figure in Ethiopian literature and journalism. He co-founded and served as the editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper Addis

July 5, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Jemberu Set to Unveil ‘Esatu SE’ Next Week: What to Expect

Jemberu, a 21-year-old artist who made his mark with a debut album in 2022, is set to release his second album, “Esatu SE,” on February 16. His entry into the music scene was notable, especially with his collaboration with Dr. Mulatu Astatke, a figure known as the father of Ethio-jazz. This partnership, alongside his recent

February 12, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Rophnan Nuri to Break Ground with Dual Album Release: A Milestone in Ethiopian Music

In a groundbreaking move that is set to make history in the Ethiopian music industry, Rophnan Nuri, the visionary electronic dance music expert, has announced the simultaneous release of two albums. Titled “Harambe” and “Nor,” these albums mark Rophnan’s third and fourth studio albums, following the success of his previous works, “Yene Twold” and “Netesebraq”

January 26, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

“Kelemat” A new album reflecting lived experience through colors

By- Emrakel Sileshi Yohana’s new album ‘Kelemat’ released on 31, 2023, possesses a colorful theme throughout the songs. It’s a familiar groove with a mellow and soulful sound.  One of the fundamental elements of music is its ability to express emotions, it has the ability to go beyond itself, its form, structure, and composition. It

January 16, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Ethiopian-American Artist Julie Mehretu Sets New Auction Record with $10.7m Sale

Julie Mehretu, an acclaimed Ethiopian-born artist based in the US, has made headlines again by setting a new record for the highest auction sale price for a work by an African-born artist. Her abstract creation, “Walkers With the Dawn and Morning,” achieved an impressive $10.7 million (£8.6 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.

November 17, 2023 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Ethiopia’s Music Industry Gets a Boost with Universal Music Group-Sewasew Partnership

Universal Music Group (UMG), a world leader in music-based entertainment, has recently entered into a landmark distribution agreement with Ethiopia’s Sewasew Multimedia, reinforcing its commitment to the African music market. This partnership designates Sewasew Multimedia as the primary distributor and marketer for UMG’s extensive music catalog in Ethiopia. This includes music from internationally recognized UMG

November 16, 2023 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Opera and Safaricom Offer Free Data in Ethiopia

Opera, a global web innovator, has partnered with Safaricom, a mobile network operator in Ethiopia, to offer free data. The campaign is part of Opera’s Free Data campaign, which was launched in 2017 to bring more people online in Africa. So far, Opera has invested over $100 million in the Free Data campaign, and it

September 8, 2023 • By Addis Insight

Entertainment & Arts

Doqa: A Must-See Film Exploring the Impact of Ethnic Conflict

“Doqa” is a powerful new film that was recently released, produced by actress Mahider Assefa and directed by Kidist Yilma. Mahider Assefa is a well-known actress and public figure in Ethiopia, with over a decade of experience performing in feature films and TV series. The movie portrays the destruction caused by ethnic tension and has

July 8, 2023 • By Addis Insight