Art and the Artist: Sibhat Gebre-Egziabher

Back in 2010, a friend asked if I would like to contribute a question for his upcoming interview with  Gash Sibhat Gebre-Egziabher. I had tons of questions in mind. But he said 'a question'; so, as gullible as this may sound, I sent in a marriage proposal. Despite knowing he was happily married at the time and was three times older, I figured I would take my chance so that way I can have him around to answer my endless questions. What girl would pass such opportunity, right? 

Art and the Artist: Sileshi Demisse aka Gash Abera Molla

Artist Sileshi Demisse, also affectionately known as Gash Abera Molla after his popular song of the same title, is an Artistic genius and a well known Ethiopian environmental activist. It is hard to box Sileshi's musical style in a single genre or to explain the work he does in few simple words. To say the least, his completely unique style is a blend of all things beautiful. 

Lack of understanding their craft ranks at the top of the long list of shortcomings with Ethiopian artists these days. Everyone started labeling themselves 'musician' just because they could mimic the last singer. It got to the point where you can't tell them apart. It certainly fills you with nostalgia for the era you probably know nothing about but heard from your parents... You know, those good old cassette tape days when everyone has a distinctive sound and style. *sigh* 

Weekend Read: Beneath the LION'S GAZE by Maaza Mengiste

Does Ethiopia even have authors? It sounds so offensive when you hear those words uttered by non-Ethiopians, right? But at the same time you can't blame them for their ignorance. The names of the prolific authors in Ethiopia such as Abba Enbaqom, Haddis Alemayehu, Sibehat GebreEgziabher, Abe Gubegnaw, Bealu Girma so on and so forth don't mean that much outside of the Ethiopian borders. Their amazing contributions to the world of literature has sadly gone unnoticed. I wonder how many Ethiopian authors the younger generation can name if asked to name a few.

Story telling is a huge part of Ethiopian culture. But why are only very few Ethiopian authors attempting to represent their country in the worldwide stage? Something to ponder on...

Art and the Artist: The pianist - Girma Yifrashewa

Girma Yiferashewa! The name might not have the same household ring as the big names in Ethiopian music scene or the late prominent Ethiopian composer Professor Ashenafi kebede, whom he is greatly influenced by. But I am pretty sure you have heard his creation somewhere.. somehow...  probably in restaurants, hotels, on E-TV or while taking that long trip on Ethiopian Airline.

Tenkaraw Menfese (My strong will) by Girma Yifrashewa, from his last album 'Elilta'

Born in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia in '60s, Yifrashewa developed a love for playing musical instruments at a very young age. His first choice of instrument was however, not piano... rather kirar (a traditional string instrument).

Art and the Artist: Aida Muluneh: Capturing the Essence of Life, Beauty and Time with her Eyes

Picture courtesy of Tadias magazine

'I am a believer that it is not the camera, it is your EYES' 

                                                                                         Aida Muluneh

Photography is not considered a profession in Ethiopia unless you have a studio at some corner. Even then, people recognize the studio but not the man behind the lens. Till recent years, there wasn't any photography school in the country or Ethiopian names that stand out when one talks about the art. 

Aida Muluneh is a pioneer in her field as an Ethiopian. Based in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, Aida has broken all possible stereotypes and barriers set by the society, and continue to do so with her works and her foundation D.E.S.T.A (stands for Developing and Educating Society Through Art) For Africa. She is a woman, a photographer, a film maker,  and an activist in her own league ... that is a quadruple baaammm for you right there. I am a huge fan of hers and could go on and on how amazing she is but to save you from my overly excited chatter, Here is a little collage of some of my favorites from her work  and  a small excerpt on her biography according to Creative Africa Network.... and I will just let you be the judge.