Here is a one minute video I recorded with my mobile phone showing how Addis Ababa (Africa's political & diplomatic hub) is being built.
From “What’s Out Addis” Sep 2014 print edition
ETHIOPIAN PIANIST HAILED AS RISING STAR
Meet Samuel Yirga, a young Ethiopian Pianist. Samuel who is “now a
regular fixture at Mama’s Kitchen, a trendy cocktail lounge /restaurant in
Bole.” “Hecame to music late, first touching a musical instrument at the age of
16, but is now hailed as the great new hope of Ethiopian jazz. Samuel’s first
solo album, Guzo, or ‘journey’ in Amharic, met with critical and commercial
acclaim. SOURCE: Ethiopian Observer. Check Samuel’s website at www.samuelyirga.com
BABUR
“Babur, seemingly onomatopoeic, but in reality the Amharic
pronunciation of the French word for an English invention – the steam engine –
now designates a Chinese built electric railway.” Writes Yves Stranger. http://www.whatsoutaddis.com/index.php/arts-culture/qalu/453-babur
MESKEL
ADEBABAY,
Addis Ababa
says Yves Stranges - is currently undergoing more change than in its 120 year
history and it sometimes seems new landmarks rise everday – while old ones
disappear just as fast. A city that in Meskel Square, with the wisps of smoke
of the Meskel bonfire now escaping from under the railway line leapfrogging
over the square is, quite literally, at the crossroads. http://www.whatsoutaddis.com/index.php/city/highlights-past/454-meskel-adebabay
YOUNG UNICEF ACTIVIST WORKS TO PROMOTE GIRLS' EDUCATION
Check out what the young Canadian Ethiopian Hannah Godefa who started
her Children’s Education engagement when she was 7 years old. Hanna says, “Being
a UNICEF national ambassador "has been one of the greatest joys of my
short 16 years of living," http://www.whatsoutaddis.com/index.php/people/addis-folk/455-young-unicef-activist-works-to-promote-girls-education
How about
two more short inspiring stories from two young Ethiopian American ladies…
Ethiopian
Designer Looks to Take Handbag, Local Fashion Business by Storm
“People are
often surprised when they open a FOMI bag and see a ‘Made in Ethiopia’ label,
which I find very satisfying because that is always my objective, to defy
people’s expectations of what is possible in Ethiopia. Words from Afomia
Tesfaye, Fair Trade Luxury Leather
Designer. Full story at http://afkinsider.com/?s=Afomia+Tesfaye
Last but not least, here is another dedicated young Ethiopian American
designer and entrepreneur ZAAF’s founder Abaynesh ‘Abai’ Schulze. What drives Abai…in her own words, “ I
get to create something from nothing. I love the process of solving problems
and being able to see something tangible and meaningful as a result of one’s
own hard work. And of course, it is a privilege to work with gifted artisans,
and to create world-class products that are well received around the globe,
while impacting the economy of Ethiopia in a growing way. Seeing “Brand
Ethiopia” assume its proper, unique and positive place throughout the fashion
world is very exciting.”
Blessed Sunday,
Cheers :)
Daniel
