His songs about the rights of the Oromo people in Ethiopia lifted the spirits of a downtrodden people and his death shook the nation.
Ethiopia
Politics and Society Truce in Ethiopia opens the door to African mediators
As encouraging steps are taken to resolve the military conflict, pressure for a negotiated settlement is needed.
Politics and Society Controlled or free internet? Time for Africa to speak out
As internet shutdowns wound economies and damage democracies, Africa needs a position on how cyberspace is governed.
Politics and Society Ethiopia is using plant graffiti to regenerate degraded forests
The world’s first living artwork is being grown in Ethiopia. To accelerate carbon capture and land restoration, artists and communities are building a forest that will be visible from space in the shape of the country’s national symbol, the black lion.
Arts, Culture and Sport Ethiopia’s war in Tigray risks wiping out centuries of the world’s history
Many of the artefacts Ethiopia is famous for are found in Tigray. Their continued destruction could lead to irreversible culture shock and social collapse.
Arts, Culture and Sport Yatreda: An artistic collective using NFTs to celebrate Ethiopian legacies
Yatreda is a family of artists that brings the history of Ethiopian kingdoms to life through stunning imagery. With storytelling at the base of their work, they use NFTs to preserve their history and culture for future generations.
Politics and Society Russia’s war with Ukraine: Five reasons why many African countries choose to be ‘neutral’
African countries’ decision to avoid condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine was not based only on issues directly connected to the conflict.
Politics and Society Left to die: the fate of thousands of people living with HIV in Tigray
Unless special attention is given to conflict and HIV the war will undermine the achievement of the 2030 goals to end AIDS, discrimination, and new infections.
Politics and Society Religion was once Ethiopia’s saviour. What it can do to pull the nation from the brink
Ethiopia’s main religions need to take an emotional distance from politics and find a neutral space so they can get moral clarity.