Tag Archives: D.C.

7th Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival — Washington, D.C.

August 13, 2013 Tadias Magazine

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – The 2013 African Diaspora International Film Festival, which is presented annually by ADIFF and TransAfrica, is scheduled to take place at the Goethe Institute in Washington D.C. this weekend.

The line-up features seven films of various genres including Otomo (German with English subtitles) — a convincing depiction of the impact of institutionalized racism on black refugees in Europe, as well as the Washington, DC premier of African Cypher, a look inside the complicated culture of street dance in South Africa. An Ethiopian film Nishan (Directed by Yidnekachew Shumete Desalegn, 2013, 105min), is a suspenseful drama about a young woman whose destiny is trapped in an unsigned document and a web of lies that she must sort out in order to achieve her ambitious dreams.

The festival opens on Friday, August 16th at 6pm with the showing of African Independence and a Q&A with director Tukufu Zuberi. The event’s announcement notes that Zuberi’s documentary “provides a unique glimpse of the continent’s recent history through four watershed events – World War II, the end of colonialism, the Cold War, and the era of African Republics.”

Nishan (see trailer below) will screen on Saturday, August 17th at 8pm followed by Return to Goree — a musical road movie that follows Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour’s historical journey “tracing the trail left by slaves and the jazz music they created.”

This year’s event will close with the premiere of Tango MacBeth that offers “a multicultural, multi-generational vision and presentation of the Shakespeare play. This provocative version of Macbeth unfolds like a Möbius strip. Moving back and forth, the drama of the play intertwines with the drama of making the film. The film offers an original and imaginative way of bringing a classic to contemporary times.” The director, Nadine M. Patterson, will be present for a Q&A session with the audience after the screening.
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If You Go:
TICKET INFORMATION
Friday, August 16th Opening Night screening – $20
Sunday, August 18th Closing Night screening – $15
General admission: $12 per screening;
Students and Seniors: $10 per screening
Weekend Pass: $60
For advance ticket sales click here.
Tel: 212.864.1760
For more info email: info@transafricaforum.org.
www.transafrica.org

Trailer 1: African Independence, A documentary written and produced by Tukufu Zuberi

Trailer 2: Nishan Ethiopian film — A drama directed by Yidnekachew Shumete Desalegn

Trailer 3: Tango MacBeth — Re-imagining of the classic tragedy for today by Nadine M. Patterson

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Featured, Interviews, Profiles

Tadias Video Interview: Ethiopian Rock Band Jano Live in DC (UPDATED)

July 12, 2013 Tadias Magazine 2 Comments

Tadias Magazine
By Tsedey Aragie

Updated: Monday, July 15, 2013

Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – The sound of Ethiopia’s new generation, the rock band Jano, delivered one of the most exciting and highly anticipated live musical performances scheduled during the 2013 Ethiopian soccer tournament festivities held in Washington, D.C. last week.

The following is Tadias Magazine’s exclusive and in-depth video interview with members of the band who played for the first time in the United States on July 4th at the historic Howard Theatre.

Watch: Color and sound updated — JANO Band July 4th – Howard Theatre (TADIAS Interview)

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Related:
Tadias Video Interview: Grammy-nominated Singer and Songwriter, Wayna
CNN Features Ethiopian Rock Band Jano
Summer of Ethiopian Music Continues: Krar Collective in NYC, Young Ethio Jazz in D.C. (TADIAS)
Tadias Interview: NYC Abay Team’s Success at 30th ESFNA Tournament
Mahmoud Ahmed and Teddy Afro Bring Echostage Home (The Washington Post)
Debo Band & Young Ethio Jazz Band at Yoshi’s in San Francisco – July 17th (TADIAS)
Highlights of Ethiopian Music During Soccer Tournament Week (The Washington City Paper)
Summer of Ethiopian Music: Jano to Fendika, Teddy Afro to Mahmoud Ahmed (TADIAS)
Hailu Mergia: A Beloved Ethiopian Musician of a Generation Ago (The Washington Post)
Reissues Songs From Hailu Mergia, Local Cab Driver (The Washington City Paper)

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Featured, Interviews

Tadias Interview: NYC Abay Team’s Success at 30th ESFNA Tournament

July 9, 2013 Tadias Magazine 5 Comments

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

New York (TADIAS) – New York’s hometown Ethiopian soccer team, Abay, have returned back to NYC after a successful participation at the recently concluded 30th Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) tournament held at the University of Maryland, College Park last week. New York’s team advanced to first division during the annual soccer competition, along with Chicago, after finishing second place at the lower division final games held during the closing ceremonies on Saturday, July 6th.

“I think overall the tournament this year was quite a phenomenal event,” said Samuel Tesfaye, New York Abay’s team Secretary. A large and energized crowd had flocked to Comcast Center, College Park from across the country. “It was one of the best spirited tournaments I have seen in some time,” Sammy said in an interview with Tadias Magazine.

Sammy made the trip from New Jersey to D.C. with his children and noted the big crowed at the arena in Maryland, youthful vibe, the colorful vendors, the ubiquitous presence of the Walia uniform sported by all ages and genders. “For the most part,” Sammy said, he was “also impressed by how ‘smoothly’ things were run.”

Except on the day of the opening [Sunday, June 30th]: “We were informed by the Federation that our Tuesday game with Portland has been moved to Monday,” Sammy recalled laughing. “On Monday we showed up at the field at the apportioned time and there was no Portland.” He added: “Apparently, Portland’s flight was not arriving until the next day. Naturally we demanded to win by forfeit, but they said ‘no’ and rescheduled the game for Tuesday. What can you do?”

Abay was demoted to second division nine years ago after the team came near bottom at ESFNA’s 21st tournament held at Seahawk Stadium in Seattle, Washington in 2004. “We’ve been trying to climb up ever since,” Sammy enthused. “It feels good to be back in the big league.”

Below is a slideshow of images courtesy of Tadias staff, our readers, the Abay team and other promoters who attended the soccer tournament as well as highlights of various musical and cultural festivities that took place in D.C. and the surrounding areas last week.

Click here for our Washington, D.C. correspondent Tsedey Aragie’s exclusive video interview with the Ethiopian Rock band Jano, who played for the first time outside of Ethiopia on July 4th at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.

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Events

Ethiopia: Creating a Culture of Progress – Book Talk at Sankofa in DC

July 7, 2013 Tadias Magazine

UPDATE: Click here for Tadias Interview with Dr. Samuel Wolde-Yohannes

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – What does progress mean in the context of modern Ethiopia? The latest book by Dr. Samuel Wolde-Yohannes explores this timely subject from a cultural and philosophical standpoint in a new paperback entitled: Ethiopia: Creating a Culture of Progress.

“This book offers a voice of context and reflection that fills a vital gap in the present discourse of Ethiopian history, politics, and modernization efforts,” said organizers, announcing an upcoming book signing at Sankofa bookstore in D.C. on Sunday, July 14th.

The author, Dr. Samuel, who is currently a professor of philosophy at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as the youngest of 12 children in his family. He attended Lycee Gebre-Mariam in the Ethiopian capital and subsequently joined the seminary both in Ethiopia and Ireland. He taught at Addis Ababa University for four years, and holds MA and PhD degrees in philosophy from The Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He has written four books and several articles focusing on Ethiopian thought tradition and current affairs.

In his most recent work, Ethiopia: Creating a Culture of Progress, Dr. Samuel argues that legal, political, and economic systems do not produce progress nor transform nations in any substantial way by themselves unless the culture of the nation is addressed first and foremost.

“There are many books which deal with Ethiopia’s numerous problems from the perspective of economics, political science and sociology; each offering their specialized solutions. This book does not neatly fit in any one of them,” Samuel notes in an excerpt from the book.
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If You Go:
Sunday, July 14 @ 6pm
Sankofa Books
2714 Georgia Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
202-234-4755
www.sankofa.com

For those interested in purchasing the book, it’s on Amazon.
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Events, Featured

Ethiopian Rock Band Jano to Perform in DC During Soccer Tournament

June 15, 2013 Tadias Magazine 1 Comment

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Saturday, June 15th, 2013

Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – Members of the new Ethiopian rock band, Jano, will make their U.S. debut on July 4th, 2013 at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. during this year’s gathering of Ethiopians in the District for the annual soccer tournament and cultural festival.

Organizers told Tadias that the group recently gave an interview to CNN while in Addis Ababa to mark the launch of their highly anticipated international tour.

“They have progressive sounds. It’s very new and very different. Nothing like this ever came out of Ethiopia,” the band’s New York-based producer Bill Laswell told Tadias last summer, speaking about the young ten-member team that fuses Ethiopian sounds with heavy guitar, drum and other instruments. “You hear old songs by singers from the 60′s inside of the rock,” he said. “Another interpretation that might upset some people but carries on the tradition in a modern way.”

Laswell added: “These are modern instruments but it does not overlook the kirar, it does not overlook masinko, it does not overlook the traditional singing, the church music and the power of the tradition. It does not take that for granted. They don’t join the ranks of Ethiopian music, they break the rules.”

Watch: The Ethiopian Rock Band Jano – Interview with Producer Bill Laswell (TADIAS)

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If you go:
Jano: Direct from Ethiopia
Thursday, July 4th, 2013
The Howard Theatre
620 T Street, Northwest,
Washington, D.C.20001
Phone: (202) 803-2899
More info on the show: 201 220 3442
Thehowardtheatre.com

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Reviews

Photos: DC’s Historic Howard Theatre Reopens After 30-Year Hiatus

April 14, 2012 Tadias Magazine 2 Comments

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Sunday, April 15, 2012

Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – After three decades of being out-of-use, the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. reopened on Monday, April 9th following a $29 million renovation. The ribbon cutting and community day event was attended by local residents and officials, including Mayor Vincent Gray, Rep. Eleanor Norton, Councilmember Jim Graham and former DC Mayor and current councilman Marion Barry.

During its heyday the Howard Theatre, which opened in 1910 a few blocks away from Howard University, was one of the most prominent symbols of African-American culture in the United States. The music legends that graced its stage include Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, the Supremes, and many others.

The restored venue also attracted celebrities to the opening gala on Thursday, April 12th. The star-studded guest list included Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Dionne Warwick, Smokey Robinson, and Motown records founder Berry Gordy.

“I remember seeing a show here once with James Brown,” Mayor Gray said, speaking at the April 9th ceremony. “In the middle of his show, James Brown stopped, put everybody out of the band, and went through the band and played every instrument, that was the caliber person he was.”

New York chef and restauranter Marcus Samuelsson, who attended the event, is in charge of the menu for the newly refurbished music hall.

Below is a slide show of photos from the opening by Matt Andrea for Tadias Magazine.

News

DC9 Reaches Out to the Ethiopian Community

February 17, 2011 Tadias Magazine

Above: The owners of the DC9 bar are trying to mend fences
with the community after a rift caused by violence in October.

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Thursday, February 17, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The owners of the DC9 nightclub are reaching out to their Ethiopian neighbors, in hopes of healing the wounds caused by a violent incident last October in which five former club employees were accused of beating 27-year old Ethiopian immigrant Ali Ahmed Mohammed. Mr. Mohammed died a short while later at a hospital after he was found unconscious outside the popular nightspot. The city’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration had encouraged the bar to bridge the rift with the community during a January 19 hearing.

Per Washington City Paper: On Tuesday, “DC9 held a fundraiser for Ethiopian charities from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Though the event wasn’t advertised via the club’s event calendar, fliers were distributed in the vicinity of the establishment. At a January 19 Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration hearing, the liquor board urged the club to reach out to members of the local Ethiopian community in light of the death of Ethiopian-American Ali Ahmed Mohammed outside the club in October. The club had another hearing today, at which the board inquired about DC9’s efforts to heal the rift that may have been caused by Mohammed’s death. DC9 owner Joe Englert mentioned that his “neighbors have been very nice,” and that he has “an extensive partnership with several people in Little Ethiopia.” He also mentioned DC9’s fundraiser, and how it netted $2000 in pledges. Thirty people attended, Englert said.”

Ali Ahmed Mohammed (Family photo)

According to the newspaper, during the most recent hearing a board member suggested that DC9 change its name: “Remaining open under the same moniker could be seen as an affront to Little Ethiopia,” the board member explained. But the club owner didn’t seem too enthused: “I’m glad to change the outside of the place,” he said. “A different color. A different look.”

Meanwhile, the factual inquiry into Ali’s case continues. In December, the city’s Medical Examiner’s office ruled that the manner of death was “homicide.”

The former employees have stated that they are innocent.
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Cover photo: dcnine.com

Ali Ahmed Mohammed (Family photo)

Death in DC9 Case Ruled a Homicide

Watch: Ali Ahmed’s Family Says Death Ruled Homicide

Family of Ali Ahmed Mohammed Says Death Ruled Homicide: MyFoxDC.com

Events, Featured

Aster Aweke To Perform Live At New Year’s Day Concert in D.C.

December 28, 2010 Tadias Magazine 16 Comments

Above: Aster Aweke is scheduled to perform live this weekend
in Washington, D.C. at an event ushering in the new year.(CP)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New York (Tadias) – Aster Aweke, one of Ethiopia’s best known contemporary musicians, will perform live at a New Year’s Day concert in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 1st, 2011.

According to the organizers, the Singer/Songwriter — who will soon mark the beginning of her fourth decade as an artist in the U.S. — will treat her fans to samples of her popular classics as well as new songs from her recently released album entitled Checheho.

Aster has often been dubbed “‘Africa’s Aretha Franklin’ for her compelling combination of driving grooves and soulful vocals, singing of love, loss and life.”

“For more than 30 years, Aster Aweke has been entertaining audiences across the globe,” says her label, Kabu Records, in its introduction of her new CD. “Her songs have become anthems to her fans in Ethiopia, as well as to Ethiopians living abroad, and she continues to win the hearts and minds of world music lovers.”

Her latest release, and 23rd album, is named after a city in Gondar that is nearby the singer’s birthplace. According to Kabu Records, Checheho was produced in collaboration with her longtime arranger, Abegasu Kibrework Shiota, and also features the work of several new producers, including Elias Melka, Abiy Arka, and Dawit Tilahun. “This electrifying album is sure to delight long-time and new fans alike.”

Aster is currently working on another album featuring compilations of her hit songs.

If You Go:
EthioStar Entertainment Presents:
Aster Aweke Live on New Year’s day
Saturday, January 01, 2011 at 10:00 PM
At DC Star (2135 Queens Chapel Rd)
Washington, Dc 20018
For VIP & more info: 240.478.5513 or 301.957.1116
Also, you may visit: EthioStarEnt.Com
Buy Tickets at: Asterawekeindc.eventbrite.com/

Video: Aster Aweke’s New Release – Checheho (Posted by WorldAfricaMusic )

Events, News

Photos: 2010 Artists for Charity Fundraiser

December 6, 2010 Tadias Magazine

Tadias Magazine
Events News
Photos by Matt Andrea

Published: Monday, December 6, 2010

New York (Tadias) – Artists for Charity hosted its 4th Annual Holiday Benefit Art Auction this past weekend. The network of artists, volunteers and donors operate a home for HIV positive orphans in Addis Ababa. The 2010 gathering took place on Saturday, December 4th at the WVSA Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Here are images from the event:

Auctioneer Steven Talbot, AFC Founder Abezash Tamerat and her daughter getting ready to start the live auction.

A painting of Cherkos up for bid.

Omo Valley portrait.

Addis street scene by Solomon Asfaw.

Steven Talbot and Michael Astatkie discuss an AFC child’s art.

Bidders at the 2010 AFC art Auction.

At the 2010 Artists for Charity Fundraiser.
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Learn more about AFC at Artistsforcharity.org.

Featured

4th Annual Artists for Charity Holiday Benefit

December 2, 2010 Tadias Magazine 1 Comment

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Friday, December 3, 2010

New York (Tadias) – With the holiday season upon us and in this season of giving, we’d like to highlight the work of Artists for Charity (AFC) – a network of artists, volunteers and donors who operate a home for HIV positive orphans in Addis Ababa. The non-profit organization will hold its 4th Annual Holiday Benefit Art Auction, featuring the work of emerging and established artists, on Saturday, December 4th at the WVSA Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The AFC Children’s Home got its start seven years ago after its founder Abezash Tamerat, a young soul-searching artist traveled to Ethiopia and learned firsthand about the impact of HIV/AIDS on children.

In her bio that she sent to Tadias, Tamerat states: “In 2003, I traveled to Ethiopia and saw first-hand the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. Having lost their parents to the deadly virus, many children were left unable to fend for themselves as orphans. Relatives took in these children only to find the bonds of family too weak to overcome the stigma of AIDS in Ethiopia; they were neglected and abused by the very people they looked to for help. Having grown up in the foster care system in the United States I knew that these children deserved better. They deserved the same opportunities that I received. Compelled to act, I started a children’s home for HIV-positive double orphans who had been turned away by other childcare organizations because of their age, poor health, or disability. I was ridiculed at first. People asked me why I would start a home for dying children. At that time, there were no guarantees that these children would live to see their next birthday. But for as long as they are given hope, the spirit in children is strong. Surrounded by a loving environment, placed on a nutritious diet, and provided life-saving antiretroviral medication, these children have not only survived – they have thrived.”

Artists for Charity Founder Abezash Tamerat. (Photo Courtesy of Artistforcharity.org)

Fast forward to 2010 and the home still provides all the basic necessitates for these children, such as food, shelter, medical attention, school fees and supplies. The group also has other projects, including an Artist-in-Residency program which allows qualified volunteers to spend up to a year in Ethiopia while sharing their creative talent with AFC children.

“Seven years later, Artists for Charity is going strong,” Abezash says. “We have grown into an international network of artists, volunteers, and donors; each is dedicated to our mission — proving that many people working together can accomplish much for those who need hope the most. If you feel compelled, I hope you choose to join us and become an Artist for charity.”

The annual art auction, which helps to raise funds for the organization, is scheduled for Saturday, December 4th in Washington, D.C.

If You Go:
AFC’s 4th Annual Holiday Benefit & Art Auction
WVSA Gallery (1100 16th Street, NW)
Advance tickets: $20
Ticktes at the door: $25
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Learn more at Artistforcharity.org

Video: Artists for Charity Children’s Home

Featured, Interviews, Podcast

Tadias TV Explores Washington’s Ethiopian Neighborhood

November 14, 2010 Tadias Magazine

Tadias TV
Video by Kidane Mariam

Posted: Sunday, November 14, 2010

New York (Tadias) – We recently took a quick trip to Washington’s U Street neighborhood nicknamed ‘Little Ethiopia.’ Andrew Laurence, a long time resident of D.C. – whom CNN recently called the “unofficial historian” of the block – shared with us some interesting insights.

Here is Tadias TV’s brief tour led by Andrew Laurence.

Video: Tadias TV Explores Washington’s Ethiopian Neighborhood

Featured, News

Simon Bahta On America’s Most Wanted

April 18, 2010 Tadias Magazine 56 Comments

Above: Simon Bahta Asfeha (R) has been added to America’s
Most Wanted list, intensifying the search to find him for the
killings of Seble Tessema (left) and their 3-year-old daughter.

Update: Simon Bahta Arrested in New York City

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Sunday, April 18, 2010

New York (Tadias) – Police in Alexandria, Virginia, have turned to America’s Most Wanted TV show in an effort to locate Simon Bahta Asfeha, the prime suspect in the grisly murder of his girlfriend – 27-year old Seble Tessema – and their 3-year-old daughter.

According to the suspect’s profile on the crime show’s fugitives list, Asfeha, who has been known to use the name Simon Bahta, “may have sought refuge in the large Washington, D.C., area Ethiopian community or in a homeless shelter.”

Police were respondeding to reports of domestic disturbance on April 11, 2010 at a high-rise complex in Alexandria’s West End neighborhood when they discovered the mother and her child dead, with their throats slashed, according to media reports. “They found two victims deceased on an apartment on the 14th floor. We’re investigating the case as a suspicious death right now,” said Deputy Chief of Alexandria Police Blaine Corle.

Watch this video report from Fox DC:

Read the case on America’s Most Wanted Web site.

Simon Bahta may be driving a 1999 silver Acura with Virginia tags XKS-1522. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV. The show’s website notes that callers can remain anonymous.
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Related – Tadias Magazine’s editorial published on Wednesday, March 31, 2010:
Re: The Recent String of High-Profile Violent Crimes Involving Ethiopian Immigrants (Video)

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