New York (TADIAS) – In a beautiful Summer afternoon reminiscent of Addis Ababa weather, Teddy Afro performed at the 2014 SummerStage festival in New York’s Central Park on Saturday, July 5th in front of an energetic audience. Rumsey Playfield was filled to capacity with a large contingent of Ethiopian fans — some of whom had driven from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Boston. As Teddy played both old and new tunes, the crowd sang along and chanted their request for ‘Tikur Sew’ during breaks. Teddy promised to perform that song in the evening (at B.B. King’s) and then surprised them by playing their request as the final song.
Below are photos from the event. Stay tuned for video coverage.
New York (TADIAS) — The Coca-Cola Company, headquartered in Atlanta, responded to queries regarding the unreleased, Ethiopian version of Coke’s FIFA World Cup song performed by Teddy Afro. Coca Cola confirmed that Teddy’s contract was handled by a third party, Mandala Limited, a Kenyan production company based in Nairobi.
“Teddy Afro was brought into our Coke Studio in Africa to record a version of the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup song, ‘The World is Ours’ with the goal of capturing the unique genre of Ethiopian music,” a representative of The Coca-Cola Company said in an email to Tadias Magazine. “The contract with Teddy Afro was executed by a 3rd party, Mandala Limited, a production House based Nairobi and Teddy Afro was compensated in full for his efforts.”
Per the contract, Coca-Cola said, “following recording the produced track become the property of Coca-Cola CEWA to be used at the Company’s discretion. The song has not been released and there are no plans for release at this time.”
The company noted that currently there are 32 local versions of the track that have been released worldwide, but it remains unclear why Coca-Cola chose not to release the Ethiopian version.
Teddy Afro is scheduled to perform at SummerStage in New York on July 5th, gracing the popular outdoor venue along with fellow Ethiopians, Hahu Dance Crew, and Mauritania’s beloved singer Noura Mint Seymali. As organizers of SummerStage note: “Over the past ten years, Teddy has emerged as the number one voice in Ethiopia, breaking records for album sales and show attendance. He is known far and wide as the rising star of East Africa. Using Reggae rhythms combined with traditional sounds his songs are sung exclusively in the national language of Ethiopia, Amharic. Influenced by Ethiopian Maestro Tilahun Gessesse and international Reggae superstar Bob Marley, he sings of freedom from tyranny and self-emancipation.”
Over the past months, we have been under intense pressures with flooding requests to reveal our positions regarding the relationship that exist between Coca Cola and the widely rumoured involvement of Artist Tewodros Kassahun or “Teddy Afro,” on the Ethiopian Version of the World Cup Anthem. While it came as a big surprise for us to learn how Teddy Afro’s association with Coke could leak out and became almost a public knowledge considering the fact that we have made and upheld a firm contractual commitment to maintain strict confidentiality, we have now come to understand that the disclosure of Teddy’s association with Coke by producers a local FM media entertainment program was ironically, not only confirmed but even the Coke’s TV production was praised by Mr. Misikir Mulugeta, Coca Cola Brand Manager for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Undoubtedly, on behalf of Coca Cola, the local Brand Manager initiated to bring Teddy Afro with Coke TV Production to take part in the Ethiopian Version of World Cup Anthem. We welcomed the request in absolute good faith since the project brings our lovely motherland to the spot light of world cup spectators around the globe on its positive side and make Ethiopians presence in this major global sporting event, highly anticipated by large number of the world population, visibly felt as part of our contribution to image building efforts to our country and people. In addition to this, we were also mindful that upon its release, the Ethiopian version of the World Cup Anthem will heighten and enhance worldwide recognition and reputation of Teddy Afro’s artistic image and personality.
In response to our unwavering allegiance to our esteemed motherland and fans among humanities at home and abroad, our involvement was appropriate and justified. On his part, Teddy Afro invested his time, energy, and artistic wisdom to his level best in his bid to achieve the best possible TV production on the Ethiopian Version of the World Cup Anthem. He was perfectly aware that his participation in the Coke Studio project had among others, a daunting mission of bringing the image of Ethiopia in to global attention through world class brand and not prompted by a negligible and token advantage acquired from commercial ad to promote certain products.
New York (TADIAS) — Ethiopian pop superstar Teddy Afro and the Addis Ababa-based dance crew, Hahu (winners of 2011 Ethiopian Idol), will perform at this year’s SummerStage in New York on July 5th. The free outdoor concert is part of an annual three-month music festival highlighting “performances spanning World and American music, modern dance, spoken word, electronic music, and family programming.”
The announcement notes that “Over the past ten years, Teddy has emerged as the number one voice in Ethiopia, breaking records for album sales and show attendance. He is known far and wide as the rising star of East Africa. Using Reggae rhythms combined with traditional sounds his songs are sung exclusively in the national language of Ethiopia, Amharic. Influenced by Ethiopian Maestro Tilahun Gessesse and international Reggae superstar Bob Marley, he sings of freedom from tyranny and self-emancipation.”
Hahu Dance Group is a contemporary group that aims to promote Ethiopian culture, art and indigenous knowledge globally. Hahu “represents Ethiopian multiculturalism, by including four traditional dancers each hailing from different ethnic groups, showing a true sense of community. The groups early works were inspired by the poor Addis neighborhoods and performances were focused on community awareness creation and empowerment,” the announcement states.
Also scheduled to share the stage with the Ethiopian artists is Noura Mint Seymali – one of Mauritania’s nationally beloved music stars.
Central Park SummerStage is an open air venue, located at Rumsey Playfield, which is right off the 5th Avenue and 69th Street entrance to Central Park.
— If You Go:
Saturday, July 5 at 3:00 PM
Rumsey Playfield – Central Park
New York, New York
You can learn more at www.facebook.com/SummerStageNYC
New York (TADIAS) – It is poised to be an exciting summer for Ethiopian music on the East Coast with live concerts that include the highly anticipated U.S. debut of Jano band; the Addis Ababa-based duet, Munit and Jorg; the return of Fendika direct from Ethiopia; a joint performance by Teddy Afro and Mahmoud Ahmed; as well as the first American tour by The London-based trio, Krar Collective.
Jano, which leads the pack in publicity and expectation, was recently featured on CNN in preparation for their upcoming show at the historic Howard Theater in Washington, D.C. on July 4th.
The super-group Fendika that consists of six world class dancers and Azmari artists, once again bring its exhilarating mix of Ethiopian music and dance to audiences in the United States, highlighting the wealth of diversity of Ethiopia’s musical traditions. Fendika is currently in the Midwest, and is scheduled to perform on July 2nd at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in Washington D.C., followed by a concert at the Lincoln Center Atrium, in NYC on July 4th, as well as in Boston at Hibernian Hall on July 7th.
Living legends Mahmoud Ahmed and Teddy Afro will share the stage on July 5th at Echostage in D.C.
Also in Washington, we are told, Ethiopian and German duet, Munit and Jorg, will launch their U.S. tour with a concert on July 1st at Tropicalia Dance Club. Organizers said the show will open with a performance by Feedel Band and will be hosted by the Seattle-based hip-hop musician Gabriel Teodros.
Below is a slideshow of flyers and photos courtesy of the promoters.
— If You Go:
Jano in DC
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
Legend & Superstar
Mahmoud Ahmed | Teddy Afro
Echo Stage in DC, July 5th
2135 QUEENS CHAPEL ROAD NE,
WASHINGTON, DC 20018
PHONE: 202.440.4301
FOR TABLES & GENERAL INFO: www.echostage.com
Munit & Jorg in DC
w/ Feedel Band + Dj set by Tooth Pick
Hosted by Gabriel Teodros
Monday July 1st
Tropicalia (lower level)
2001 14th st NW
Washington, D.C. Click here for ticket info.
Learn more about Munit and Jorg on their Facebook page.
Krar Collective, DJ Sirak in New York
July 21st, 2013 | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Central Park
More info and directions at www.cityparksfoundation.org
Watch: CNN’s Errol Barnett interviews Jano Band in Addis
New York (TADIAS) – Teddy Afro performed live at B.B. King Blues Club in New York last night in continuation of his current Tikur Sew world tour. Teddy was the first Ethiopian artist to perform at the acclaimed Manhattan venue that is renowned for showcasing world-class musical talents.
Brooklyn-based musician Tomás Doncker opened the evening featuring collaborative work with guitar legend Selam Woldemariam.
Teddy’s latest album, Tikur Sew (black person) is on pace to become the number one selling Ethiopian album of all time.”
Video: Tikur Sew – Teddy Afro – HD English version – Ethiopia Music (2012)
New York (TADIAS) – Teddy Afro and Abogida Band will perform live at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan later this month in continuation of their current world tour, which included a concert in support of the Walyas at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Organizers said Teddy will be the first Ethiopian to perform at the acclaimed NYC venue that is renowned for showcasing world-class musical talent.
Brooklyn-based musician Tomás Doncker will open the evening highlighting his traveling musical production that pays tribute to Ethiopia’s role during World War II and featuring collaborative work with guitar legend Selam Woldemariam.
The event’s announcement noted that Teddy, who has dominated the Ethiopian music scene for nearly a decade, has garnered a global base of loyal and adoring fans as well as political foes who are opposed to his iconoclastic views expressed in his socially conscious lyrics that cover topics including politics, history, peace, love, justice, and equality.
The iconic Ethiopian artist was born in the Kuas Meda area of Addis Ababa, on July 14, 1976. “His late father, Kassahun Germamo, was a renowned Ethiopian songwriter, while his mother, Tilaye Arage, was a professional dancer,” the press release said. “Despite his parents being involved in the entertainment industry, they discouraged Teddy from becoming a musician.”
The announcement added: “Since signing with an Ethiopian record label in 2001, the pop star has officially released 6 albums: Abugida (2001), Tarik Tesera (2004), Yasteseryal (2005), Yasteseryal Edition 2 (2005), Best Collection-Nahom Volume 14 (2006), Tikur Sew (2012). His latest album, Tikur Sew (black person), smashed Ethiopian record sales and is on pace to become the number one selling Ethiopian album of all time.”
— If You Go:
Teddy Afro with Abogida Band
February 22, 2013
B.B. King Blues Club
37 West 42 St (212) 997-4144
New York, NY 10036
Showtime @ 11:59PM
Doors Open @ 11:00PM
Tickets $40.00 in advance, $50.00 day of show
Reserved VIP Booth on floor available for 4 & 6 people
$50 adv/$60 Day of Show per ticket – Must buy entire booth
A booth for 4 = $200/$240
A booth for 6 = $300/$360 Click here to learn more.
Video: Teddy Afro – Lambadina
Watch: Teddy Afro New 2012 – Tikur Sew official music video
New York (TADIAS) – Teddy Afro will perform live in Johannesburg, South Africa this weekend at “Go Walya Africa Cup Kick-Off Party.”
The event, which is organized by the group Sefer Addis, is scheduled to take place at Sandton Convention Center (near Mandela Square) on Saturday, January 19th.
Organizers said Teddy will be accompanied by Abogida Band.
— If You Go: Tikur Sew in South Africa
January 19th, 2013 Sandton Convention Center
Johannesburg, South Africa
Call: +27835534388 or +27712104358
— In Pictures: Photographs From Teddy Afro’s Concert in DC (November 23rd, 2012)
New York (TADIAS) – As a young boy growing up in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia where his mother worked at the local movie theater, Tamirat Mekonen Teklu, 31, — the director and cinematographer of Teddy Afro’s latest music video Tikur Sew — dreamed of one day becoming a filmmaker. And judging from early reactions to his newest gig, Tamirat’s directorial debut, only three years after receiving a scholarship to study at New York Film Academy, appears to be a smashing success.
TADIAS caught up with Tamirat shortly after he returned to his home in Washington, D.C., following the launch of the music video in Ethiopia last week.
“For 75 days, we worked 18-19 hours a day, non-stop,” he told us. “This was my first project after graduating from film school, so I was working under a lot of pressure.” He added: “My whole Ethiopian filmmaking family had great expectations about this project. At the end of the day, it was a great experience for the whole team.”
Tikur Sew (Amharic for black person), is Teddy Afro’s tribute to the legacy of Menelik II, the emperor who led Ethiopia during the world-famous Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896. Scoring a decisive military victory against the invading Italian forces Adwa was an event that changed the course of history not only for Ethiopians, but also for the colonial ambitions of a major European power, forcing Italy to recognize the sovereignty of an African nation.
“I really wanted to make the audience to feel and experience the six-hour historical battle,” Tamirat said. “Honestly, though, I did not expect that people would have such a positive and emotional reaction to the music video.” He added: “There were two main messages, which are found in the Amharic quote at the end of the film: ‘In order to define yourself now, you have to look at your past,'” he said. “If those who fought in the battle did not sacrifice their lives for us, we would have lost our culture and identity. We would not be who we are today.”
Tamirat continued: “There was a price that was paid for us to be the only non-colonized African nation. The last scene I created in color was a fantasy scene of the young people of our generation honoring and acknowledging what Emperor Menelik and Empress Taytu Betul accomplished.”
The behind the screens making of Tikur Sew Music Video Tamirat with the actor playing Emperor Menelik II. (photo by Sabisa Films Production)
Tamirat Mekonen with Tesfaye Wondmagegn and production crew in the making of Tikur Sew music video. (photo by Sabisa Films Production)
According to Tamirat, there were 420 actors who took part in the music video, most hailing from the theatrical arts department at Addis Ababa University. “We shot the film in four days and spent two months in post-production,” he told TADIAS. “We worked in four locations all around Addis, including Teddy Afro’s house.”
How did he get involved in the project? “The previous distributor of Tikur Sew before Adika, saw my work and introduced me to Teddy Afro’s former manager Addis Gessese, and then to Teddy Afro, himself,” he said. “After I met him, Teddy let me listen to all of the music that would be on his new CD.” He added: “Teddy and Adika were anticipating producing a DVD with a selection of four music videos from the Tikur Sew album, and I chose the title song Tikur Sew.”
“I grew up watching cinema because my mother was working in the only cinema theater in Bahir Dar.” Tamirat shared. “Every weekend she would let me sit and watch movies. Because of this, I dreamt of one day becoming a filmmaker.”
Tamirat later attended a one year certificate program in filmmaking in Addis Ababa. “I saved the money to pay for the program on my own by walking long hours in order not to have to pay for transportation and sometimes skipping lunch,” he said. “I worked on many films, including: Red Mistake, Ashenge, Albo, and the award winning Siryet. In 2009, he was awarded a Brett Ratner scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy, in New York City, where he studied cinematography. “I was also assisted by my future father-in-law Matt Andrea, who sponsored me to come to the United States,” he said.
Does he have any upcoming projects? “I am working as the director of photography on a feature film entitled Lovers’ Paradise,” he said. “We hope to start shooting around the end of September. Additionally, my company Sabisa Production is set to debut a new feature film, Sons of Sunrise, in the next two months.”
—- Watch: Tikur Sew – Teddy Afro – HD English version – Ethiopia Music (2012)
Tadias Magazine
Events News – Photos by Kidane Mariam
Published: Monday, July 19, 2010
New York (Tadias) – Teddy Afro celebrated his 34th birthday during his sold-out show in New York this past weekend.
The artist, who treated the audience to a spectacular show on Saturday night, was greeted by his adoring fans with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” as he kicked-off his concert after midnight. Organizers say between 800 – 1,000 people attended the event. A number of people also stood outside unable to find tickets.
Teddy Afro kept his audience rocking for over three hours with powerful renditions of his iconic songs and his trademark message of love and unity: Fiqir Yashenifal – Amharic for “love wins.”
Ethiopia’s biggest pop-star also took the opportunity to introduce the founders of Color Heritage Apparel, which specializes in Reggae and Ethiopian wear, and announced a possible collaboration to develop a Teddy Afro clothing line down the road. Winston Jack, the head of the fashion company tells TADIAS that they are exploring the idea but nothing is finalized yet. “It is still in the early stages of discussion,” he said. “We will announce it through a press release when it happens.”
Here are a few images from Teddy Afro’s concert in Manhattan, which took place at 630 Second Ave. on July 17, 2010.
Above:Teddy Afro is scheduled to perform in New York City on
Saturday, July 17th, 2010 at 630 Second ave, b/n 34th & 35th.
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010
New York (Tadias) – Teddy Afro’s upcoming show promises to be the city’s biggest Ethiopian music event in two years.
Teddy Afro, who is renowned as Ethiopia’s Bob Marley for his socially conscious lyrics, will stage a show in Manhattan on Saturday.
The last such big gathering in New York took place in the summer of 2008 when Ethiopiques enthusiasts and curious New Yorkers were treated to an astonishing fusion rock, jazz and eskista featuring singers Mahmoud Ahmed and Alemayehu Eshete accompanied by the Either Orchestra. The legendary duo were followed by saxophonist Getatchew Mekurya along with the Dutch band the Ex.
This weekend’s concert by Teddy Afro is part of the artist’s 2010 American tour, which was kicked off in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.
If You GO:
Teddy Afro in NYC
Sat, July 17th, 2010
630 Second ave, bet 34th and 35th Sts.
Advance tickets are $35, $40 @ the door.
VIP Package For A Group of 5 is Also Available
VIP = No waiting in line and includes bottle & table service.
VIP TIX: $350 in advance ($70 per person) or $400 @ the door.
If you’re interested in buying tickets or ordering the VIP package, please call 646-436-3022.
Related photos and videos from past events: Slideshow: Photo Journal From the historic 2008 Ethiopian concert in New York (Tadias)– Alèmayèhu Eshèté with The Either Orchestra at Damrosch Park, New York, Aug 20…
Slideshow: Teddy Afro concert at the DC Armory (Saturday, January 2, 2010) Video: Teddy Afro Pays Tribute to Legendary Singer Tilahun Gessesse in DC (2010)
Video: Teddy Afro Concert 2010 in DC (Posted by Milliano Promo)
New York (TADIAS) – Teddy Afro, Ethiopia’s biggest pop star, will perform in New York city next week.
The singer – who made an appearance at a sold-out concert in the Bay Area during the recently concluded 2010 Ethiopian Soccer Tournament – will stage a show in Manhattan on Saturday, July 17th at 630 Second ave, bet 34th and 35th streets.
Afro, born Tewodros Kassahun, is known as Ethiopia’s Bob Marley, mostly for his socially conscious lyrics and his incorporation of roots-reggae rhythms into his version of Ethiopian grooves.
He kicked off his American tour last fall in Washington, D.C.
If You GO:
Masinko and Addis Zemen Ent. present Teddy in NYC
Featuring DJ Mehari!
Sat, July 17th, 2010
630 Second ave, bet 34th and 35th Sts.
Advance tickets are $35, $40 @ the door.
VIP Package For A Group of 5 is Also Available
VIP = No waiting in line and includes bottle & table service.
VIP TIX: $350 in advance ($70 per person) or $400 @ the door.
If you’re interested in buying tickets or ordering the VIP package, please call 646-436-3022.
Related videos and photos from past events: Video: Teddy Afro Pays Tribute to Legendary Singer Tilahun Gessesse in DC (2010)
Video: Teddy Afro Concert 2010 in DC (Posted by Milliano Promo)
Slideshow: Teddy Afro concert at the DC Armory (Saturday, January 2, 2010)
Above: The crowd at Teddy Afro’s U.S. tour kickoff concert on
Saturday, January 2, 2009 at the D.C. Armory. (Bekalu Biable)
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Published: Saturday, Januray 9th, 2009
New York (Tadias) – Teddy Afro launched his 2010 U.S. tour on Saturday, January 2, 2009 at the D.C. Armory.
The sold out show marked the start of Afro’s first American tour since he was freed early from prison in August after serving 18 months of a two-year sentence for a hit-and-run incident.
The singer, who has been dubbed “Ethiopia’s Bob Marley” and the voice of “Ethiopia’s conscience,” paid a moving tribute to legendary Ethiopian singer, the late Tilahun Gessesse, at the event.
Teddy Afro plans to make concert appearances in several cities in the United States, according to promoters.
Video: Teddy Afro Concert 2010 in DC (Posted by Milliano Promo)
Video: Teddy Afro Concert 2010 in DC (Posted by Milliano Promo)
Slideshow: Teddy Afro concert at the DC Armory (Saturday, January 2, 2009)
Above:Teddy Afro, pictured here at the Rosewater Hall in San
Jose, California, is scheduled to launch his 2010 American tour
Saturday night at the D.C. Armory. (Photo by D.J. Fitsum)
Washington City Paper
Posted by Steve Kiviat on Dec. 31, 2009
Teddy Afro, Ethiopia’s biggest pop star, will kick off his 2010 American tour Saturday night at the D.C. Armory. Afro, born Tewodros Kassahun, is known as Ethiopia’s Bob Marley, thanks to his occasionally sociopolitical lyrics and his frequent use of roots-reggae rhythms. Heralded throughout the Ethiopian diaspora since 2001, Afro is little-known in the Anglo music world—he is not even mentioned at allmusic.com—but he has received some media attention here in articles discussing his attitude toward his country’s government, as well as his recent jail time. Read more.
Video:Teddy Afro live concert (San Jose, California – 2007)
If you go:
Teddy Afro Live
Sat, Jan 2, 2010 07:00 PM
DC Armory, Washington, DC
Above:“When Teddy Afro leaps onto the stage the crowd goes
wild, clapping in the air and singing along with the man seen by
many as the voice of Ethiopia’s conscience.” – AFP (Photo: Afro
at the Rosewater Hall in San Jose, California, January 2007 by
D.J. Fitsum)
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Updated: Thursday, December 31, 2009
Washington, D.C. (Tadias) – Ethiopian pop-icon Teddy Afro will make a special appearance on New Year’s eve at the Embassy Suites in Washington DC, according to the promoters.
The singer, who has been dubbed “Ethiopia’s Bob Marley” and the voice of “Ethiopia’s conscience,” will host the midnight toast.
The event will include a screening of of DICk Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2010” and the live countdown from Times Square.
Teddy Afro, who was freed early from prison in August after serving 18 months of a two-year sentence for a hit-and-run incident, is scheduled to give a solo concert at the DC Armory on January 2, 2010.
Video:Teddy Afro live concert (San Jose, California – 2007)
If you go: Date: New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2009 Location: Embassy Suites, 900 10th Street, NW,
Washington DC 20001
Above: All proceeds from Teddy’s concert will go towards
helping Ethiopia’s street children and beggars.
AFP
DDIS ABABA — When Teddy Afro leaps onto the stage the crowd goes wild, clapping in the air and singing along with the man seen by many as the voice of Ethiopia’s conscience. Fresh from his prison cell, the singer known as Ethiopia’s Michael Jackson delighted tens of thousands of fans with his benefit concert for street children on Sunday. “He was in jail for more than a year because of his songs. He wants democracy and freedom for us the Ethiopian people. We love him,” shouted Alorachew, a student attending the show at the capital’s sports stadium. Read more.
Above:Ethiopia’s most popular singer, Teddy Afro, was freed
early from prison on Thursday after serving 18 months of a
two-year sentence for hit-and-run manslaughter. (Read more).
He was sentenced for the 2006 killing of a homeless man in a hit-and-run incident, but denied driving the car. His supporters say he was the victim of a political vendetta as his lyrics were identified with the opposition. After his release eight months early for good behaviour, he told state TV that he had had “a nice time” in jail and met many good people. “I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all the people of our country,” he said. “I was able to meet many good people in prison, from the lowest-ranking policemen to the highest administrator. I had a nice time. My relations with other prisoners were also good.”
Teddy Afro is one of Ethiopia’s most popular singers. Afro, whom fans call Ethiopia’s Bob Marley, is in prison. Many are convinced that his legal troubles are related to his music. Some of Afro’s songs seem critical of Ethiopia’s government.
Listen Now
Cover Photo:Teddy Afro performing at the Rosewater Hall in
San Jose, California on January 20th, 2007 during his last U.S.
tour (Photo by D.J. Fitsum).
