In a country where criticising the authorities has often landed people in trouble, the latest song from Ethiopia's biggest musician, Teddy Afro, which appears to condemn the government, is attracting significant attention.
Teddy Afro's track 'Das Tal' – meaning 'put up the tent' in English – has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube since its release on Thursday. The song references a traditional mourning tent, expressing his grief for a country that he claims has been lost.
The build-up to the song's release had already drawn controversy after a preview event for journalists in the capital Addis Ababa failed to go ahead for unclear reasons. Through 'Das Tal,' the 49-year-old laments, The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away, further reflecting on the displacement felt in a land he once called home.
His past track record includes being a thorn in the side of previous governments; he was imprisoned for 16 months under politically motivated charges. His last album, 'Ethiopia,' released in 2017, focused on historical themes and called for unity among Ethiopians, but its release was blocked due to political pressure.
Now, as he prepares to address increasing tribalism and political uncertainty, Teddy Afro's music has become a powerful voice for many who share in the loss of national pride and identity. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing unrest and the approaching June elections, his message of unity resonates ever loudly.
Teddy Afro's track 'Das Tal' – meaning 'put up the tent' in English – has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube since its release on Thursday. The song references a traditional mourning tent, expressing his grief for a country that he claims has been lost.
The build-up to the song's release had already drawn controversy after a preview event for journalists in the capital Addis Ababa failed to go ahead for unclear reasons. Through 'Das Tal,' the 49-year-old laments, The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away, further reflecting on the displacement felt in a land he once called home.
His past track record includes being a thorn in the side of previous governments; he was imprisoned for 16 months under politically motivated charges. His last album, 'Ethiopia,' released in 2017, focused on historical themes and called for unity among Ethiopians, but its release was blocked due to political pressure.
Now, as he prepares to address increasing tribalism and political uncertainty, Teddy Afro's music has become a powerful voice for many who share in the loss of national pride and identity. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing unrest and the approaching June elections, his message of unity resonates ever loudly.
