In the Atlas neighbourhood, cash notes are part of the decorative scene on a stage in Mimi’s Addis, a popular restaurant and lounge on Namibia Street. Seemingly oblivious to the money at his feet, Addis Legesse, a newcomer to the music scene, was performing the nostalgic song ‘Temar Lije’, mesmerising an audience immersed in the moment. The singer was paying tribute to the legendary singer, Alemayehu Eshetu, who passed away earlier this month.

Drinks were flowing onto the tables, but smiles have faded. The audience seems to have mixed feelings. They were celebrating the legacy of the Ethiopian music industry figure, trying to impersonate his graceful moves, majestic and ‘Elvis Presley’ like music genre. Yet, they were gripped by a sense of loss. Attracted by the inviting live music, more and more patrons were taking up the vacant seats. Mostly young people, the crowd had come to Mimi's Addis unwind.

The main attraction is the live music in the lounge's ample outdoor seating area, sprawled on roughly 600sqm of land.

When Mimi's Addis first opened its doors three years ago, little thought was given to hiring bands and musicians for live performances. Serving customers with a staff of 20, the establishment would only feature live music once a week, at most. However, in the past year, Mimi's has brought out performers three times a week to meet growing demand from its patrons. The change is inimical to what was observed in Addis Abeba's nightlife in recent years, when DJs were all the rage.

The Mimi's scene represents a return to an era past when live music was the bread and butter of those in the entertainment industry.

Sheri Mesfin, a.k.a DJ Sheri, has witnessed the shift to live music. He has worked as a DJ for over two decades, including six years at the Gaslight nightclub of the Sheraton Addis. He recalled this is the second time over the past decade that the city is showing a preference for live music, influenced by the diaspora community.

“It's great for the industry as many musicians are now coming out,” said Sheri.

DJ Sheri plays at Mimi’s Addis on Thursdays and Wube Bereha Lounge on Saturdays. He also performs at the Hyatt Regency once a month, in a show that attracts large crowds.

The trend is also a golden opportunity for musicians and lounges alike to earn money and build a reputation. It is also a welcome change for many who want to enjoy a good night out.

This is a new normal of the nightlife for Addis Abeba, according to Surafel Kebede, general manager at Mimi's.

"It's a gold mine for the musicians and to everyone turning this into a business opportunity," said Surafel.

He has a point to drive home. The proliferation of bars and nightclubs offering live music is changing the night scene of the capital. Leaving aside the country's volatile situation, these venues seem oblivious to the ever-rising cost of living and the ongoing civil war. They are the preferred choice for those who want to relax and enjoy a night out with friends. The influence of pre-existing live music spots such as Music Revolution, V-Lounge, and Mesafint Bet has also contributed to the shift in preferences.

Kidus Hintsaye, in his late twenties, first fell for live music on a Tuesday night almost two years ago at Music Revolution, also located along Namibia Street. Though he stumbled on the lounge by chance, live performances by Shewandagn Hailu kept him coming back. He now enjoys the shows once or twice a week with friends, depending on how much he spends.

“They're costly, but at least we know the artists are getting a good share of it,” said Kidus.

He spends as much as 5,000 Br on a night out with a group of three or four friends. He finds clubs with live music attractive for their relative safety, as opposed to clubs with DJs. They are hectic and prone to arguments and brawls between habitues.

“I can be certain of my safety in places with live music as there is little chance of fights breaking out,” he said.

The new demand for live performances comes with its own pressures for the hosting venues. Despite generating revenues as much as half a million Birr or more on a night with live performances, representing up to 50pc more than on nights without the band, the bars have to contend with remuneration for the musicians. They spend close tens of thousands of Birr a night on bands and an additional 10,000 Br for performers who come solo. The bars charge double the usual for a beer to make up for the expenses, reaching as much as 80 Br. Should customers want hard drinks, they would be asked to pay three or four times the retail price of the drinks at liquor stores.

However, the demand shows no signs of slowing down, and business is good for Mimi's. The performers who take the stage there are pleased with it.