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Apr 6 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

A Tale of Two Cities Addis and Dire

A 90's music clip kicks off with a fast-paced electronic beat, instantly taking you to a nightclub. Berhanu Tezera - one-half of the legendary duo Lafonte - delivers the opening lyrics with his signature husky, melancholic voice. Ij Ansetem Tolo (We Will Not Surrender Easily) became an instant hit,...

Mar 30 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

Mary Armede Done That, Seen It All

A small café near the Vatican Embassy (Apostolic Nunciature) at the turn of the millennium takes me back to my carefree university days. It was my favorite retreat during school breaks, a place where I would sit on the veranda, sip coffee, and immerse myself in Russian literature, all while soaking in the fresh air and serenity of the neighbourhood. Having grown up there, I have a special connection to the area. The ubiquitous adhan (call to prayer) from the nearby Abadir Mosque was the familiar and soothing soundtrack of my childhood. The imposing presence of the Vatican and Indonesian Embas...


Mar 23 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

Sweat, Smiles, and Saddle Sores A Change in Perspective

When I received my newly prescribed reading glasses, I was intrigued by their dual function. The lenses were segmented: the upper half for reading, while the lower half protected against UV rays and screen glare from PCs and mobile devices. Additionally, they had photochromatic properties - remaining transparent indoors and darkening when exposed to UV light. Given that Addis Ababa's UV index is typically high, such precautionary measures are necessary. Interestingly, these glasses reminded me of how reality itself shifts depending on perspective. Being on the higher side of the BMI scale d...


Mar 16 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

Celebrating GebreKristos Desta

My first encounter with GebreKristos Desta's work was through his poem Yemejemeriaw Ken (The First Day). The verse brief and direct, rapidly escalates toward the climax of the story. In fewer than half a dozen stanzas, he captures the meeting of a man and a woman. Dining and enjoying glasses of what I presume to be wine, their subtle cues, flirtatious glances and playful touches culminate with them in each other's arms. It was amazing how, with so few words, he painted such vivid and powerful imagery. At the poem's end was a name unfamiliar to me: GebreKristos Desta. What surprised me even...

View From Arada

Mar 9 , 2025

Farewell to An Oriental Culinary Gem

When I was savouring my favourite dish at the China Bar and Restaurant, Assorted Noodles and Beef Sizzling, I did not realize it would be my last meal in a place I had frequented for close to 15 years...

Mar 2 , 2025

Push the Edge, Grasp the Dream

Sometimes, the unexpected happens when daily routine is disrupted for no clear reason. That was my experience one morning in February 2025. I had gone to bed late, as I often do when something lingers...

Feb 23 , 2025

Treating Passwords Like Toothbrush, Virtual Schemes Endanger Unsuspecting Public

I spent a quiet Saturday afternoon at one of my favourite hideaways, La Patisserie Cafe, known for its excellent pastries and coffee. While my car was being washed, I enjoyed a slice of cake and a cup...

Feb 16 , 2025

Social Fitness is Key to Long, Happy Life

My parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary was an unforgettable event. I started the day by picking up a bouquet of roses and a heartfelt postcard. Stopping by Robera Coffee for an espresso and a quick...

Feb 9 , 2025

A Rebirth of a Royal Gem in Addis Abeba

My first visit to a palace was Ankober Palace, in the North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State about a decade ago. A relatively small, two-story medieval structure, it sits atop a hill, built in a tra...

Feb 1 , 2025

Misconceptions, Hasty Judgments Lead to Costly Mistakes

I had an errand to run, dropping off some clothes at Sunshine Laundry, my go-to spot for its quality service and convenient hours. The parking attendants guided me to an open space, and I quickly wen...

Jan 25 , 2025

Inflation's Lingering Impact, the Need for Stronger Consumer Protection

According to Statista, a platform that aggregates vital data and provides future projections through advanced analytics, Ethiopia's inflation trend is expected to decline steadily in the coming decade...

Jan 18 , 2025

Roha Band Creates a Legacy Carved in Stone

Some bands define a generation and leave a lasting mark, becoming anthems for their time. The Beatles, a renowned group from the 1960s to the late 1980s, hold the record for 180 million certified albu...

Jan 11 , 2025

A Journey Down Memory Lane, Alumni Reunion

When a couple of old elementary school friends started chatting on WhatsApp, I was curious but unsure what they were planning. Soon, they created a group named after our elementary school and graduati...

Jan 4 , 2025

A Pinch of Music, Tragedy, Tech Shifts

I would rank December as one of the best months in 2024. I may be biased by the fact that it was a vacation time for me, enjoying exciting travels during the Christmas season, and finally taking time...

Dec 28 , 2024

Humility in Victory, Denial in Defeat

The boxing arena erupted with the shouts of expectant crowds as the long-awaited rematch for the world heavyweight championship unfolded. This bout was a sequel to the controversial first fight betwee...

Dec 21 , 2024

The Power of Memes in Shaping Cultural Evolution

A person's hand is seen throwing pens into an empty wine glass while the Christmas carol "Jingle Bells" plays in the background. The goal is to create a viral video by successfully landing one pen in...

Dec 14 , 2024

Honouring Uncelebrated Contemporary Achievers

I didn't realize while watching Gladiator Part Two that Ejigayehu Shibabaw, (a.k.a. Gigi), a renowned Ethiopian singer, was among the vocalists featured. Gigi, celebrated for her extraordinary vocal r...

Dec 7 , 2024

Cherishing the Loved Ones A Reflection on Life, Loss, and Loneliness

The cinema hall at the National Theatre was nearly empty, with just half a dozen people attending, including two projectionists running the movie from a laptop. The film, part of a three-day Japanese...

Nov 30 , 2024

No Pain, No Gain Detour Until the Dust Settles

One morning, I had the rare chance to drop off my son at his class at Addis Abeba University. Being on vacation made this possible. Under normal circumstances, getting to work on time and drop-offs is...

Nov 23 , 2024

A Verdant Oasis in a Concrete Jungle

I found myself savouring the first leisurely moments of my vacation. Sitting at John Graham's corner in the Olympiakos Greek Club, the world slowed down for a while. With good dinner and a tangy crisp...


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Last week, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, anno...

Editorial | Apr 6 , 2025

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Fenta Atele gazes at the shrinking shores of Lake Abaya, in Southern Regional State, worry...

Featured | Mar 16 , 2025 . By YITBAREK GETACHEW

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Residents gathered anxiously two weeks ago in a parking lot nestled within Noah Real Estat...

Agenda | Apr 6 , 2025 . By AKSAH ITALO

Grading Mandate Roils Addis Abeba Schools

Despite their ownership status, schools in Addis Abeba will have to undergo a standardised...

Fortune News | Apr 6 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER