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Apr 26 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

The Ararat Connection

You don't need to travel to Old Jerusalem to know that its quarters are clearly marked: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. The last, while Christian, stands apart: home to the Armenian Apostolic Church and a community that has preserved its distinct heritage for centuries. It was there, in...

Apr 20 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

Addis's Easter Art Bonanza

Passing through the grand foyer of the Sheraton Addis, I expected “The Art of Ethiopia” to be a premium event. But what I saw exceeded all expectations. Hundreds of people, mostly young, swarmed the ballroom entrance. Inside, the sheer volume of artwork, and the energy of the crowd, was overwhelming. A sign prohibiting photography caught my eye. The pieces were not only fresh on display but also actively being bought. The caution signaled a shift: art in Ethiopia is no longer a passive indulgence – it is being protected, collected, and valued. Art collection is no longer a niche hobby...


Apr 13 , 2025 . By BEREKET BALCHA

Fast and Furious on a Bumpy Road

Once in a while, even the most efficient services falter. That's what happened the day my host in the small German city of Heilbronn accompanied me to the train station for my trip to Frankfurt. With two daily train schedules available, morning and afternoon, he had chosen the latter to spare me an uncomfortable layover at the airport. It seemed like a thoughtful plan: we spent the morning packing, chatting, and enjoying a warm breakfast. Nothing suggested the chaos to come. We arrived early at the platform, casually brushing off the feisty bite of autumn cold. But as the expected arrival t...


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, capturing the relentless energy of Addis Abeba. Techno had found its place in the Ethiopian soundscape, and Lafonte embodied the spirit of the time. The two artists came from Addis's oldest and most storied neighbourhoods, Berhanu from Casanchis and Tadele from Merkato, with roots that infused th...

View From Arada

Mar 30 , 2025

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...

Mar 23 , 2025

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 s...

Mar 16 , 2025

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 hal...

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...


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Policymakers Trudge Down a Path of Punitive Taxation

Benjamin Franklin famously quipped that “nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Yet...

Editorial | Apr 26 , 2025

From Cassette, CD Dreams to Cloud Streams

Key Takeaways Kuku Sebsibie's transition to digital singles represents a shift in the...

Featured | Apr 19 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER

In the Shadows of Renewal, a Generation Struggles to Find Its Place

Takeaways: Hana Melaku's story demonstrates the personal turmoil within the broad...

Agenda | Apr 27 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER

Bound by Duty, Lawyers Fight for Fair Pay in Free Legal Aid Battle

Key Takeaways: The Ministry of Justice's directive plans to enforce pro bono work amo...

Fortune News | Apr 28 , 2025 . By NAHOM AYELE