In a country where criticising the authorities has often landed people in trouble, the latest song from Ethiopia's biggest musician – which appears to condemn the government – is attracting 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, with Teddy Afro singing about grieving for a country he believes 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 was abruptly cancelled for unclear reasons. In 'Das Tal', the 49-year-old laments, 'The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away.' He continues, 'Where can someone go to mourn, where do you cry? In the place that raised me, in the village where I grew up, I have become a stranger, like someone with no country.'
Teddy Afro, whose real name is Tewodros Kassahun, has historically been a thorn in the side of Ethiopian governments. Two decades ago, he faced imprisonment for 16 months under circumstances he claims were politically motivated. His last album, released in 2017, enjoyed significant sales and topped the Billboard World Albums chart but was blocked by authorities from an official release in Ethiopia.
The context of 'Das Tal' is set against a backdrop of political unrest and ethnic tensions in Ethiopia. Amid widespread violence and a civil war in the north that has resulted in tremendous loss of life, the message of the song, which builds on concerns over increasing tribalism, resonates deeply with many Ethiopians.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who came to power after significant anti-government protests, promised unity but faces significant criticisms as violence persists. As the general election approaches, Teddy Afro's music and its implications for unity and social issues are likely to gain even more prominence in Ethiopia's public discourse.
The build-up to the song's release had already drawn controversy after a preview event for journalists in the capital Addis Ababa was abruptly cancelled for unclear reasons. In 'Das Tal', the 49-year-old laments, 'The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away.' He continues, 'Where can someone go to mourn, where do you cry? In the place that raised me, in the village where I grew up, I have become a stranger, like someone with no country.'
Teddy Afro, whose real name is Tewodros Kassahun, has historically been a thorn in the side of Ethiopian governments. Two decades ago, he faced imprisonment for 16 months under circumstances he claims were politically motivated. His last album, released in 2017, enjoyed significant sales and topped the Billboard World Albums chart but was blocked by authorities from an official release in Ethiopia.
The context of 'Das Tal' is set against a backdrop of political unrest and ethnic tensions in Ethiopia. Amid widespread violence and a civil war in the north that has resulted in tremendous loss of life, the message of the song, which builds on concerns over increasing tribalism, resonates deeply with many Ethiopians.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who came to power after significant anti-government protests, promised unity but faces significant criticisms as violence persists. As the general election approaches, Teddy Afro's music and its implications for unity and social issues are likely to gain even more prominence in Ethiopia's public discourse.
