Ethiopia’s Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center
In June 2024, Addis Ababa University inaugurated the Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center at the Yared School of Music, a milestone in Ethiopia’s cultural and educational landscape. Named after Professor Ashenafi Kebede (1938–1998), a composer, ethnomusicologist, and pioneering music educator, the center celebrates his enduring legacy and provides a modern hub for performance and learning.
Ashenafi Kebede was instrumental in shaping Ethiopia’s formal music education. After studying abroad at the Eastman School of Music and Wesleyan University, he returned home to become the first director of the Yared School of Music. Known for blending Ethiopian traditional music with global influences, his compositions — such as Koturasia — bridged cultural boundaries. Kebede also documented Ethiopia’s rich musical heritage, particularly the art of the azmari, and authored scholarly works including Roots of Black Music.
The performing arts center embodies Kebede’s vision of music as both cultural preservation and innovation. Equipped with a modern auditorium, rehearsal spaces, and classrooms, it serves as a venue for local and international performances while nurturing the next generation of Ethiopian musicians. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who inaugurated the center, emphasized its role in enlightening youth and harnessing Ethiopia’s cultural wealth.
Under the leadership of pianist Girma Yifrashewa, the center aims to foster a vibrant cultural exchange and inspire young artists to explore Ethiopia’s musical heritage. By offering performance opportunities, education, and international collaboration, it is set to become a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s cultural revival.
The Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center is more than a building — it is a tribute to a visionary who championed Ethiopia’s music on the global stage and a beacon for future generations of artists.
Contact Information:
Yared School of Music, Addis Ababa University
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Instagram/TikTok/X: @AK_PerArtCenter