Ashenafi kebede biography channel

Ethiopia recently unveiled the Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center in a ceremony graced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). Located within the Yared School of Music, this grand opening celebrates not just the institution but the extraordinary man behind its namesake. But who exactly was Ashenafi Kebede (Prof.)?

Ashenafi’s compositions are celebrated for their evocative portrayal of Ethiopia’s rural serenity, an ironic twist given his urban upbringing in Addis Ababa. Among Ethiopia’s musical elite and international aficionados, Ashenafi’s name resonates strongly, though he remains a hidden gem to the broader public. He was a maestro of classical music, a pioneering ethnomusicologist, a diligent music historian, a prolific author, and an inspiring teacher.

Ashenafi was born in 1938. His childhood, though not extensively documented, was profoundly influenced by his mother, Fantaye Nekere. “Ashenafi’s mother, Fantaye, was an artistic individual and an early source of inspiration for young Ashenafi. She taught him about Ethiopian artistic forms such as poetry and verse, which he later drew upon for his work,” one review highlights.

Ashenafi’s heritage is steeped in historical significance. His paternal grandfather, LiqeMekuwas Adinew Goshu, was a celebrate

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