LinkUp Addis September 2021

September 2021

ADDIS ABABA

21 "I wanted a spiritual level understanding of human beings"

Dr. Petra Raymond

Humanist, Cultural Adventurer & Urbanist

DressUp

EatUp

ListenUp

ZEWD designs and Brushedbybetty: Boldly subtle street looks

Blu: An Authentic Oriental Kitchen

Canción del Mariachi: The Misunderstood Mexican Ensemble

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Editor’s Letter

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Linkup Brief

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Dressup Street Rules

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Followup

Catchup

LinkUp Jazzy Nights; Part One

The Clay that Binds

Eatup Blu: An Asian Kitchen

Seretse:

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27 Closeup

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Dr. Petra Raymond:

Top 5 Restaurants in Africa

Think of Self-Care: Think of Hyatt Regency, Addis Ababa

Humanist, Cultural Adventurer & Urbanist

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Linkup Info Dive

Listenup CANCIÓN DEL MARIACHI

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Whatsup

Readup

Book Reviews

Thumbsup

Reelup

Movie Reviews

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Linkup

City Guide

Event, events, events, events. How encouraging the summer has been as it built its momentum month after month, finally culminating at this crossroad leading towards the beautiful spring. If August was this fruitful, one can only imagine how September might even top it. Let us take a moment to reflect on all the emerging events, venues and organizers that keep the city buzzing and alive. The last month showed some exciting recurring events take root and gain traction in their respective niches. Not to mention, the new ones following suite. LinkUp Addis alone launched 2 new flagship events (read on for more) and so did other organizers. It was a gentle reminder of how far we have all come, our dedicated team, our lovely event-goers and all proponents of good social experiences – the industry in general.

Time and time again, we are only led to believe that the future will only get brighter and more surprises are in store. I believe the best is yet to come and the coming year seems bound to be better than the last. The Ethiopian new-year is right around the corner, with prospects of new experiences, new challenges and new opportunities. So with that being the case, we would like to wish everyone a happy new-year and all the best it could possibly bring. Stay safe and stay optimistic, flip through these pages and see you next month.

Kidus Assefa Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director:

Photographers:

Thanks to:

Eyob Workineh eyob@linkupaddis.com

Abenezer Geleta Amanuel Asfaw Nathan Seyoum

Blu Asian Restaurant Brushedbybetty Goethe Institut Hyatt Regency Keste Damena Lideta Mercato The Metro Bar ZEWD designs

Editor in chief: Kidus Assefa kiduslinkup@gmail.com Marketing Director: Mathias Aklilu mathias@linkupaddis.com Partnerships Director: Eyasu Abdella eyasu@linkupaddis.com

Contributors Alula Abadi Amanu Teriessa Eyasu A. Ashenafi Haben Woldu Hasset Tsegabirhan Kidus Tamiru Michael Shiferaw Nathan Seyoum Yegeta Tsegaye Telilla

Graphic Designer: Abenezer Samuel bensamuel189@gmail.com

Cover photo: Amanuel Asfaw

LinkUp Brief August 2021

Amanu Teriessa

MindLink MindLink, LinkUp Addis’ new networking series, was held at Sapphire Addis on Friday, August 27th under the theme ‘Building a thriving tech business in the Ethiopian market’. This first edition featured Yohana Ermias, founder and CTO of eQub, and Minas Gettu, founder and CEO of New Era Research and Development (N.E.R.D) as keynote speakers. The guest speaker for the night was Meried Bekele, founder and CEO of IE Networks. Aside from the speakers, the event also featured experiential booths for Afromile, eQub, Ethio Locate, and N.E.R.D, where attendees were able to learn more about the work that the companies do as well as interact with their services and work on the spot.

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We Have a Dream ‘We Have a Dream’ is a compilation of 201 dreams from every country that was first released in Tokyo in July, then in Munich this month. The Ethiopian dream featured in the book comes from Ephrem Bekele Weldeyesus, founder and CEO of SunEko - a company that employs dancing, music, shadow art, and various other forms of expressive art as therapy for children and youth. Enacting social change in such a way was Ephrem’s dream growing up, and the book showcases how him and his friend from Germany were able to realize this dream. The book features figures from all across the world including astronauts, government officials, diplomats, and others.

The Ethiopian submission for the ‘We Have a Dream’ book, which was launched in Tokyo in July, featured Ephrem Bekele Weldeyesus’ childhood dream of creating a therapeutic center for children and youth that employs art. The dream came to fruition about 6 years ago with the help of Ephrem’s friend in Germany; they first started implementing it in Adama. ‘We Have a Dream’ is a global compilation of dreams from 201 countries that aims to encourage youth to pursue their dream no matter the odds. It was endorsed by the likes of Mohamed Yunus, the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Governments of China and the Netherlands, and several others.

Akebulan Going to Shifta without any excuses is a reward in and of itself. When an event as vibrant as Akebulan was the purpose, it is a whole other experience. On Saturday, August 28, starting from 2 PM, people from all over the city came to spend time with friends, relax and enjoy great food and drinks, along with groovy African jams.

It was a full house; people were there with the the intention of having a good time and socializing (but more importantly I suspect) to watch Tsion’s (aka tsxyon) live performance. On the top floor of the establishment, vendors such as Gaber wear, Sew’neer, Tilla cosmetics…, whose products are artistic depictions of Addis Ababa sold their heavily African themed goods. Tsi – like always – had a splendid show. Using her guitar and her voice, she managed to enthrall each attendant to the fullest. A live painting session by upcoming visual artist Maraki Girma was then followed by a set by DJ Tera kept the crowd entertained. The organizers, Utio Connect, have stepped it up and impressed the city with yet another entertainment-focused event. All in all, it was a very pleasant night that disappointed no one.

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FollowUp

LinkUp Jazzy Nights Part One

Yegeta Tsegaye Telila

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erbie Hancock, a renowned name in the jazz world, once said, “Jazz is about being in the moment.” I will admit, I had my reservations about attending a jazz event as I was not a fan of the genre. However, my concerns were immediately dispelled the moment I entered The Metro.

I was greeted by one of the city’s fast-growing DJs, Eyu Extreme.

In my previous encounters, Eyu worked with pop, dancehall, rap, and house music. I was unpre-

pared to hear Jazzy tunes flowing from his controller. Nevertheless, his ability to fuse elements of jazz with house music rhythms and beats set the mood for me as an avid house music fan.

My concerns were further alleviated when the venue started filling up. The buzz of excitement was palpable. The fact that a pure jazz event was to be held seemed to have roused the city’s need for novelty. Once the live performance started, I understood what makes

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Once the live performance started, I understood what makes jazz significant.

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

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Jazz significant. In the context of Ethiopian Jazz, the relaxation it affords the audience seems to be it.

The performance was part of a project called “The Yizzac Experience.” It was run by an up-andcoming group of musicians who are also part of the band “8:15”. As the name entails, the project is the brainchild of Yizzac, an artist who has composed a vast array of ensembles; even a self-produced album by the title “Journey Through a Dream.”

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

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The Yizzac Experience is meant to disrupt the accepted creative direction and the ‘safe’, repetitive cycles across the city.

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Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

The Yizzac Experience is an experimental project that focuses on showcasing the diversity and range within jazz, as Yizzac tells me. The track list for the night included everything from hip-hop and blues to Japanese-based jazz from the 70s to neoclassical and Ethio-jazz. I didn’t even know that Jazz had subgenres before that night – which was the point of the event. Much like LinkUp Addis’ main goal with its music events, the Yizzac Experience meant to disrupt the accepted creative direction of events and the ‘safe’ repetitive cycles observed across the city.

It aspires to show that variety and diversity are within reach if we are willing to take a swing.

cal events. To be exposed to that music while also being able to talk and interact with people in that atmosphere was an eye-opening experience.

The reception from the audience attested to this. Sure, the music might not have been everyone’s cup of tea. But that is the beauty of jazz; as Herbie Hancock said, it is about the moment. The “moment” is not about preconceived notions or ideologies, but being able to enjoy a relaxing environment and bond with people in a way that rarely happens at musi-

With that much said, there is always room for improvement.

From what I gather from the organizers, this is a priority. For the next edition, they are set to bring even more diversity from the world of jazz. What exactly these new additions will be, we shall find out soon.

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The venue was critical for the overall ambiance. The nature of The Metro to maintain space while remaining cozy and allowing maximum visibility goes a long way towards creating a relaxing environment. The openness at the front, where the performers were situated, and the enclosed space and relative darkness of the back allow the audience to shift between scenes and experience the entire event wholesomely.

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It is an experimental project that focuses on showcasing the diversity and range within jazz

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The nature of The Metro to maintain space while remaining cozy and allowing maximum visibility goes a long way towards creating a relaxing environment.

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

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CatchUp

Seretse The Clay that Binds Nathan Seyoum

T

Photo from:artsandculture.google.com

he sight of a small passenger plane nearing a poorly constructed runway gave the Bangwato people in central Botswana a sense of hope. Inside the plane was a man exiled from his own country by colonial Britain, who saw him as a threat to the interest of the protectorate. The British Pathe documents this arrival with a reverberance of England’s political undertone. However, the man Seretse Khama was to become the leader of the Bangwato people and soon, the whole country.

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It was the late 1940s, and the world had yet to feel the wrath of the new World War. The scramble for Africa had taken its toll on the continent, and European colonialists hadn’t still fulfilled their appetites. In Botswana, the status quo was like everywhere else: a protectorate of the British government, assigned to influence the Boer and German expansion in that area. Though its people ruled the lands, the watchful gaze of the British government always seemed to squeeze the coun-

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The story of Seretse and Ruth is one for the ages

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Photo from:artsandculture.google.com

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The couple held on ‘like atoms who couldn’t be split’

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try for any riches it may provide.

Twenty years earlier, one of Botswana’s leaders, Sekgoma, had died. His successor and son, Seretse, was bound for the throne. But Seretse, who often succumbed to heavy waves of illnesses, was deemed too young to rule, and his uncle claimed regency until he was fit to take the throne. Seretse focused on his studies in South Africa and eventually at Oxford in Great Britain. However, by 1948, his life got a little too complicated.

Photo from:artsandculture.google.com

A London typist named Ruth Williams had been invited to the London Missionary Society Dance one evening by her sister Muriel.

In attendance was a sophomore Seretse Khama who met the Brit for the first time. They talked about jazz and the intricacies of global politics. “They just clicked,” said Muriel Williams in her interview with the BBC. Eventually, a romance brewed much to the dismay of rela-

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tives, friends, and some authorities.

The visual of an interracial couple served up some gag reflexes for a few people at the time. Despite the grievances, the couple held on “like atoms who could not be split.” The nature of their relationship angered the public, and in the eyes of the British government, Seretse was a foreigner overstaying his welcome.

The wedding they had planned was rebuked by most, including the church.

The story of Seretse and Ruth garnered global attention. This is evident in various publications including The Macleans Archive Magazine, The New York Times, and even the BBC! Eventually, Seretse was summoned back to Bechuanaland (Botswana) to discuss his unruly wedding and the illegitimacy of his wife as his left hand in ruling the tribe. After a long tribal assembly (kglota), the regent, his uncle Tshedeki, deemed him ill-fit to rule the tribe; his marriage

was unacceptable by the customs of the tribe. Seretse refused their demands. Tshedeki then tried to consolidate the chieftainship but was met with opposition with loyalists to the Khama family. Much back and forth finally resulted in the banishment of his uncle and the recognition of Seretse, along with his wife, as Chief of Bangwato.

This is half of the story. The British protectorate still deemed Seretse a man who doesn’t play by the rules. They denied accepting him as the successor of the throne.

Bechuanaland was surrounded by white-led states, including the Union of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. Strangled by both the protectorate and these colonized states, Seretse was forced to be permanently excluded from the chieftainship.

A few years pass by, and in 1960, Seretse and Ruth had lived in his

Photo from:eparisien.fr

hometown as cattle farmers dabbling in local politics. In that year, Seretse had formed the BDP, the Bechuanaland Democratic Party.

Five years later, they won a national election which was the first of its kind soon after Botswana gained independence from Britain. BDP ruled the country with Seretse Khama as president and his wife Ruth Williams at its helm.

His presidency was much like folklore, something unheard of during his time. Despite being surrounded by colonized countries, Seretse aimed at truly reclaiming the independence of Botswana (and Africa). By 1980, the country had the fastest growing economy in the world thanks to the party’s general favoring of an export-oriented economy. During his time, he limited hindrances to the country’s

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growth by undercutting the powers of tribal chiefs and instituting democracy to a once divided and autocratic state. In turn, war and conflict became increasingly rare.

The Botswana people benefited from an expansion of education and health care while simultaneously infrastructure development ensued.

All the while, Ruth was by his side implementing literary campaigns to a country she adopted as her own. The story of Seretse and Ruth is one for the ages, and the legacy of the man behind one of the rare success stories of Africa still resonates today. He is a pioneer that truly glued Botswana together for the name Seretse in the local language befittingly means “the clay that binds.”

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The legacy of the man behind one of the rare success stories of Africa still resonates today

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DressUp

Street

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

RULES

ZEWD designs offers clothing for men and women designed to turn heads in the street while ensuring comfort. With leather accessories that scream “metro”, and makeup by Brushedbybetty that accentuates traditional African looks while keeping the elegance of the modern woman, find yourself a look for the next time you decide to explore the city.

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#lidetamercato | @zewd_design | @brushedbybetty

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

#lidetamercato | @zewd_design | @brushedbybetty 17 I Linkup Addis Ababa

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

#lidetamercato | @zewd_design | @brushedbybetty 18 I Linkup Addis Ababa

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

#lidetamercato | @zewd_design | @brushedbybetty 19 I Linkup Addis Ababa

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

#lidetamercato | @zewd_design | @brushedbybetty 20 I Linkup Addis Ababa

EatUp

Blu Kitchen An Asian

Michael Shiferaw

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eciding to eat out often comes with choosing where to eat, figuring out what kind of food you feel like eating, or knowing if what you want is even worth spending money on. Blu, the Asian kitchen located in the bustling neighborhood of Bisrate Gebriel, at the famed Laphto mall, has undoubtedly earned its place as one of the hottest food destinations in town.

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta

Blu specializes in Thai food. For those who are not familiar, Thai food is a cultural mishmash of southeast Asian cuisine, drawing inspiration from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and even Portuguese cuisine. Southeast Asia is known

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throughout the world for complex dishes flavored with numerous ingredients and spices. Blu does a wonderful job in capturing this essence by combining local flavors with all the special ingredients imported directly from Thailand.

I had the pleasure of trying out their Saturday special. This special includes Shrimp Chips, Tom-Kha Chicken Thai Soup, Stir-Fried Beef with Black Pepper Sauce, Thai Chicken Curry with Coconut and Peanut, Thai Jasmine Rice, Fruit Platter, and Mango Salad.

Most meals start with the house special appetizer, the shrimp chips.

This combination of shrimp with tap-

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The shrimp chips is sure to open up your appetite and have you craving for more

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Blu serves quality Thai Jasmine rice in all its short-grained, fluffy, sticky, and glutinous glory

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta

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ioca starch and seasonings, dried, shaped into squares, then fried to give an impossibly crisp and airy snack, is sure to open up your appetite and have you craving for more.

Blu provides a distinct menu for each day of the week (bar Sunday), all including satiating meals complete with unique salads, stir-fries, curries, and more.

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta

Tom-Kha Chicken Thai Soup (what a mouthful!) is a famous Thai dish that draws inspiration from South Indian cuisine. It is perfect for cold weather and those with sensitive stomachs. But it is still not for the faint-hearted as the spice from the chili is one of the first sensations you get when you take your first sip of this delicious soup. You are then cuddled with an assortment of harmonious and delicate flavors. Galangal, a distant cousin of ginger, is commonly used in South East Asian cuisine and its sweet, herbaceous aroma and flavor often go unnoticed to those who haven’t trained themselves to recognize it. The chicken stock used to make the soup gives the dish body and a backbone of chicken flavor that carries everything else going on in the small bowl.

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In the broader Asian cuisine, rice is often a staple eaten with every dish, and it is no different here. Blu serves quality Thai Jasmine rice in all its short-grained, fluffy, sticky, and glutinous glory. It’s always nice to take breaks from big flavors by taking that quick bite of plain rice. A palate cleanser, if you will.

Next, I tried what became my personal favorite, the Thai Chicken Curry with Coconut and peanut. This dish is also inspired by South Indian cuisine and has more coconut than the Tom-Kha chicken soup, giving it a rich and velvety texture. There’s less of the spice from the chili upfront, although ever-present. Tender poached chicken pieces dot the soup and make the whole dish heartier. Most of us are familiar with Indian curries but Thai curries often have a few key differences: where Indian curries are more stew-like, Thai curries are thinner and primarily use coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency; Thai curries also have distinct flavor profiles, emphasizing more on fresh herbs, citrus, and fresh aromatics while Indian curries use an array of dried spices that are toasted at the beginning of

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The stirfried beef is presented atop a bed of fried rice noodles

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Photo by: Abenezer Geleta

the cooking process while simultaneously avoiding using too much of liquids that might thin out the curry a lot.

Mango probably isn’t something you would associate with salads but I was genuinely surprised with how good this was.

Instead of the ripe and sweet state we usually eat our mangoes at, the salad uses tart, unripe mangoes to avoid being too mushy and sweet.

The tartness of the mangoes makes the salad taste ever more diverse; a lovely way to encapsulate the vibrancy of Thai cuisine.

Stir-frying is a culinary word often used but seldom understood.

Stir-frying refers to cooking ingredients on high heat, usually in a special frying pan called a wok. This method of cooking makes the beef on the dish well browned – and even slightly charred on the outside – while avoiding drying it out. The stir-fried beef is presented atop a bed of fried rice noodles that decorate the plate with their crinkly appearance. The black pepper sauce brings a good amount of moisture without drowning the dish while simultaneously providing a lively and flavorful undertone.

With the stir fry beef, Blu mimics its Cantonese neighbors by borrowing their infamous technique.

To finish, you are presented with a platter of fresh fruit sliced decoratively. They are accompanied with

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just a hint of acidity to nicely balance out the sweetness and bring together what has been a fantastic array of exciting and adventurous flavors.

This fine establishment is brimming with alluring art and serene vibes that contributed to an aesthetically pleasing experience. At Blu, you will find locals appreciating the unexplored Asian food scene. You’re also most likely to encounter ex-pats dining here as well. If you’re familiar with Asian dishes then this is the place to try. If not, I encourage you to venture out and explore this unique blend of tastes and flavors that you’ll only find at Blu.

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You are cuddled with an assortment of harmonious and delicate flavors

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta

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Thumbsup Eyasu A. Ashenafi

Spa services Name: Capital Hotel and Spa Capital is a Five Star Hotel with class & superior renowned spa services.

They cover all services for your body, mind, & beauty in separate spa floors for both ladies & gentlemen. Special spa service packages include VIP SPA packages, Wedding Packages, Private spa time with your significant other & a make-up studio.

Services: Massages & Moroccan bath Services, Manicure / Pedicure, Barber, Beauty Salon, Nail Polish, Wedding Packages, Steam, Sauna, ...

@ Capitalhotelandspa

+251 116 192 000 +251 116 672 100

22 Mazzoria Haile G/Silassie ave, Next to Ministry of Water and Energy

Ice Cream Shop Name: Puro Amore Gelato This ice cream shop, by far, is my favorite gelato spot in the country. The flavors are unique as compared to other places in the city (like the special one on Sunday!) and the quality is impressive. The menu includes ice cakes, affogatos, waffles, and other delicious creations. The price per scoop has risen recently, but that can be justified by the quality and staff numbers. The owners are also down-to-earth people who get to know their regular customers.

@Puroamore Gelato

+251 91 157 3952

Sarbet

Décor Name: Elilta Décor Elilta Décor is part of DOQA TRADING, a private limited company incorporated in 2009 by Birhanu Alemu and Nebiyat Atilabachew.

Sharing a passion to bring world-class event decoration and wedding planning to Ethiopia, Birhanu and Nebiyat created Elilta Décor for the sole purpose of providing a one-stop-shop for high quality yet reasonably priced services in the wedding planning, event decoration and flower arrangement and delivery industry.

What makes Elilta Décor different from its competitors is well-versed knowledge and provision of the widest selection of flowers in Ethiopia, as well as specialization in rare, hard-to-find breeds.

@Elilta decor

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+251 93 000 0120

Bole ground floor of Sanp building

CloseUp

Dr. Petra Raymond

Humanist, Cultural Adventurer & Urbanist Yegeta Tsegaye Telila

D

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

r. Petra Raymond was born and raised in Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany. She studied German language and Literature and Science of History Studies at the University of Münster, Germany.

In 1992, Dr. Petra acquired a Ph.D. in German Literature from the University of Erlangen, Germany. She has been working for the Goethe-Institut since 1993 and gained many experiences as a director for several Goethe-Instituts. She has worked as a teacher for ‘German as a foreign language’ at the Goethe-Institut in Frankfurt; as head of the language department at the Goethe-Institut Syrien in Damascus and Goethe-Institut Ghana in Accra; as a director for the Goethe-Institut Pakistan in Karachi, Goethe-Institut Bosnia, and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, Goethe-Institut Philippinen in Manila, and Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka in Colombo.

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Currently, she is running GoetheInstitut Addis Ababa as director.

What was your childhood like growing up in Erlangen? How would someone growing up there today have a different experience compared to yours?

Wow, my childhood in Erlangen was quite a long time ago. We lived in an analog world, meaning we experienced a very closed-off but also close neighborhood. As children, we were usually outside playing, but we didn't get to know a lot of things about the world except maybe what our parents told us. A unique manifestation of this, for example, was that we had less knowledge about neighboring East Germany than we did of Africa, Asia, or America. East Germany was basically like the moon or another planet to us. Reading was one of the few ways we learned about the outside world, but that is much different now

since reading relies on one's imagination and empathy. Then came TV at the end of the sixties and a new, bigger world came into my little one. One of the things I still remember is my neighbors renting a TV and all of us watching the moon landing; all of a sudden, there was a world outside. Another image that completely shifted my worldview was the war in Nigeria, in Biafra. Seeing those photos on the television was a shocking eyeopener. Today, I think Erlangen is similar to the rest of the world

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I wanted a spiritual level understanding of human beings

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because it has also seen the effects of social media, smartphones, tablets, and the rest of the technological era. Now, you know there is a world outside, and you are connected to it.

What drove you to study the science of history and literature?

I went to a school that focused on sciences when I was young. So, the first plan I had about what path to pursue was getting to know the sciences indepth. However, for some reason that I am not sure of, I went into literature and history and ended up wanting to go further in those. Sometimes people ask me if I had any particular aim or goals when pursuing literature and history; if I had career ambitions and the like, I didn't. People's perceptions of the fields and my apparent lack of a goal led some to tell me that I would end up becoming a taxi driver.

I think, however, that it has given me a deep foundation of understanding human beings, culture, and social interactions. That is perhaps why I pursued these fields. I wanted a spiritual level understanding of human beings. That contrasted with my father, who is an engineer, as a good portion of the rest of society was.

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

Is there an intersection with Ethiopian culture? Does the mission of the Goethe-Institut work involve creating an alliance or fusion between the two traditions?

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I have been here for only a year and due to the pandemic and ongoing conflict, I have not had much chance to explore the country, meet people, and form an assessment of Ethiopian culture. So, I am not certain about what is meant by Ethiopian culture. This is why I think I am still in the listening and learning phase, especially given the unique nature of Ethiopia. It is my second time living in Africa – I was posted in Ghana a while ago – and even the differences there are remarkable. Africa is a vast continent, and just as you cannot compare Finland with Italy, it is difficult to compare two countries in Africa.

This is compounded in Ethiopia due to the maintenance of its languages, not being colonized, and the like.

Coming to the mission of the GoetheInstitut, however, I think the dynamic I am in embodies the mission of the institute. I am here to learn the 'right of a different perspective' and be able to devise a means that allows for the interchange of knowledge and experience for mutual development.

This change came about during the institute's development as we shifted from teaching our ways to learning others. From attempting to invoke our ideas and views to support the citizens of the countries we visit in finding the way to express THEIR ideas and views.

What’s your favorite German classic?

I do not have any. That was a question I was asked even back during my studies. Teachers, classmates, and others used to ask what my favorite author or book or music was, but I always found something new to be more appealing. Whenever posed with the question, "What book would you bring with you if you were stranded on an island?" my answer was always "a new book."

I am fascinated by the novel and by the prospect of gaining new perspectives and learning about new worlds. My wanderlust is reflected in my work as well, as I have the privilege of living in a new country every four or five years. Just like books and art, I also do not have a favorite country. My favorite country is always the one I am currently living in. It is unfortunate about my stay in Ethiopia so far because I have not been able to get a feel for the country as much as I would like. I have only managed to go to Lalibela in the entire year that I have been here.

What is your thought on the extent to which foreign country-based cultural organizations like Goethe or Alliance should be involved in countries like Ethiopia?

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Culture is like a hovercraft in that it takes things from all it encounters and mixes it up to create something new.

Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw Samuel Steward

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You have to understand that when I or anyone else from the institute is sent to a country, we are not given a checklist of things to do or goals to accomplish. We come equipped with only our eyes and ears and set of experiences to offer to potential partners, which is the essence of what we do. The institute's work heavily leans towards seeking out and working with partners that are engaged in different fields in art, literature, or culture and furthering their mission. This goes back to the change in our mode of operations that I mentioned earlier. Previously, we would go to a country in Asia or Africa with the mentality of sharing our knowledge and experience. Now, if anything, we are more curious to see what these countries can offer us in terms of both knowledge and experience. It is especially true for artists as they have a unique relationship with the development of a country; they are always at the forefront and taking risks. The fact that art tends to gravitate towards the provocative means that artists know what it is like to face their society and seek to engage in difficult conversations that have unique value to someone willing to listen and learn. Aside from this, however, I believe we are poised uniquely during this pandemic to ensure that art does not suffer the most damage.

I say this because the pandemic, especially at the beginning, had affected artists adversely, as they were not able to host shows and live performances, etc. Organizations

such as ours have contributed significantly to mitigating these effects by setting up networking and showcasing events, providing access to funds to assist those struggling and the like. When organizations or countries do this, however, they must be sure to draw a line between setting criteria and dictating the content of the art or literature they are supporting. If they don't do this, they run the risk of slipping into propaganda, which is a lesson we have learned from the Nazi Regime.

What are some of the bigger projects that the organization is currently undertaking? What about you?

Our main thing right now, with the pandemic and everything else, generally shifting towards the digital world, is to give Ethiopian artists the chance to develop their projects in concordance with the changes that are happening. A project we are engaged in for this purpose is the ‘Tibeb Online’ project with other European countries. The project involves creating a piece of art, whatever it may be, and putting it online to be displayed for virtual audiences. The project is similar to the collaboration we have with Alliance Francaise called 'On the Grind', which does the same thing. The institute also supports The Urban Centre (an architecture-focused development and networking platform) by facilitating their projects; we initially approached them because we recognized the potential they have

and the necessity of the work they do give that the field of architecture is usually overlooked in the art and culture world. Moving forward, we are also working on setting up a television broadcasters' conference in Addis Ababa, similar to the annual global broadcasters' conference that brings together television production companies from all over the world and sets the agenda on the role of public television. Lastly, the Goethe Institut is joining an initiative called AfriComix which seeks to bring comic creators in Africa together and exchange knowledge and experience both in-person and digitally.

Which era or school of art and literature is your personal favorite?

When I started my studies, I remember professors giving us a reading list starting from the ancients to the modern. I think that instilled within me, along with my childhood, the importance of reading. Generally, however, I like novels and prefer works of fiction to nonfiction. I think that is my preference; not a certain era but novels from every era as they present the complication that is human existence especially when understood from a spiritual perspective. I am also passionate about music in more or less the same way.

You've lived in countries that have a strong tension between fusing modern, western liberal values,

Photo by: Amanuel Courtesy of Asfaw Mafi Mafi

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I am fascinated by the novel and by the prospect of gaining new perspectives and learning about new worlds 30 I Linkup Addis Ababa

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Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw

with their traditions. What do you think is the biggest challenge but also the biggest positive you've seen from these dynamics?

I am not a big fan of this 'opposites' understanding because it is not true on the ground. From what I have seen from my own experiences I think Pakistan provides a good example of what I mean. Pakistan has a very negative reputation in the so-called Western World. What I found, however, is that they are much more open-minded than even people in Germany, it just depends on who you talk to. If you are talking to a person who has issues feeding their families or the like and they do not have much education, sure, you can observe the clash you mentioned in the question. However, I think that that is something universal, whether in Pakistan, Germany, the United States, or Ethiopia. This is why I say that we have to look at who we are talking to because the conflicts that you mentioned are present in every country especially when you factor in technology and social media.

Another example I would give is that when I was assigned to Syria, despite the perception that Syria is oppressive and backward when it comes to women's issues, I faced more challenges from Germans who were concerned about whether I would be fit for the job as a woman than the Syrians who were allegedly hostile towards women in power. Does this

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mean that these societies do not have issues? Not at all. All it means is that these countries are not so different from those in the Western world.

How do you see art and literature going forward with the dawn of the technological age?

Art and culture are always at the forefront of any kind of societal development. It is not only the means of expressing art and culture that is affected by new developments like the invention of the printing press, the internet, or social media; it is also the content of what is expressed. That being said, with the technology of today, human beings can connect much more than before which opens up avenues of use AND misuse. It is why I think there should be more focus on having a philosophical and ethical discussion on how to use the resources that technology affords us for the betterment of the human situation. This is especially important because it is inherent to art to provoke and tease, especially those in power, and this is further exacerbated by technology. This is why people see a risk in art. But, for me, a good gauge of politicians and those in power is the ability to withstand critique and ridicule; if those in power are not able to do that, there is usually something wrong in that country.

Does technology pose a threat, no matter the extent, to diversity in art and culture? Especially when we look at how technology affects the recipients of art rather than the creators?

Look at Egypt and the Arab Spring.

During that time, one of the main factors that led to the revolutions was the ability of people to organize themselves much more efficiently than before by using social media.

However, when you look towards countries like China, the opposite is true and the government uses technology and social media to oppress and control its citizens. I think that there should be a discussion on ethics and philosophy of how to use technology as it relates to art and power, but I think that just like the printing press, technology can be used both for liberation and for propaganda, among other things.

As for any dystopian future that the world might be headed towards, I think that artists will be the way out. We would be stupid not to look towards the creatives to point the way towards making the human condition better.

Info Dive

5 Africa restaurants in

Top

Hasset Tsegabirhan

I’ll tell you the truth; this was not an easy list to make. The biggest reason was the infuriating lack of information that coated the African culinary industry. Skimpy articles and little to no customer reviews have made this journey a bit less glamorous for me. And the fact that all of the restaurants are based in South Africa kind of hurt my feelings. Nonetheless, here are what I have come across the internet to be the BEST restaurants in the whole of Africa. I have picked 5 out of the many names that were listed in different articles.

The basis of selection was repetition amongst various sources and my guts. So cheer me on, let's get into this!

*For full disclosure, I don’t think the following list- or any of the lists I surfed through to write this articleis accurate. I say this because I believe the world has yet to discover Africa's culinary gems. I understand restaurants come and go at lightning speed these days, and it's hard to find good places that are up to par.

However, I think we have been too busy looking at the outside world to consider the incredible talent in the many corners of our vast and diverse continent.

Okay! Now we go to the list.

1. The Test Kitchen, Cape Town, South Africa.

This fortress of a restaurant is said to be the first fine dining restaurant to open in Woodstock, Cape Town.

The head chef, Luke Dale Roberts has created a diverse and modern menu that has made The Test Kitchen a center for the creative gourmand and artistic boom. The contemporary themes and engulfing designs mixed with the incredible flavors of the dishes create an intoxicating atmosphere unmatched by other eateries in the area.

2.Mosaic at The Orient, South Africa To our great dismay, this grand restaurant is permanently closed. But its legacy leaves no room for a quiet departure and so it was inevitable that it had made it in this glorious list. After 15 years of service, run by a renowned chef Chantel Dartnall, it was announced that the restaurant was to be closed as of 26 March 2021. Restaurant Mosaic was known for Chef Chantel’s ability to “present the art of nature on her plates through her botanical cuisine to take you on a culinary tour of pure indulgence”.

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3. The Tasting Room, Cape Town, South Africa Executive chef Margot Janse creates an everevolving African-inspired menu paired with subliminal local wines. The Tasting Room is a flagship restaurant of Le Quartier Francaise.

4. La Colombe. (you guessed it) Cape Town, South Africa Deemed “the grande dame of Cape Town dining” by theworlds50best.com, it is a restaurant run by chef James Gaag. In a minimalist space decorated in a muted color palette, it is a stylish and airy space with views of vineyards. La Colombe is a contemporary self-proclaimed French-meetsAsian fine dining with impeccable service and dishes to match.

5. Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia, South Africa Chef Ivor Jones and Liam Tomlin created this exceptional casual fine-dining experience. This modern eatery, with its sleek open kitchen and glass box design, seems suspended from the air overlooking the lush Constantia wine valley. Best for group gatherings, this restaurant has an impressive ambiance especially in summer when customers can enjoy the outdoor terrace seating area.

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What'sUp

Think of Self-Care;

Think of Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa Amanu Teriessa

S

ince its opening in 2019, Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa has remained at the forefront of Ethiopia’s hospitality industry. Be it bazaars, culinary experience or music nights, whatever the hotel brings to the table, it is guaranteed to be pristine in quality. In the past couple of years, the hotel has seen a steady rise in the popularity of its gym memberships and the number of spa frequenters – for good reason.

A big concern people have is that it is very difficult to feel safe in public places at a time when the global COVID-19 pandemic is a serious problem.

Photo by: Courtesy of Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa understands this quite well. The gym, swim-

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ming pool and spa were designed with this consideration. While the gym is well ventilated, distancing is in place between each piece of exercise equipment (all of which is cutting edge), and all the equipment is properly sanitized in an attempt to adhere to the health and safety protocols. For those who prefer fresh air while working out, a couple of treadmills are located outside. Perhaps one of the best things a membership offers is exclusivity. From the get-go, members get to use a private elevator to access the facilities, to maintain a degree of privacy and securi-

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Wellbeing is not just about the general physical state of a person, it should also be concerned about the mental and social

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Photo by: Courtesy of Hyatt Regency

ty. Because access to the swimming pool and gym is restricted to members, every person one meets at the pool area is a member, too.

This emphasis on exclusivity makes the experience at Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa one of a kind.

length to give any swimmer a good workout in a few laps. The view from one of the edges encompasses the midsection of the hotel and, with only a slight lift of the head, the entire sky. The water in the pool is heated to the perfect temperature.

The chemical composition to purify the water meets international standards.

Another concern a lot of gym-goers have is the availability of trainers. Trainers at the gym are available 24-hours – which came as a surprise to me because the level of expertise the trainers have is too astounding to just be an added perk. Semi-professional athletes have been requesting coaching sessions from Hyatt’s trainers.

The best feature of the membership is not that every aspect of the hotel’s facilities comes with excellence; although the fact that they catered for an Olympic gold medalist to assist in a virtual run is one of the many things that attest to this.

It is also not the numerous perks that come with the membership .

Rather, it is their unique outlook on health and wellbeing and how that permeates every aspect.

The pool (jaw-dropping to anyone looking at it for the first time) is probably one of the most beautiful places at the hotel. The infinity pool is 30 m (98 ft) in

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just about the general physical state of a person, it should also be concerned about the mental and social. The facilities clearly show this creed. Guests are given ample opportunities to interact, share experiences and, hopefully, form friendships. The lounge area right outside the gym and right next to the pool attests to this. While many use this area for meals or rest, it also serves another purpose. It is the venue for the pool barbecue, which is held every week, and members are allowed to invite friends and family.

The process of being a member is direct. After filling out a five-minute form, all that is expected of the person is to decide which package to pay for – three, six or twelve months. A package Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa includes access to the swimming does not just look out for the phys- pool, the gym and the sauna. ical health of the client. As one of the main facility managers puts it, they use a bigger term than ‘health’: wellbeing. Wellbeing is not

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Reel Up

Kidus Tamiru

T

his film follows a task force of convicts known as the Suicide Squad sent to the island nation of Corto Maltese to destroy evidence of the giant alien starfish, Starro the Conqueror. The Suicide Squad is a loose remake (or possibly a sequel) of the confusingly similar titled Suicide Squad, which came out in 2016.

gamble paid off, and they ended up with a fantastic film. The 2021 Suicide Squad is a whacky, funny, hyperviolent, almost cartoonish superhero film that also has a surprising amount of heart.

The original movie fared well at the box office but, despite its hype, was a massive critical disappointment. So for the sequel, the studio, which had a big hand in ruining the first film, decided to soft reboot the franchise. They hired a director from their direct competitor, Marvel, in the hopes of having some of their massive success rub off on their crappy cinematic universe. This has got to be a record for the shortest time elapsed before remaking a film.

I enjoyed almost every aspect of this film; the unconventional superheroes, the playful direction, the humor, and the gore. I couldn't help but compare it to the last one.

I rewatched it to see how much had changed at every moment since it still had some of the same characters. But, I was surprised at how completely different the second movie is. You don't need to see the last movie to watch this one. In fact, you might enjoy it more if you didn't.

So they got James Gunn, of Guardians of the Galaxy, who had just gotten fired from Marvel for his frequent off-color tweets. So, Warner Bros and DC, too desperate to be picky about such matters, welcomed him with open arms and a big cheque. Given free reins to write and direct an R-rated superhero movie with little interference (a luxury his previous employers didn’t allow), Gunn went all out. In the end, the DC

There are some similarities to the Guardians movie in this. The style of humor and the dynamic of the characters parallel as Gunn’s unique ability in pulling off grotesque, but lovable, main characters like King Shark and Groot shines through.

One thing I didn’t quite relish in this was the plot point of Harley Quinn going off and having her side quest in

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8.5/10 Directed By: James Gunn Starring: Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman Genre: Action, Sci-fi

the second act. It felt like it was going to add to the story while happening, but in the end, it was completely pointless.

But overall, I loved the film and I highly recommend you watch it. For me, this is the best DCEU movie to date.

Kidus Tamiru

F

ree Guy follows Guy, a bank teller who discovers that he is a non-player character in an open-world video game.

As you can see from the logline, this movie is based on a very simple concept – a little too simple for my taste. It is more fitting for a short film than a feature.

This is what is called ‘high concept’ in filmmaking, where a story is so simple that it can be pitched in one short sentence. Sometimes it can be exciting – like Jurassic Park – but other times, it can seem predictable and boring. I feel like this movie is more like a “high” concept with the screenwriter. While playing a video game, he goes (puff puff), “Dude, what if, like, the AI characters actually, like, have feelings and stuff, man?”

I had no plans to watch this movie when I first saw the trailer but considering the good reviews and box office results, I thought I might have been wrong and went to see it. I was not wrong. That sh*t was exactly like I expected. A paper-thin concept stretched over an hour and a half till it made zero sense. It doesn't go much further than the logline. Just read the

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synopsis above, put Ryan Reynolds with his regular shtick in the lead role, add a lot of flashy VFX, and you can probably write the rest of the screenplay.

Anyway, don’t pay to see this movie. Go and watch the fucking Suicide Squad already.

What’s worse is that the movie kept reminding me of better movies it can't remotely hold a candle to. Despite its similar plot, it doesn't get as deep as The Truman Show, isn't as cool as The Matrix, and isn’t even as funny as The Lego Movie. Speaking of The Truman Show, I felt like Ryan Reynolds was channeling Jim Carrey in his performance with the physical comedy and the earnest, hopelessly optimistic character.

But oddly enough, this movie is currently making way more money at the box office than The Suicide Squad, which I can’t understand at all. Do people think The Suicide Squad is just the same old Suicide Squad re-released? Or is it the sheer star power of Ryan Reynolds?

Or maybe people are getting sick of superhero movies? Could it be? Is it finally happening? I hope not! I think we still got some good ones left.

4.0/10 Directed By: Shawn Levy Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery Genre: Comedy, Sci-fi

ListenUp

CANCIÓN DEL

MARIACHI Alula Abadi

T

he energetic and colorful sounds of mariachi are among those that are truly unique and rare to behold. So, unless one visits Mexico or has Mexican heritage, it would not be far-fetched to assume that they’ve only heard it in films and television, if ever. And when they did, it is safe to assume that most didn’t know what to make of it. At its core, mariachi is a small Mexican musical ensemble composed of a variety of mostly stringed instruments. In addition to the genre, the term “mariachi” is also used to refer to a performer of this music. This form of music has

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long been considered a uniquely Mexican sound, representing a homegrown tradition that embraces both indigenous and foreign elements.

The Mariachii movement emerged in the late 1700s or early 1800s in west-central Mexico. The word Mariachi may have come from the now-extinct language of the Coca Indians. Unfortunately, the word’s etymology and the early history of the form and its followers are unknown. The typical instruments of contemporary mariachi include the “vihuela” (a five-string

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The sounds of mariachi are among those that are truly unique and rare to behold

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guitar, popular in the Spanish Renaissance), “guitarrón” (a large, fretless six-string bass guitar), a standard six-string acoustic guitar, violins, and trumpets. Trumpets were not added until the early 20th century, but are now more or less an essential element, depending on the taste of course.

This type of music initially consisted of local or regional songs (instrumental music), but, early on, performances began to include vocal elements. And since most early mariachis dressed in peasant garb, the idea of community was not lost to them. Since the early 20th-century male mariachi bands typically have worn “traje de charro,” cowboys’ attire of Jalisco, Mexico. This outfit consisted of matching uniforms with tight, ornamented trousers, boots, wide bow ties, sombreros, and short jackets. It is a look we are all familiar with. It is worth mentioning, of course, that the traditional ensem-

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The music is fun to play. It is a large part of a cultural past, present and future

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ble was all-male, but since the 1940s, women have played an increasing role in mariachi performance. By the early 21st century, there were several all-female mariachi groups. Most dress either in modified versions of “traje de charro” or “china poblana”, a traditional costume consisting typically of an embroidered blouse, a long colorful skirt, and a “rebozo” (a type of shawl/cloak).

There was a time during its growth that mariachi music faced somewhat of a minor death. The people of Mexico and the world at large didn’t seem to want to be a part of what seemed like an archaic and outdated form of music. But then a presidential campaign in the early twentieth century came to the rescue. In 1936 President Lazaro Cardenas was campaigning for office.

President Cardenas believed that to unify the separate regions of Mexico, he would have “Mariachi Vargas de Tecalittlan” accompany him on

his campaign. Their music was meant to be the voice of a unifying element. It contributed to the popularity and reinvigoration of mariachi music. It worked better than anyone had hoped for.

While Mariachi music hasn’t yet found an audience in Africa, its presence in movies, festivals, and concerts throughout the world will eventually allow it to see its way to every corner of the globe. As it stands today, Mariachi music is more common in Mexico and many southern states of the Unites states such as Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico. The music is fun to play, and many of the audience, especially Mexicans, can learn of this type of music that is a large part of their cultural past, present, and future.

ReadUp

Out with the old, in with the new...

New Year + New life!

Haben Woldu

What a year! With the political turmoil, global pandemic, and escalating cost of living, we can definitely say it has been a long and crazy year. I can’t believe the Ethiopian New Year will be upon us in only a few weeks!

I don’t know about you, but the optimistic person that I am is hoping for a new dawn and a new beginning. I often steer clear of making resolutions during the new year out of fear that I won’t make them happen or stick to them. However, this year I have changed my tune. I have decided to set some new intentions for the new year rather than resolutions. I am carefully planning out how to stick, define, and achieve my intentions. Won’t you join me in setting some wonderful intentions for brighter days and brighter things?

I have some book recommendations that can serve as inspiration with helpful reminders and tips on how to navigate this weird journey we call life, as well as books that will serve as reminders that change cannot happen without our commitment and resilience to stay the course – even when things get difficult. I hope you are as excited as I am to set your goals and to hold yourself and each other accountable towards achieving your best life yet!

1. Atomic Habits

by James Clear “Be the designer of your world and not merely the consumer of it.”

I will be honest with you; I was never really too big on self-help books until the last couple of years. They usually fall into two categories for me: they are either preachy in a bad way or they are intimidating as the content is not easy to follow or keep up with. Call it maturity or life experience, I have been picking up more self-help books and I have been pleasantly surprised with how they have been impacting my life in small and big ways. “Atomic Habits” was a recent read that I thoroughly enjoyed, partly because the author helps you make daily changes that stick. This book shows you how small and incremental changes in your everyday routines can compound into massive and positive changes over time.

Musical Pairing: “So Close to Magic” by Aquilo is a slow and soothing song that goes with the theme of making small and slow changes in the book. Pour yourself a double shot of Jack Daniels neat, connect your musical player to “So Close to Magic”, grab a comfy seat in your newly purchased Keste Damena Sofa and read the book uninterrupted for hours!

The combination of the drink, music, comfy seat, and book will create a reading experience that you won’t forget!

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2. Ikigai

by Hector Garcia Puigcerver “He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”

As a busybody, the concept of this book resonates with me deeply.

According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai — a reason for living.

Ikiga is the place where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect and where each day is infused with meaning. It’s the reason we get up in the morning. It is the reason for our existence. Simply put, it is our reason for living!

In writing this book, the residents of a Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds were interviewed to find out the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and — their best-kept secret — how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. The finding was that they remain active and work at what they enjoy, because they’ve found a real purpose in life — the happiness of always being busy. The book provides you with practical and useful tools to help you discover your own ikigai. After all, aren’t we longing to find happiness and meaning in our everyday lives? If you have found your Ikigai already, I applaud you! If you are still searching for your ikigai, I hope this book serves as a catalyst towards it in the new year!

Musical Pairing: “Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino has been my feel-good song for a while now. What better song to pair the concept of Ikigai with than a song that feels you with joy and lifts your spirits up?

You won’t be disappointed with this magical pairing!

3. Becoming

by Michelle Obama “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.”

Becoming is the deeply personal memoir of a woman of soul and substance, a woman who has steadily defied expectations — and whose story inspires us to do the same. In her memoir, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her — from her childhood on the rough side of Chicago, to her formative ivy league education, to her years as a top-notch lawyer balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. She describes her triumphs and her trials, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it — in her own words and on her own terms. Michelle Obama is a class act in the way she moves in this world and this book is no different.

Read this book if you need some inspiration to begin, to become, to be who you have always wanted to be!

Musical Pairing: Only an iconic figure in music would be the obvious musical pairing for the iconic Michelle Obama. Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl” is an inspirational and empowering song for all the brown girls in the world. It is an anthem for all black women of our generation to embrace who we are and become all that we want to become!

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4. Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes)

by Mindy Kaling “If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you have to make it yourself.”

As we approach a new year, it does not always have to be about looking into the future but looking to the past and reflecting. The new year offers us a time to reflect on the time that has passed while giving us a chance to look toward the future. Did we have our priorities straight last year? Did we make time for our friends and family — and for ourselves? Or were we too focused on one goal to see the good around us?

I have been a fan of Mindy Kaling way before she started writing books. Perhaps because her show has such incredible writing or perhaps because she looks like my Fijian best friend of 23 years minus one Rashika. Mindy Kaling’s first two books were amazing and she does it again! Her new book is a great way to reflect on the past and laugh our way through our mistakes. The hilarious writer, actress, and single mom explores her quest to have it all with the signature wit and humor that we all have come to love and adore. If you are looking for some laughs as you start the new year, this collection is just the thing you have been looking for! Whether you want to reflect on the past year with laughter and joy or start the new year with a joyous heart, this book is for you!

5. The Four Agreements

by Don Miguel Ruiz “Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.”

Every new day, week, month, year is a new opportunity to improve yourself: to be the person you want to be, to be the best version of yourself, to begin achieving all of your aims and goals. However, this only comes true when opportunity meets strategy, planning, and goal setting! A good place to start is a book like this. The Four Agreements is small and can be devoured within hours but I suggest reading it over a period of time to feel the magnitude and the importance of the lessons imparted. The book provides us with the code for navigating life, for building healthy relationships, for knowing ourselves, and for how to be effective communicators. This book is life changing as it will give you the blueprint on how to attain a happy and fulfilling life.

Regardless of your goal, whether it is to receive a promotion or to lead a healthier lifestyle, this book will teach you how to think about your aspirations and your life broadly, and how to develop a more refined strategy.

Musical Pairing: Damien Marley’s “Count your blessings” featuring Nas has a vibe when paired with this book. The principles of the book align perfectly with the genius lyrics of this song! Just like the book, this is a song that you can listen to over and over again for the message is timeless!

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City Guide

Hotels in Addis Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel Location: Taytu Street

Location: Meskel Square Contact No: +251 11 517 1234 Website: www.hyatt.com Star:

Email: reservation@ ethiopianskylighthotel.com Contact No: +251 11 6818181 or +251 11 6176389 Star:

Hilton Hotel: Addis Ababa

Best Western Hotel

Location: Minilik II Street Contact No: +251 11 517 0000 Website: addisababa.hilton.com Star:

Location: Namibia Street (Next to Edna Mall) Contact No: +251 11 667 1414 Website: www. bwplusaddisababa.com Star:

Intercontinental Hotel Location: Kazanchis Contact No: +251 11 518 0444 Website: http://intercontinentaladdis. com/

Location: Africa Street Contact No: +251 11 639 3131 Website: https://www. ramadaaddis.com/

Star:

Star:

Golden Tulip

Capital Hotel and Spa

Location: Bole Road Contact No: +251 116 18 33 33 Website: https://addisababa.goldentulip.com/

Location: Haile G/silassie Avenue Contact No: +251 116 19 2000 Website: https://capitalhotelandspa. com/ Star:

Star:

Sheraton Addis: Luxury Collection Location: Taytu Street Contact No: +251 11 517 1717 Website: https://www. marriott.com/hotels/travel/ addlc-sheraton-addis-aluxury-collection-hotel-addisababa/ Star:

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Ramada Hotel

Sapphire Addis Location: Namibia Street Contact No: +251 639 3907 Website: https://www. sapphireaddishotel.com/ Star:

Cafe & Pastries Tomocca

Your choices for the best Ethiopian Coffee Experience

Cascara Coffee & Cocktails

Location: Namibia Street (Next to Bole Medhanialem), Piassa Across Eliana Hotel

Location: Meskel Square (Inside Hyatt Regency)

Contact No: +251 93 007 8086

Contact No: +251 11 517 1234

Closes at: 8:00PM

Closes at: 12:00AM

Customer Rating: 4.8/5

Customer Rating: 5.0/5

Garden of Coffee

Bilos Cafe & Pastry

Location: Namibia Street

Location: Next to Millennium Hall

Contact No: +251 93 036 2308

Contact No: +251 93 003 3177

Closes at: 9:00PM

Closes at: 8:30PM

Customer Rating: 4.6/5

Customer Rating: 4.4/5

Chaka Coffee

Bake and Brew Location: Bole, infront of Tele next to Rungo liquor store

Location: Africa Avenue Contact No: +251 91 120 2888 Closes at: 9:00PM Customer Rating: 4.4/5

Closes at: 8:00PM Website: bakeandbrewaddis.com Customer Rating: 4.3/5

Tryst Addis

YA Coffee Roasters

Location: Olympia (on the way from Dembel City Center to Bambis)

Location: CMC Road, Next to Gesund Cardiac Hospital

Contact No: +251 94 406 1818

Contact No: +251 92 795 7171

Closes at: 7:00PM

Closes at: -

Customer Rating: 4.4/5

Customer Rating: 4.9/5

Dumerso Coffee

Feresula Coffee

Location: South Africa Street (Bisrate Gabriel)

Location: Africa Street

Contact No: +251 320 3973

Contact No: +251 96 641 1151 Closes at: 6:00pm

Closes at: 8:30PM

Customer Rating: 5.0/5

Customer Rating: 4.8/5

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Contact No: +251 11 835 9698 +251 91 015 1248

Coworking Spaces

Affordable spaces for startups looking for spaces to work and for business people in Addis for a short or long-term stay

iceaddis

Blue Space

Location: Bole, Near Hayat Hospital, Zewdu Bldg. 5th floor

Location: Namibia Street, Grace Plaza 4th Floor, near Atlas Hotel

Contact: www.iceaddis.com contact@iceaddis.com +251 11 667 4804

Contact: www.bluespace.work info@bluspace.work

Services: High speed wifi, standing desks, been bags, printer, scanner, projector, microphone, kitchen, free parking

Services: High speed wifi, working desks, printer, scanner, projector, relax zone, kitchen Starting Rates : 350ETB/day

Starting Rates : 380ETB/day

Abro Coworking Space

Xhub Addis Location: Cameroon Street, Morning Star Mall 5th Floor Contact: http://xhubaddis.com/ working/ info@xhubaddis.com +251 91 170 1361

Location: Namibia Street

Services: Wifi, free photocopy/ print (30 pages)

Services: Wifi, photocopy/print, desk, chair

Contact: https://abro-co-workingspace.business.site/ +251 911 11 0742

Starting Rates : 250ETB/day

Restaurants

Starting Rates : 250ETB/day

If you are thinking to explore international and cultural cuisine Addis has to offer, here are a few you may consider.

Italian restaurants

Agnese Restaurant

Mama Mia Italian Restaurant

Location: Old Airport Contact: +251 98 048 3824

Castelli Italian Restaurant

Location: Piassa, Mahatama-Gandhi Street, in front of Mohamud Music Shop Contact: +251 11 557 1757

Location: Next to Mele Zenawi Foundation, DAR Sahara Street Contact: +251 92 900 2218

47 I Linkup Addis Ababa

Bella Pizza & Pasta

Location: Bole Medhanialem, Near Abyssinia Mall Contact: +251 94 141 5422

Gusto Restaurant

Dok Restaurant

Location: Churchill Road, Tracon Tower 3rd Floor Contact: +251 934 49 7861

Location: Next to Bole Medhane Alem Church on Cameroon Street between Zemen Bank &Abyssinia Bank Contact: +25195 399 2126 Working Hours: Mon - Sun: 08:00 am - 12:00 pm Website: www.dokrestaurantaddis. com/ Email: dokrestaurant1@gmail.com

Ethiopian Cultural restaurants

Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant

Desalech Kitfo

Location: Carl Square, Sar Bet Contact: +2516612985 Known for: Ethiopian food, cultural performances

Location: Africa Avenue, behind Skylight Hotel Contact: +251 91 123 1859 Known for: Ethiopian traditional kitfo (minced meat)

Dashen Traditional Restaurant

Totot

Location: DAR Sahara Street, Near Swedish Community School Contact: +251 91 120 1723 Known for: Cozy atmosphere, cultural performances

Location: Africa Avenue Contact: +251 646 0718 Known for: Ring Road, on the way to Gerji, in front of Anbessa Garage

Fendika Cultural Center

2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant

Location: Kazanchis Contact: +251 91 154 7577 Known for: Exceptional jazz and Ethiopian Azmaris

Location: Africa Avenue Contact: +251 91 151 2590 Known for: Ring Road, on the way to Gerji, in front of Anbessa Garage Website: 2000habesha.com

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean restaurants

Bait Al Mandi

Istanbul Restaurant

Location: Mickey Leland/ EU Street Contact: +251 91 151 8903 Known for: Middle Eastern Mediterranean Cuisine

Location: Cameroon Street, across Ukranian Embassy Contact: +251 910 17 4728 Known for: Turkish cuisine

48 I Linkup Addis Ababa

The Kitchen

Location: Meskel Square, Inside Hyatt Regency Contact: +251 11 517 1234 Known for: Mediterranean Cuisine

Aladdin Restaurant

Location: Off Bole Road, near Japanese Embassy Residence Contact: +251 11 6614109 Known for: Arabian Cuisine

Marketing Companies in Addis Proofit Marketing Solutions Location: Cameroon Street, Gulf Aziz Building, 2nd Floor Contact No: +251 953 42 77 97 info@proofit.com

251 Communications Location: Gabon Street, Aster Plaza, 3rd Floor Contact No: +251 116 63 0182 info@251communications.com https://251communications.com

Zeleman Communications Location: Africa Avenue, Snap Plaza, Snap Plaza, 10th floor Contact No: +251 116 63 2800 info@zeleman.com htttps://zeleman.com

Berry Advertising Location: Cameroon Street, Gulf Aziz Building, 3rd Floor Contact No: +251 930 07 8086 www.berryethiopia.com

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Ttree Advertising Location: Cape Verde Street, KT Building, 3rd Floor Contact No: +251 118 21 2112 info@ttreeadvertising.com ttreeadvertising.com

Spotlight Ethiopia Location: Africa Avenue, DH Geda Tower, 7th Floor Contact No: +251 913 98 6445 https://spotlightplc.com

Cactus Communications Location: Africa Avenue, Bedesta Building, 4th floor Contact No: +251 115 54 4901 info@cactusethiopia.com http:// cactusethiopia.com/

Eternal Media & Communication Location: Gabon Street, Aster Plaza Contact No: +251 114 70 3039 info@eternalmedia.com https://eternal-media.com

Parks & Museums in Addis Zoma Museum Location: Mekanisa, Near Abo Church Contact No: https://www. zomamuseum.org/ Feature: Landscaping, gardens, antique shop

Addis Ababa Museum Location: Meskel Square Contact No: http://www. addisababa.gov.et/de/web/guest/ museums#3 Feature: Museum, Restaurant, Panoramic View of Meskel Square

Unity Park

African Unbound

Location: Inside Ethiopian National Palace

Location: Off Churchill Road (On the way to National Palace)

Contact No: Unitypark.et

Contact No: https:// africaunboundmuseum.com/

Feature: Historical palaces, Zoo, cultural museum, restaurants

Feature: African Arts

Entoto Park Location: Entoto Hills Contact No: Feature: Bicycle and track, reading benches, camping site, restaurants, panoramic view of Addis Ababa

Leather shops in Addis Kuncho Design Website: https://www. kunchodesign.com/ Contact: kunchodesign@gmail.com +251 96 799 5384

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The leather industry in Addis is thriving with countless local and international leather lines. Here are a few.

Undkǝn- Made in Ethiopia Website: http://www.undken.com/ Contact: +251 912 75 2524

Meron Addis Ababa

Zaaf Collection

Website: https://www. meronaddisababa.com/

Website: https://www. zaafcollection.com/

Contact: info@meronaddisababa.com +251 911 12 2108

Contact: +251 910 14 9965

Electronics stores HEY Online market Known for: Phones, computers, cameras and other electronic devices retail Location: Bole Medehanealem, Hidmona Bulding Ground floor #12

Ramanet Computer Solutions Known for: electronics retail, accessories, maintenance Location: Bole Road DH Geda Tower G Floor, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and DH Geda Mezanine floor Office #2

Contact No: +251 95 396 4175

Contact No: +251 92 234 3536, +251 91 121 3566

Bino Tech Store

Yonas Mobile

Known for: electronics retail, accessories, maintenance

Known for: mobile maintenance and Unlocking service provider in Ethiopia. loaded with dedicated mobile engineers.

Location: Bole Medehanealem, Berhane Adere Building 1st floor #119floor #12 Contact No: +251 91 181 1446

Location: Awlo Buisness center First floor office #102 Contact No: +251 91 191 1111

Medical Centers Washington Medical Center Location: Bole, In front of Rwanda Embassy Contact No: +251939515151/+251939525252

Addis Cardiac Hospital Location: Bole Ring Road in front of Ethiopian Airlines Head Quarters Contact No: +25116634720/40/41 Email: info@addiscardiac.com

Email: frontdesk@wmcethiopia.com

Nordic Medical Centre (NMC) Location: Around Rwanda Embassy, in front of Tizeze hotel Contact No: 8901 or +251929105653 Email: reception@ nordicmedicalcentre.com

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Bethzatha General Hospital Location: Next to Addis Ababa Stadium Contact No: 7477 or +251115514141

MCM General Hospital

Landmark General Hospital

Location: Wereda 14, Gerji, Bole Sub-City

Location: Mozambique St, Kirkos Subcity Contact No: +251115525463

Contact No: (Ethiopia) +251116292963 (S.Korea) +82269309555

Email: contact@landmarkhospital.et

Email: msmcmet@gmail.com

Droga Physiotherapy Specialty Clinic Bole Branch: Next to Japan Embassy Contact No: +251116687006 +251974959595 Email: info@drogaphysiotherapy.com

Cinemas Vamdas Entertainment Location: Megenagna, next to Panorama hotel Contact No: +251910878248 +251118678098

Edna Mall Location: In front of Bole Medhanealem Church Contact No: +251116616278 (Cinema Reservation) | +251116616880 (Cinema Head) Email: www.ednamall.com

Gast Cinema Location: CMC, in front of St. Michael Church Contact No: +251930113388 Email: www.cinema.gastmall.com

52 I Linkup Addis Ababa

Alem Cinema Location: Africa Avenue Contact No: +251986959595 Website: www.alemcinema.com

Century Cinema Location: Gurd Shola Contact No: +251987202020 Website: www.centurymalladdis.com

Ride Hailing Apps ZayRide

Seregela

Location: Bole Mafi Mall #602, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Location: Merkeb Plaza, 5th Floor, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Call Center: 6303 Telephone: +251 116 721 052 Website: www.zayride.com/ Email: info@zayride.com

Call Center: 7878 Telephone: +251 11 557 3640/43/44 Website: www.seregelagroup.com/ services/ Email: hello@seregelagroup.com

Ride

Feres

Location: Shekinah Bldg 4th floor, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Location: Getu Commercial Business Center, Airport Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Call Center: 8294 Website: www.ride8294.com Email: Support@ride8294.com

(All Women Drivers)

Telephone: +25190 704 0404 Call Center: 6090 Website: www.feres.et Email: info@feres.et

Catch Location: 301, Beza Building, Bole Sub City Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone: +251 94 406 7050

Apartments La villa Apartments Location: Around Urael Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone: +251 97 289 8989

53 I Linkup Addis Ababa

Red Door Apartments Location: Wello sefer Ethio-China friendship road, KADCO Group No.2 Building 1st floor Line Number: +251 11 443 0597 Phone number: +251 98 396 9696 3640/43/44 Email: info@Reddoor.et

Zen Apartments

Noah Real Estate

Location: Olympia/KasanchisKirkos Wereda01 House Nb 200 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Location: Abyssinia Plaza, 12th Floor in Bole Right beside Bole Medhanialem Church

Telephone: +251 980 193313 +251 91 140 2093 Website: http://www. zenapartmentsaddis.com/ Email: zenaparts@gmail.com

Telephone: 6100 +25194 911 1111 Website: http://www. noahrealestateplc.com/