Issuu

December 2019

18 CloseUp: An inspiring interview with Solomon Kassa, Ethiopian Tech Influencer, TV Personality and Author FollowUp Addis was On the Grind in November, and LinkUp was there to tell the story! Page 12 ReelUp Check out this movie that got LinkUp's first 10/10 review Page 24

04 05 08 09 15 12 Editor’s Letter

Headsup

Thumbsup

December Events' Calendar

Followup On the Grind

Eatup

Catchup

18 Closeup

Interview with Solomon Kassa

Restaurant Review Dok Italian Resturant

International Event The MTN Bushfire Festival

22 24 What’sup

Reelup

Cinema Review

Khul Center

Happy December! The last month has been a thrilling one with quite a range of events to choose from. We would like to congratulate organizers of BiraBiro for creating such a fantastic artistic experience for everyone. We also would like to remind you to make sure to be there at Villa Verde on the 2nd edition of their ‘Voices around the World’ series featuring great musicians from around the world. Such a mouth-watering musical journey, isn’t it? The event organizing and digital media industry is undergoing quite a remarkable transformation, and we are thrilled to be a meaningful part of it. As we expand the scope of our services and reach, we would like to call on everyone to be part of our adventure. Whether you are an energetic party lover or an inspired young leader or a writer aspiring to try your hands with some feature articles, LinkUp Addis is for you. All you need to do is reach out.

Eyob Workineh Editor-in-Chief

Editor in chief: Eyob Workineh eyob@linkupaddis.com

Social Media Content Manager: Michael Asheber

Marketing Director: Eyasu Abdella eyasu@linkupaddis.com Social Media Strategist: Fikreab Dagne fikrabdagne@gmail.com Creative Director: Benny Yoseph benny@linkupaddis.com Event Researcher: Yilak Assefa yilak@linkupaddis.com

4 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

Cover photo: Courtesy of Solomon Kassa

01-16 DECEMBER 2019 • La profezia dell'armadillo by Emanuele Scaringi 2018- 99 min, English subtitle Italian school Video Club, 03:30pm

• Wenchi Crater Lake Hike Piassa Menelik II Square (Meetup), 06:45am

• Poetic Paintings by Million Birhane Italian cultural institute, 06:00pm

• FAMILY FESTIVAL Fana Park, 10:00am

• Monday- Jazz, Chicken Kofta and Kebabs Combo Night Radisson Blu, 07:00pm

• Khul Academy #115 Nutrition 101 with Candy Khul wellness center, 06:00pm

• Poetic Paintings by Million Birhane Italian cultural institute, 06:00pm

• German Charity Christmas Bazaar GERMAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, 10:00am

• CINE-CLUB (Every Wednesday night) Louvre hotel, 08:00pm

• Rencontre littéraire: Vincent Defait Alliance Ethio-française, 06:30pm

• Wellness Pop-up bazaar Addisu Gebeya, 10:00am

• Young Stars Live Music (every Wednesday) Metro club Hyatt Regency hotel, 09:00pm

• Movie Night (Every Tuesday) Villa Verde, 07:00pm

• Afro Fair Tropical Garden, 11:00am

• Poetic Paintings by Million Birhane Italian cultural institute, 06:00pm

• QUIZ NIGHT (Every Tuesday) Ramada Hotel, Oak Bar, 08:00pm

• Khul Community Service Day Blood Donation Khul wellness center, 01:30pm • Ghion Open Air Cinema (Family Night) Ghion Hotel, 05:30pm • Stand Up Comedy Harmony Hotel, 06:00pm

• Poetic Paintings by Million Birhane Italian cultural institute, 06:00pm

• Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Africa Conference & Exhibition Capital Hotel and Spa, 09:00am

• Poetic Paintings by Million Birhane Italian cultural institute, 06:00pm

• Handel's Messiah Part I (Christmas section) German Church, 09:00am

• Couch surfing meetup (Every Thursday) Mad vervet Hostel , 07:00pm

• ECA Book Talk with Rémy Riouxa United Nations Conference Center, 09:30am

• Karaoke and open mic (Every Thursday) Viking Bar & Restaurant, 09:00pm

• Art of Ethiopia 11th Exhibition Sheraton Addis, 10:00am

• Organic Farmers’ Market Natani Cafe, 08:30am

• Shape Your Business IceAddis, 08:00am • Vibration Station Vol. 5 Viking Bar and Restaurant, 06:00pm • Voice around the World Villa Verde, 07:00pm • Ethio-Reggae live band (Every Saturday) Metro club Hyatt Regency Hotel, 08:00pm

• A Geographical Passion: Screening and Discussion Alliance Ethio-francaise, 06:00pm

• Penthouse Party Ambiance, 08:30pm

• Love N’Black 70’s (Every Friday) Metro Club Hyatt Regency Hotel , 09:00pm

• Ethio Futurism live band (Every Saturday) Metro club Hyatt Regency Hotel, 09:30pm

6 • 2nd Hotel & Tourism Industry Job Fair And Networking Event Millennium Hall, 10:00am

• 2nd Hotel & Tourism Industry Job Fair And Networking Event Millennium Hall, 10:00am

• Zoya Open-Air Party 6.0 Greek Club, 10:00pm

• Global Summit on ending Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) African Union Commission Headquarters, 08:00am

• World Music-Musica Beyaynetu with Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio, featuring Melaku Belay + Ethiocolor Ethiopian National Theatre, 07:00pm

8 • Ride by Valerio Mastandrea 2018 - 95 min English subtitles Italian school Video Club, 03:30pm

• Khul Academy #116 101 with Tsedey Fantahun Khul wellness center, 06:00pm

• Couch surfing meetup (Every Thursday) Mad vervet Hostel , 07:00pm • Karaoke and open mic (Every Thursday) Viking Bar & Restaurant, 09:00pm

• CINE-CLUB (Every Wednesday night) Louvre hotel, 08:00pm

• Movie Night (Every Tuesday) Villa Verde, 07:00pm

• Young Stars Live Music (Every Wednesday) Metro club Hyatt Regency hotel, 09:00pm

• QUIZ NIGHT (Every Tuesday) Ramada Hotel, Oak Bar, 08:00pm

• Art of Ethiopia 11th Exhibition Sheraton Addis, 10:00am

• Poetic Paintings by Million Birhane Italian cultural institute, 06:00pm

• Art of Ethiopia 11th Exhibition Sheraton Addis, 10:00am

• Sheger Graphic Design Competition Serapta , 08:00am

• UNUSUAL DJ' S ZODIAC SERIES Face of Addis, 02:00pm

• Love N’Black 70’s (Every Friday) Metro Club Hyatt Regency Hotel , 09:00pm

• Ethio-Reggae live band (Every Saturday) Metro club Hyatt Regency Hotel, 08:00pm

• Ethio Futurism live band (Every Saturday) Metro club Hyatt Regency Hotel, 09:30pm

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 5

17-31 DECEMBER 2019 • Movie Night (Every Tuesday) Villa Verde, 07:00pm

• CINE-CLUB Every Wednesday night Louvre hotel, 08:00pm

• Couch surfing meetup (Every Thursday) Mad vervet Hostel , 07:00pm

• QUIZ NIGHT (Every Tuesday) Ramada Hotel, Oak Bar, 08:00pm

• Young Stars Live Music (every Wednesday) Metro club Hyatt Regency hotel, 09:00pm

• Karaoke and open mic (Every Thursday) Viking Bar & Restaurant, 09:00pm

• Love N’Black 70’s (Every Friday) Metro Club Hyatt Regency Hotel , 09:00pm

• 3rd ET Real-estate and Home Expo 2019 Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, 09:00am

• Khul Community Wellness Day Khul wellness center, 09:00am

• Movie Night Villa Verde, 07:00pm

• Shega Talks With Ruth Paulos Khul wellness center, 03:00pm

• Our Ethiopia Golf Club, 09:30am

• QUIZ NIGHT (Every Tuesday) Ramada Hotel, Oak Bar, 08:00pm

• Ethio Futurism live band (Every Saturday) Metro club Hyatt Regency Hotel, 09:30pm

• CINE-CLUB Every Wednesday night Louvre hotel, 08:00pm

• Couch surfing meetup (Every Thursday) Mad vervet Hostel , 07:00pm

• Young Stars Live Music (Every Wednesday) Metro club Hyatt Regency hotel, 09:00pm

• Karaoke and open mic (Every Thursday) Viking Bar & Restaurant, 09:00pm

23 • Love N’Black 70’s (Every Friday) Metro Club Hyatt Regency Hotel , 09:00pm

24 • Self Engineering: "Understanding Human Energy System" With Yoftahe Manyazewal (Happy) Khul wellness center, 07:30am • Ethio Futurism live band (Every Saturday) Metro club Hyatt Regency Hotel, 09:30pm

• Title: "Conversations with God" Khul wellness center, 6:00pm

27 • Movie Night Villa Verde, 07:00pm • QUIZ NIGHT (Every Tuesday) Ramada Hotel, Oak Bar, 08:00pm

29 6 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

Thumbsup Kidus Assefa

Furniture & Lifestyle Name: NOR Furniture

Entertainment & Recreation Name: Kuriftu Water Park

Launched in October 2019 by partners Eskinder Getachew and Liz Moran, NOR is a modern, African-inspired furniture brand that identified a gap in the market for high quality, reasonably priced and well-designed furniture. From Peacock print to Wax print, print patterns on print patters, it is amazing to see the array of bright, vivid colors and patterns used in the making of their handmade products: ‘Arada’ armchairs, ‘Dink’ Ottomans, ‘Selam’ chairs, ‘Desta’ throw cushions and much more exciting and beautiful products are in store. Needless to say, the fun colorful & creative styles make the furniture at NOR a necessity for a modern lifestyle.

Kuriftu Water Park is Ethiopia's leading amusement destination. East Africa's largest water amusement park, it opened adjacent to Kuriftu Ethiopian Cultural Village to create an ideal tourist destination. It aims to add value to Ethiopia’s growing hospitality industry and to create a unique entertainment experience just a few hours’ drive from Addis. The park covers 30,000 square meters and features a wide range of activities, such as two water houses, a boomerang slide, a spiral slide, a wave pool, and a performance center with Fekat circus Tent within the compound.

Facebook: NOR Furniture Tel: +251 (0) 93 200 0697 +251 (0) 94 856 9013 Location: 22, around Awraris or St. Gabriel Hospital On Google maps? Yes Party/Nightout Name: Zoya Electronic Music Party Since its launch in December 2018, Zoya Electronic Music party has captured the attention of many partylovers for the uniquely intimate and warm experience it creates. The monthly event which is hosted at the beautiful garden at the Greek Club has reached its 6th edition and is kicking. With hand-picked electronic music DJs, great food and safe event venue, this 25+ event has become a must-go event for anyone in Addis for a weekend visit or a longer term stay. Next edition of Zoya is on 07 December 2019. Facebook: LinkUpAddis Instagram: LinkUpAddis Tel: +251 (0) 91 176 0603 Location: Currently taking place at Greek Club Around Olympia On Google maps? Yes 8 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

Facebook: kuriftuwaterpark Tel: + 251 (0)91 109 1185 Location: Bishoftu, 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa. On Google maps? Yes

FollowUp

On the Grind Nathan Seyoum

our search is over. The incline of the small artificial plane may weigh on your knees. You may be faced with a gripping descent down the cobblestone road. This, however, quickly dissipates as you start hearing small reverberations of nearby acoustics. Meander no more! You are here, at Alliance EthioFrancaise. The ground feels shaky and the vibrations are getting prominent. You go further down to the gate, and the noise is sounding familiar. It is music of some sort – maybe South African. No, it is Ugandan. The fences are near your reach. The pale yellowish-green color of the gates embarks to the series of events– collectively called “On the Grind”. Pret avoir amuser?

Grind” – a collaborative effort from Alliance Ethio-Francaise, the French Embassy, Italian Embassy, Canadian Embassy, Goethe Institut, BGI Ethiopia, and Linkup, aiming “not only to support the emerging youth subculture in Ethiopia, but also to promote the values of fun, freedom of expression, respecting others’ differences and embracing that difference. It inspires the youth to take pride in their uniqueness and gives them confidence to pursue their talents elsewhere.” Lucy reiterates. Hence the name “On The Grind”, derived from the word underground (or asphalt) and signifies the raw urban culture that is often ignored. As the sweltering sun slowly starts to hide behind the trees on 25 October 2019, the first week commences.

The crux of the “On the Grind” event held at Alliance Ethio-Francaise was fun all 3 weeks round with events ranging from games to art galleries to skating, and films and music. After a long day’s work, school and other engagements, people from all places come to lay back and enjoy the variety of talent that is bestowed upon them - so is the aim of the event. But it is not only a recreation center. “The youth subculture is not celebrated in Ethiopia. There are several young underground artists, who have not been given the platform for their talent thus they have not been discovered yet,” says Lucy, the vibrant host and organizer of the event. This is the second edition of “On the

An eclectic group of artists had gathered in the hall right through the café. It was an exhibition from Ethiopia Skate, Eyoel Kassa, Zelalem Merga and Woinshet Goshu marking the opening of the event – the icebreaker. The sculptures, paintings and photographs were mesmerizing and can be described as deep analyses of the human spirit, engorging the audience on a slow cataclysm of contemplation.

“I asked her to sum up the event in one word. “Simply put”, she said, “EPIC!!!”. ”

Down the hall, an artificial rink was created for Ethiopia Skate. “Skating is not a thing that we do; it is beyond an activity - it is a feeling. It describes our personalities and our way of living,” said Yonas who was one

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 9

Photo by: Anteneh Girma, Abyissinia Photographers Hub

As far as music concerts are concerned “On the Grind” did not disappoint as Faizal Mostrixx and Susan Kerunen from Uganda took to the stage at 8 pm to showcase an Afro Cosmic concert on 30 October. This was the second day of the event. “Tetti?” “Tetti Engi.” was the main chant of the day. People danced and had a good time. There was also a live electro concert on 08 November from the throbbing displays of musical wizardry of Kira from Ethiopia, T&T and Tropical Riddims from Ethio-Canada. By the end of the day, people were left wanting more. Ask and you shall receive. As the end of the first week of November crept in, the event came to a close. And boy did it close with a bang! The final event had a consortium of things to do and see. As it was closer, it was fitting to aggregate the whole week into one so that people can see what they might have missed in one day.

Photo by: Mekbib Tadesse

The skaters were having fun on the rink that they built. Two stages were set on the backdrop for managing the entire event. Everyone was there. Ethiopia Skate was showing its merch such as t-shirts, jewelry and their skateboards as part of the

10 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

urban marketplace. Chewata Awaki, who introduced their games from November 1 to 3, presented different games all over the compound such as checkers, rock paper and scissors, and maze games. After a few minutes, a fashion show by the talented Melat Mulugeta commenced. The hip-pop group Ethios Hip pop community electrified the crowd with performances from multiple youth talents while spray paint artists were busy doing artwork on their canvases. There were children, young people and adults all eating, drinking and having fun. Around every corner, there was something interesting and exhilarating to look at. As the night drew near the main stage was occupied by Hamdiya Sherif and Betty Abebe, Sheba sound, Ethios and finally, the anticipated BCUC, the afro psychedelic band. They all drew energy from the crowd and regurgitated it back. We were left saying “What a day! What a night!”

“As the end of the first week of November creeped in, the event came to a close. And boy did it close with a bang!”

We were near the embankment when I asked Lucy about the event. “Let me tell you this.” She started with vigor, “The previous edition of the event, was a huge scaffold for us. Of course, the intention of the event was for people to have fun but I didn’t anticipate it having such a huge impact on our youngsters. Those who showcased their works last year called me and told me how much it changed their lives for the better and how they are grateful for the opportunity. The phones had not stopped ringing until 2 months after the event ended. This is what we aim for. Now that is a success.” Lucy said. I asked her to sum up the event in one word. “Simply put”, she said, “EPIC!!!”

Photo: www..lomography.com

of the skaters attending the event. He is part of the organization called Ethiopia Skate – a social enterprise created by Sean Stromsoe, aimed at generating young skaters in Ethiopia. There were photos artistically placed on broken skateboards. Their short touring film called “Eshi Sak Ethiopia” premiered on 06 November along with other documentaries collectively called “Africa Rising.”

CatchUp

MTN Bushfire Festival

Tsadenna G. Assefa indoor and outdoor experiences in a fusion he nation formerly known as of culture, expression and architecture, Swaziland changed its name to making it the perfect venue for what Eswatini in April 2018 in an attempt to Bushfire stands for. shed the remnants of Colonialism. The The three-day festival is held on small Southeastern African four stages all with a unique Monarchial country is feature. While the Main stage “The Main stage famous for its rich culture showcases a remarkable showcases a and wilderness reserves. And equilibrium of traditional remarkable since 2009, the country has and contemporary as well as been hosting the Annual MTN equilibrium of collaborations from a wide Bushfire Festival in the month traditional and range of countries and genres, of May. The festival is an contemporary the Amphitheatre is an awearray of cultural expression inspiring performance area [arts].” that forces audiences to with a distinctly unique flavor reevaluate and reimagine the at its core - a sunken ‘Afroaverage definition of a music Shakespearean Globe Theatre’ that houses festival. a range of performances, from music,

Photo: www.bush-fire.com

The internationally acclaimed Festival incorporates an eclectic collection of arts such as music, dance, poetry, installations and themed workshops. Due to its versatile nature, it has been dubbed as a ‘…more than a festival but a living, breathing ecosystem’. It is hosted in the diverse House of Fire Venue which is is a wonderland of imagination that brings

12 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

poetry, dance and others. The third stage, The Barn has a Pallet furniture and a wood chip floor that set the tone for a more intimate festival experience. As the name suggests, it is hosted in a renovated barn with a contemporary feel and is the perfect chill-out space for festival-goers. The fourth stage is Firefly. It is a high-energy environment that creates an opportunity for rising performers and is covered by a nomadic stretch tent with a cocktail bar and features DJs, and rap and hip-hop

“Due to its versatile nature, it has been dubbed as a ‘…more than a festival but a living, breathing ecosystem’."

Since its inception, the festival has encouraged all who participate to heed the call for action, and in the process, the festival has achieved a worldwide reputation for its visionary and authentic approach to raising awareness of the need for social change. Not only is MTN Bushfire achieving this through its messages, but the festival in the past decade has also supported local charities, such as Young Heroes, an initiative that supports over 1,000 AIDS orphans, by donating a significant percentage of its profits to such causes. MTN Bushfire is part of IGODA (which means to bind together in the Zulu language) circuit which is a partnership born out of the Firefest Route, the brainchild of MTN Bushfire that now encompasses festivals from Mozambique, eSwatini, South Africa, and Reunion Island. These festivals collaborate to facilitate the movement of artists within the region, thereby exposing them to different audiences. The next edition of MTN Bushfire will be held on 29-31 May 2020. Although this edition’s line up hasn’t been announced yet, previous editions saw megastars such as Yemi Alade, Asa, Sho Madjozi, Sekou Kouyate, Salif Keita, Mandisa, Kwesta, Mr. Eazy, Sampa the Great and many more international acts. The festival offers camping and glamping options to all attendees and is a great place for artists to showcase their works and network while offering festival-goers an unparalleled experience of the arts and music.

“The festival is an array of cultural expression that forces audiences to reevaluate and reimagine the average definition of a music festival. "

For more information visit https:// www.bush-fire.com/

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 13

Photo: www.bush-fire.com

artists. The festival grounds also have many other entertainment options such as a lounge, global food village, a marketplace, a kids’ zone and the ‘bring your fire’ zone. The ‘bring your fire’ zone is an interactive and creative space, located at the very heart of the main festival. Bringing the call to action to life through discussions and talk shows around social issues. The space actively encourages participation in socially responsible initiatives and promotes advocacy in an interactive environment. The zone allows partners and participants to actively engage with the theme to make their personal contribution and bring the festival’s commitment to environmentalism to life during the festival. This area is also a “collective responsibility space to discuss and promote awareness of crucial issues that impact our daily lives as well as our future both locally and globally. Gender equality, sustainable energy, innovation, education, arts development, skill-sharing, HIV & health, orphan/mentorship/support & community development all feature in this vitally important arena”. This International, yet uniquely African festival brings together close to 20,000 spectators annually from all over the world on a 3-day movement that promotes social change with its #BRINGYOURFIRE call to action. The festival holds an award for the best sustainable event and uplifts youth through “… encouraging the proactive contribution of the individual”.

EatUp

Dok Resturant Anatoli Bulti

t’s lunchtime and a couple of us are sitting in the newly renovated outdoor section of Dok, an Italian restaurant located on the busy streets of Bole Medhanialem Cathedral, waiting for the rest of our party to arrive. The outdoor space is open enough to give you a view of what’s happening on the streets but with the privacy of a concrete hedge. Once all of us are there, we are led to the indoor dining room with nicely set up tables lined with red and white table cloth that can accommodate as many as 10 people. The dining room is dimly lit, with not much natural light coming through the space during the day but creates a nice ambiance at night. The décor of the interior is rather simple, with walls painted yellow and pictures hanging here and there. Antique kitchenware from old coffee grinder and bronze kettles to pots and candelabras are haphazardly hanging on hooks across the side of one of the walls. Although the antique display somehow seems out of place in the minimal and

simple set up of the restaurant, one couldn’t help but think whether it might have some cultural reference. Once we are settled into our seats, the waiter arrives to take our orders handing us two menus – one for pizza with over 30 different choices and another for a variety of Italian dishes. While we struggle to choose, repeatedly glancing back and forth the two menus, the waiter takes our drink orders. The food menu, in a truly Italian fashion, has a variety of dishes divided into categories; Antipasti, Zuppe, Primi (Appetizers, Soup and first course); Primi Secondi (main and second course); Contorni (Vegetable and Sides) and dolci (dessert). The pizza menu offers a range of Italian style pizzas with imported ingredients while both have a number of vegetarian options. After a few minutes of indecision, we settle on gnocchi and mixed salads for starters and a pear gorgonzola pizza, tagliatelle ragu, a penne pesto genouse and a combo called lunch formula for main.

Location: Bole Medhanialem between Echo Lounge an Abyssinia Bank On Google Maps? Yes Service /label: Restaurant Opening Hours: Lunch 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM Dinner 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM Facebook: @Dok Italian Resturant Addis Instagram: @dokresturant Phone Number: +251 91 250 3281

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 15

Photo by: Anteneh Girma, Abyissinia Photographers Hub

A popular restaurant in the city, Dok is the perfect place for a nice romantic date, a family outing or a group dinner. While tables are always available for a small group, it is advisable to reserve a table in advance for larger groups. The restaurant also has a second space located inside the Alliance Ethio-francaise compound aptly named Dok@Alliance, offering similar Italian and Mediterranean dishes. A nice Euro-pop playlist plays in the background as we scrape out the last of the food on our table. We skip dessert and order tea and espresso. Belly full and caffeinated, we set out with the rest of our plans for the afternoon. I could still taste the strong and rich flavor of the basil from the pesto penne dish as we walk out, and I couldn’t be any more satisfied.

16 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

The gnocchi is the first to arrive, the aroma of the gorgonzola cheese sauce filling the room before even reaching our table. The small dumplings are soft and buttery, a cheesy delight and a nice complement to our mixed salad appetizer. The lunch formula is a combo of chicken and lasagna served with a choice of steamed rice or French fries. The chicken, a schnitzel, is at the crispy enough on the outside and tender inside. Dok’s pizza has a tasty light tomato base, thin and crisp crusts and perfectly balanced ingredients. But, if you thought pineapple was an unusual addition to pizza, then the pear gorgonzola Pizza will not change your mind about fruit toppings on pizza. In a choice that left our table divided, Gorgonzola Pizza was served with pear toppings, a combination that was equally interesting and unusual. Personally, I was not a fan of the pears,but the rest of the pizza was good enough to overlook pear addition. The tomato sauce of the tagliatelle ragu is rich with flavor while the penne pesto genouse was made from fresh homemade pesto. The rich flavor of the basil and the penne al dente made this dish a personal favorite.

I could still taste the strong and rich flavor of the basil from the pesto penne dish as we walk out, and I couldn’t be any more satisfied.

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 17

CloseUp

Solomon Kassa Eyob Workineh

he past few years have seen a dramatic increase in the use as well as discussion of technology for the betterment of society, and at the center of it all has been Solomon Kassa. Founder and host of the EBS TV show, Tech Talk with Solomon, he has opened the tech window wide open for Ethiopians at all corners. With his easy-going but caring and inspirational approach, Solomon has made millions of Ethiopian fans across the world. LinkUp Addis’s Eyob sat with Solomon to ask him about his career, his projects and achievements. Enjoy! (Our interview, which took place at Hyatt Regency had been interrupted multiple times with excited fans wanting to tell him how inspirational he has been) Tell us a bit about who you were before you became today and your early influences

Photo: Courtesy of Solomon Kassa

I was just another kid from Addis Ababa. I left for the USA 16 years ago. Growing up, I was a village kid who was famous for Push Toy Cars made of wire. I used to make these and sell them for the other kids in the village. As much as the technical skills, I was also artistic. I used to paint, I even hosted an art exhibition in my high-school. Given my technical inclinations, my choice to learn computer science came naturally. My biggest early influence was my father.

18 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

He instilled in me the value of curiosity and the passion for learning new things. How did your early years in the USA look like? I did some college here at first at Microlink College and did my Associate Degree in Computer Science, but I had always wanted to pursue education overseas. I wanted to see how the outside world looked like, and with my gravitation towards technology, that also came naturally. I applied to several schools, and one of the schools happened to accept my application, so I left for the US on a student visa. I did my full BSc in Computer Science. Then I went on to do my Masters. You have been one of the most influential TV show hosts in Ethiopia. How did all that start? The first few years until I got my two degrees, I was too busy getting my life straight. It was a humble beginning. I had to do side jobs to cover my expenses. My first job was as a front desk agent in a hotel. It gave me flexibility with my time as it allowed me a choice to pick a shift that started at 3 pm and ended at 11 pm. After my first degree, I looked for a job as a software developer, and my professional career kicked-off. As opposed to the traditional image out there about

“One of the most humbling and valuable feedback has been when one of my readers sent me my own book via express mail…”

How do you manage your life and your time with all the responsibilities you have as a consultant, TV personality, and author? It’s hard but also manageable. Having a professional, 8-hour-a-day, office job and doing all the other stuff alongside being a father is not easy. But it all comes to discipline- to how passionate you are about what you do. I am very passionate about the TV show. It has really been an impact tool, creating a positive impact on several people. The book, of course, was just a continuation of the TV Show. The intention was to reach more places that the TV show cannot reach. The book was specifically inspired by a young man, I think from Jimma, who wrote me an email four years ago explaining how much sacrifice he pays to watch my shows every week. He takes a Gari (an Ethiopian traditional horse-drawn wagon) to a little café in the next town watches the show and goes back to his home town again, all

the while spending hours on the road. As a show that has run for years, what have the biggest achievements of the show been? The biggest accomplishment has been inspiring the youth. Helping the young see in my show that anything is possible, and inspiring them to create and innovate has been the biggest achievement. Being able to show Ethiopian people that a guy who looks like them and who speaks like them can actually become a chief NASA scientist or an influencer in the global tech landscape has truly been my achievement. Apart from that, I have been able to influence policies and policymakers as well as decisions, in a way of discussions and consulting. As a person who has been significantly involved in the tech industry in Ethiopia, what are the major milestones you have observed? It is obvious that we are far behind the rest of the world when it comes to tech. However, the biggest change I see in the tech scene in Ethiopia is that there is a remarkably high level of interest within the government for tech. It used to be significantly challenging for any tech initiative to operate in Ethiopia. There were no legal and infrastructural frameworks to enable that. You would only get attention when you launch a physical store or a factory, and people simply didn’t understand what and how tech could transform the economy and society. Now, it is understood. There are investors who show interest in tech ventures. Legal policy frameworks are being more inclusive to

“Our interview, which took place at Hyatt Regency had been interrupted multiple times with excited fans wanting to tell him how inspirational he has been”

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 19

Photo: Courtesy of Solomon Kassa

programmers and tech people being nerdy and introvert, I was outgoing and a people’s person. So I decided to pursue the business side of technology for my Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management, and following that, I joined the consulting and business side of the industry. I had always looked for a way to give back to my community. My first thought was to develop a blog. In the middle of developing the website, though, I decided it wasn’t practical to proceed with it, and the idea was sidelined. Eventually, a friend of mine who knew the story suggested me to start a show on EBS, a TV station which was quite new back then. That’s how I ended up starting the TV show.

tech. The signs are promising. Even in terms of infrastructure, we have come a long way with regard to connectivity. What disappoints you about tech in Ethiopia? The poor mindset about tech. From decision-makers all the way to consumers, the understanding of tech as an enabler is disappointing. The value we give to tech as a catalyst for everything is too low. Technology is sector-agnostic; it doesn’t matter where it is applied. It is transformative. That has not been understood yet. But, I am confident this is changing, and changing fast. What do you regard as your biggest personal accomplishment? My biggest personal achievement is having my small mark in the Ethiopian tech revolution. There is also a project I am running right now. If that succeeds, it will even stretch the accomplishment. I think it will create an even more significant impact on tech in Ethiopia. Your first book has been in the market for months now. How has the feedback been?

Photo: Courtesy of Solomon Kassa

It has been very inspiring. It almost made me decide to write a second book. It was released around a year and a half ago, and we have sold over 30,000 copies which is great in the Ethiopian market. There still is more demand. One of the most humbling and valuable

20 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

feedback has been when one of my readers sent me my own book via express mail. Telling me the book was great, he marked all the typos in the book asking me to correct them in the next edition. It was very humbling to see people giving this much attention and value to my work. What do you think big opportunities do you for the tech industry in Ethiopia? The private sector in Ethiopia has been very dormant when it comes to tech partly because the government is the biggest enabler as well as consumer of tech and partly because of the poor understanding of tech as a transformational element. Leaders in the private sector have not been willing to venture into tech because they were too comfortable in traditional ways. Once we get the policies and the infrastructure straight, I think the private sector is the biggest opportunity for tech. Finally, is there anyone you would like to thank? I would like to thank my Mom and my daughter for being the inspiration that they are. Despite being just ten, the encouragement and recognition I see in my daughter and the hope I see within her is invaluable. I would like to thank those who have been helping and guiding me through this all.

“Being able to show Ethiopian people that a guy who looks like them and who speaks like them can actually become a chief NASA scientist or an influencer in the global tech landscape has truly been my achievement.”

What'sUp

Khul Wellness Center Alula Abadi

s human beings, the one law we can never deny is unlimited wants, limited resources. This primal instinct has led to a point in our civilization where chaos and turmoil rule the radio waves. And so it isn't a surprise when most people search for comfort in calmness and a slower pace in their lives. Things like stable energy and being mindful of our spiritual health have been practiced thoroughly around the globe. While this might be a normal practice in the rest of the world, it is fairly new to places like our continent. But we all have to start somewhere... and so we have in the form of Khul Wellness Center and its overseer Ato Yoftahe Manyazewal.

Photo by: Shadow Images Adiam Negussie

We sat with Yoftahe in his wellness center's compound at Frank Addis to explore this topic more. Before we went into the details of his work, we first felt that we had to understand the basics. Small things like... what is a wellness instructor? Or what is a wellness center at all? Yoftahe Went on to explain that a wellness instructor, in more direct words, actually practices a very new field known as wellness engineering. A field of study which revolves around knowing

22 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

one’s self in and out. And that this is where the concept of a wellness center stems from. He further explained that a wellness center is a place for physical care where you can explore who you are and find your center. A normally slow and easily-lost focus can be constantly maintained and regenerated as you practice with likeminded individuals and people striving to better themselves through self-exploration. "In the fast-paced world we live in, it can sometimes be hard to find the right rhythm. Like a toddler attempting to walk for the first time, we may stumble and fall in aspects of psychological, emotional and physical growth and development." During my time with Yoftahe and the other people attending his program, I noticed that words like spirit and mind keep coming up. Almost too many times. This begs the question, “Is this just another form of therapy?” And so I asked if this practice is just Counseling wrapped up in yoga and meditation? Yoftahe underlined that it is far from it. "Granted, there are some similarities. However, wellness coaching isn't just about the mind. It’s much deeper than that. It goes beyond the things that cause you stress and helps you investigate

Location: At Frank Addis around dembel city center On Google Maps? Yes Service /label: Holistic Development Center Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 07:00 AM – 08:30 PM Facebook: @KhulWorld Instagram: @khul_world Phone Number: +251 91 328 0088

The human brain is one giant maze - a maze that needs to be cracked and completed. What Khul Wellness Center does is precisely that. They help an interested individual, dive deep into who they are and the fabric of what makes them human. Self-understanding and knowledge are of the utmost importance and these institutions offer the opportunity to search for it. And if my opinion means anything, in all my dealings with Yoftahe and his students and after the sessions that I have been part of I have observed that…it works.

And living in a religious society such as ours makes it a hard truth to swallow for most people.

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 23

Photo by: Shadow Images Adiam Negussie

not just the problem but your inner self as well. Unlike therapy, which starts and ends at some point, this process is more of a lifestyle than a singular practice. It can help athletes physically; it can help doctors ease their stress; it can help mathematicians focus, and so on. It is not a singular focus on Past trauma or pain but a larger one that can be applied to anything and anyone," he explained. All of this seems like a great process but like all things worth accomplishing, it’s not all hunky-dory. There must be some challenges, and that is exactly what I asked, and as this is a relatively new practice in Ethiopia, there would be more than just a few. So I gave the floor to Yoftahe as he went on to explain some of the challenges. "The main challenge would be the lack of awareness. The major problem is that what we do is not only a spiritual process but also a highly scientific one. And living in a religious society such as ours makes it a hard truth to swallow for most people. And that’s pretty much it. In time, we seek to make the people more aware of what the practice is all about, and we hope to have more and more practitioners and volunteers in the future." Yoftahe also explains that despite the fields growing prominence, there currently is no policy framework that recognizes wellness programs like the ones at Khul as a major part of the health care system.

ReelUp

Kidus Tamiru The Irishman is a crime, drama film that spans a few decades in the life of Frank Sheeran, a mob hit man involved with the Bufalino crime family and the powerful teamster president, Jimmy Hoffa. The film is based on the book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt, which recounts Sheeran’s story and his alleged ties to numerous murders and the disappearance of Hoffa. The film is full of Scorsese’s regular collaborators both in front and behind the camera, with the notable exception being Al Pacino, who’s never worked with him before. It’s as if Scorsese knew he needed masters he can rely on to pull this off the right way. And boy did he outdo himself. In the end, not only did he create one of the best gangster movies of all time, but one of the best films in general. If you are not familiar with Martin Scorsese or don’t like his other films, there’s a chance you won’t like this one (I was watching this with my wife and she slept in the first 20 minutes, so yeah, I guess this is not for everybody). But if you are a fan of movies like Casino, Wolf of Wall Street and especially Goodfellas, This movie will blow you away. It’s so rare and unlikely that an accomplished artist will create something that compares to their best work

24 I Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019

so late in life. This film seems both like he’s rehashing his old style (in a good, original way, not self-plagiarism) and a sequel to Goodfellas. Goodfellas was focused more on gangsters’ lives from their childhood to middle age, whilst this is more from middle age to old. Goodfellas was the great party the night before and this is the raging hangover the day after. This focuses more clearly on the consequences of the mobster lifestyle. It is much more mature and heartbreaking and sobering than any of his other films. The acting in this film is truly superb. It’s the type of acting where I was constantly alternating between amazement at how great the performances are and then completely forget that it is a performance. They keep stealing the show from each other for three hours and a half, which is why I think the film feels a lot shorter. Even though De Niro is amazing, Pesci and Pacino were truly exceptional. After many years of retirement, Pesci finally comes back to give this tour de force performance and reminds us what we’ve been missing. And it would’ve been a true tragedy of cinema if the great Al Pacino never got to work with Scorsese. Watching this film is seeing true masters of their craft come together. So I absolutely insist you check out this prime of example of pure cinema (Ironically brought to you by Netflix).

Directed By: Martin Scorsese Runtime: 3hrs 30m Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci 10/10

Dagetu Lai Directed By: Mintesinot Legesse Runtime: 1hr 45m Starring: Kassahun “Mandela” Fisseha, Mariyamawit Abate

Dagetu Lai is a about a lazy dude who goes about his day complaining why he can’t get a break and a pretty girl who is also in the movie because they needed somebody he ends up with in the end. The end. This is quite an atrocious film with all the signs of a cast and crew who have given up on even trying to make a good film a long time ago. Led by a cast of thoroughly uninteresting characters, such as the aforementioned whiny, lazy douche and the unrealistically naïve girl as the love interest, this “comedy” film didn’t even get a chuckle in the cinema hall. And it astounds me how the filmmakers read the script, which calls for a romantic lead, and thought Mandela would be the perfect choice. And the plot doesn’t even start at all for the first half hour. The character introductory scenes that normal films get over within 10 minutes, is the first half hour of this one. After that, it’s the same Ethiopian romantic film story of two disparate characters going about their lives for half the film, then meet in an unlikely situation and have a forced romance for the rest of the film. Even with all these fuckups, I got to say the most appalling part is probably the score. They keep playing goofy ass music the whole time. Just avoid this crappy movie. 2/10

Kiya Directed By: Alazar Salelign Runtime:1hr 45m Starring: Chernet Fikadu, Marta Goytom, Solomon Muhé

Kiya is a musical, romance movie about a blind aspiring singer who runs into his long-lost love. Kiya is the first Ethiopian musical. But when you think about it, Ethiopian romance movies were never that far off from musicals in the first place. They don’t have characters that burst into song in the middle of a scene but they did have the excessive melodrama and weak plots only musicals can have. But still, credit where credit is due, this is still unique. Even though I loathe musicals, I love the fact that they’re trying something unique with an Ethiopian film for once. And you can tell the filmmakers gave a shit with the other aspects as well. The cinematography and sound are good. The story works well for a musical. No unnecessary comedy. In fact, it is so relatively unique; I’m starting to wonder how this film was financed in the first place. So overall, it doesn’t have that many songs for a musical film and the story is not that good, but if you love music and/or romance, you should check this. Hell, even if you don’t like music, if you’re gonna watch an Ethiopian film, watch this. Just don’t watch this next film.

7/10

Linkup Addis Ababa December, 2019 I 25