LinkUp Addis March 2019

March 2019

ADDIS ABABA

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Closeup: An interview with the rising star Armaghedion, the one striving to plant African Electronic music to the Ethiopian music scene EatUp: Shifta A place where a curious mind gets its sure hit, with healthy and affordable dining Page 14

What’sUp: A review of Gast Entertainment- the new pioneering, unusual entertainment hub at an unusual place Page 21

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Headsup

Thumbsup

March Events Calendar

Followup

Event Review Design Week Addis Ababa

Eatup

Catchup

17 Closeup

Interview With Armaghedion

Restaurant Review Shifta

International Event Afrochella Festival

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Reelup

Cinema Review

Gast Entertainmall Mall

Here is March, already! The year is truly living up to its promise to the event organizing industry. As short as 2 months seem we have seen a lot. We have already seen Collie Budzz and ROPHNAN on stage, we’ve just had Taste of Addis, we’ve seen the Zodiac Series launch and bloom, we’ve had Zoya Electronic Music series gaining a wide acclaim, we had the AU conference, we had the week-long Design Week Addis Ababa, and so many more, and it has only been 2 months since the year started.

With thousands of aspiring young people joining the event organizing industry, and technology leading the way we are observing a new wave of energy and imagination. Right down the road, we are having the first ever major cell-phone photography exhibition, an event that wouldn’t have been imagined just a few months ago. LinkUp Addis would like to thank all individuals, companies and organizations who take event organizers’ aspirations seriously to support them in multiple ways.

Eyob Workineh Editor-in-Chief

Editor in chief: Eyob Workineh eyob@linkupaddis.com Marketing Director: Eyasu Abdella eyasu@linkupaddis.com Project and Social Media Manager: Fikreab Dagne fikrabdagne@gmail.com Creative Director: Benny Yoseph benny@linkupaddis.com

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Cover photo by: Dennis Kimutai

01-16 MARCH2019 • The Ethiopian Sound System Festival 2019 VillaVerde, 08:00pm

• COLOR FEST ADDIS Yaya Africa Athletics Village, 12:00am

• Khul Community Wellness Day Khul Holistic Development Center, 09:00am

• African Electronic Pallets Bar & Restaurant , 09:00pm

• The Ethiopian Sound System Festival 2019 VillaVerde, 08:00pm

• Korenti Electronic Music Festival Bishoftu (Second day)

• Backpack Ethiopia Destination: Danakil Depression March, 4-9 • The Talked about Game Night ‘Quizzards Ramada Addis Hotel, 08:30pm

• Korenti Electronic Music Festival (March 2&3) Bishoftu, 08:00pm • ADDIS MUSIC COLLECTIVE Monarch Hotel, 08:00pm

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3 • Opening of “Women of the world”, a photo exhibition by Sarah Hocquet Alliance Francaise, 06:30pm • Tribes N Vibes Esco Bar & Restaurant, 09:00pm

5 • Zoya party 0.3 ( electronic music) Greek Club, 10:00pm

6 • UN 2019 Women First 5k Run Registration fee: 200 birr Registration: Great Ethiopian Run office Bole, 07:30am

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• Finnovation Ethiopia Radisson Blu Hotel, 08:00pm • The Talked about Game Night ‘Quizzards Ramada Addis Hotel, 08:30pm

10 • Cellphone Photography Exhibition '01 Vamdas Entertainment, 09:00am

• Cellphone Photography Exhibition '01 Vamdas Entertainment, 09:00am • Oulala! feat. Concert of desert rock band Imarhan (from Algeria) Alliance Ethio-Française, 10:00am • Zodiac Series: Aquarius: Pisces Face Of Addisa, 02:00pm

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17-31 MARCH2019 • Cellphone Photography Exhibition '01 Vamdas Entertainment, 09:00am

• Screening film “La prochaine fois, je viserai le coeur” (Eng subs) Alliance Francaise, 06:30pm

• Film screening “Timbuktu” Alliance Francaise, 06:30pm

• “Books & Bubbles" Alliance Francaise, 07:00pm

• The Talked about Game Night ‘Quizzards Ramada Addis Hotel, 08:30pm

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• Buildexpo Ethiopia (Buildexpo Africa) Millennium Hall, 09:30am

• Buildexpo Ethiopia (Buildexpo Africa) Millennium Hall, 09:30am

• “Gout de France” French meal by French chef Gilles Stassart Alliance Francaise, 07:00pm

• "Ethiopiyawi meets Grime" feat. Ethiopian Records’ Azmari Synthesis (ETH), and other artists Alliance Francaise, 07:00pm

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• Buildexpo Ethiopia (Buildexpo Africa) Millennium Hall, 09:30am

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• The Talked about Game Night ‘Quizzards Ramada Addis Hotel, 08:30pm

• Sonic BBQ#2: a digital live conversation between bodies, drums and a BBQ Alliance Ethio Francaise, 08:00pm

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Thumbsup Eyasu A. Ashenafi

Beauty and Spa Name: Oasis Salon and Spa

Food and Entertainment Name: Greek Club

Owned by a Canadian-Ethiopian beauty expert who used to run a similar business in Canada, Oasis blends excellent massage, manicure/ pedicure and haircut services, with a thrilling service quality and customer service. It is also one of the very few places you can use a credit card. I was impressed they made it work.

The Greek Club is a fantastic place to try authentic Greek salad. They serve a yummy Nile Perch Grill and Souvlaki with a great variety of pizza. While the interior is a bit old, it is well-maintained.

The yard itself offers a relaxed vibe with a wide parking space and a backyard garden with an airy pleasant atmosphere. The Greek Club terrace is where the monthly electronic music themed party, Zoya, takes place with a great selection of artists and fresh tunes.

Website: oasisaddis.com Facebook: /Oasis-Salon-SPA Location: The first floor of the former Oh Canada bar Tel: +215(0) 92 378 5643 On Google maps? Yes Co-Working Community Name: Blue space BlueSpace offers a premier workspace experience, whether you need a pass for a day, a dedicated desk for your business, or an office suite for your entire company.

They provide furnished and fully serviced workspaces with flexible options along with meeting rooms and event spaces, and lifestyle amenities.

The workspace includes an onsite café and fruit-infused water, super-fast internet, free specialty coffee.

Furnished workspaces, private phone booths, meeting rooms, courier, video conferencing, airport pickup, printercopier, and legal and translation services.

For a greater convenience of their customers, they offer services like daily jebena coffee, mini-gym and shower, massage-at-desk, food delivery, get-aRIDE, happy hour, yoga, and more. website: bluespace.work Facebook: /blueSpaceEth Tel: +215(0) 91 187 3830 Location: Bole Grace Plaza, 4th floor On Google maps? Yes 8 I Linkup Addis Ababa March, 2019

Website: hellenicgreekcommunityaddis.com Facebook: /Olympgreekclub Tel: + 251 (0) 11 553 0485 Location: On the way from Bambis to Dembel, right next to the Greek School On Google maps? Yes Adventure Flight Name: Abyssinia Ballooning If you are aiming for an unforgettable entertainment experience with your loved one, friends or colleagues, you should try a flight above Addis’s skies, with Abyssinia Hot Air Ballooning.

The hot air balloon experience has a certain extend of positive tension and excitement, with the power to take you on an incredible emotional journey. The approximately 1-hour balloon experience includes full breakfast after the flight, a professional and enthusiastic guidance, traditional champagne ceremony after the flight, full passenger insurance, qualified and licensed pilots, Refreshment during the balloon flight.

Website: abyssiniaballooning.com Facebook: / AbyssininaBallooningEthiopia Tel: +251 (0) 92 684 5086 Location: Close to UK Embassy, in the street of Louvre Hotel On Google maps? No

FollowUp

Kidus Assefa or most people unfamiliar with Design Week Addis Ababa, it might sound like an event with a fancy exclusive air to it that is accessible and open only to a select few. To be perfectly honest I thought so too at first and even wondered why such an event would be widely promoted as it was. But don’t let the name mislead you; it is in fact an occasion always awaiting a diverse and open-minded crowd ready to welcome everyone with open arms.

Hoping for the best I just decided to go check it out, and doing so paid off immensely in the end. Started back in 2015 and hosted for the 3rd time recently, Design Week Addis Ababa has been bringing all types of creative minds from many parts of the country & the world in a week jampacked with exciting events fit for a broad audience. The bi-annual event bridges the gaps between different disciplines, sectors & cultures by using design as a convenient medium and provides a lot of people with countless opportunities while giving the people who attended it a new perspective.

In case you are still wondering what exactly comprises of Design week, then you would be amazed to know that its span reaches wide and includes seemingly unrelated areas such as Technology, Industrial Design & Interiors, Fashion & Textiles, Art & Multimedia, Visual Communication, Food & Gastronomy, and Architecture & Urban Planning. Although food & gastronomy wasn’t an area given much attention to in this year’s edition, technology certainly did captivate the public. With an array of technological

advancements (ranging from gamification to electric ‘Masinko’s and even augmented reality maps) it sure was a glimmer of hope for the future of the design landscape in Ethiopia.

This year’s Design Week consisted of a series of events that took place at different convenient locations and gave most attendees memorable experiences to look back at. From string artists to software developers, from interior designers to entrepreneurs; the exhibitors were showcasing their designs (concepts, prototypes & fully developed products included) while of course interacting and connecting with various attendees.

There were works presented by people from many countries (such as Zimbabwe, France, Italy, Finland, Great Britain and so on) sharing the spotlight with local presenters. Something that stood out for most people, however, is the abundance of young talent full of passion and dedication.

It is quite remarkable how many entrepreneurs, artists and designers were present, giving the event a fresh breeze of innovation & energy. I managed to network and meet a lot of interesting people that simply blew my mind and reminded me of the need for such platforms as Design Week.

Complemented by the good food, drinks & live DJ music giving it a certain ambiance & festive atmosphere, plus the increased exposure & awareness created among the general public - proving its growing presence and influence in the design & creations realm of the city - it can certainly be said that Design Week Addis Ababa is here to stay for years to come.

"a week jam-packed with exciting events fit for a broad audience.”

"There were works presented by people from many countries (such as Zimbabwe, France, Italy, Finland, Great Britain and so on)”

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Photo: facebook.com/Designweekaa

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Photo: www..lomography.com

Photo : Twitter_@designweek_aa

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Exhibits at DWAA include these intricate string images and installation by Alemayehu Bekele

CatchUp

Not just about the music Source: http://read.tidal.com

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Photo: Twitter_@Afrochella_GH

bdul Karim Abdullah and Kenny rich arts of the African continent to new Agyapong have a knack for throwing audiences. However, bringing Africa to parties. In college, it was their hobby; America wasn’t quite in the cards. the then Sigma fraternity The initial idea was to brothers charged $1 per head hold Afrochella at New York’s “There’s a big or offered free Moet bottles Randall’s Island. Still, according light on Africa… to Abdullah, the permitting and to get people through their Our fashion, our production cost alone were dorm room doors. After college, it became their partfood and music.” too overwhelming. With their time hustle: hosting events access to resources in Ghana around New York City’s — media and governmental boroughs and bringing people together support — Abdullah and Agyapong through music. Eventually, their vision decided to put on the festival there instead. outgrew party throwing and evolved into They would be able to execute the festival the cultural experience now known as at a fraction of the initial cost — plus start Ghana’s Afrochella Festival. bringing visitors worldwide to Ghana.

In 2017, Afrochella came to life for the Abdullah and Agyapong dreamt up first time. The one-day festival took place in Afrochella when they were living in the Ghana’s capital of Accra at the prestigious Bronx. Both of Ghanaian descent, the duo Polo Courts and hosted a crowd of 4,500. noticed a lack of representation of African “We wanted a space where we could arts and culture at the major U.S. festivals celebrate our own culture,” Abdullah says, and events. They spent time living in “and teach [it] from a native’s perspective Ghana at different points in their lives; through arts, music, culture and food.”

Abdullah lived there for seven years as From the late Ebony Reigns to Kwesi a child and Agyapong moved there five Arthur, King Promise and B4bonah, years ago as an adult. For the business Afrochella’s first year boasted top partners, it was important to expose the musicians and rising acts from across

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“We want to encourage other people that have such talents to be able to come back and create spaces like us.”

Afrochella

Drawing a crowd of 12,000, the festival moved to a stadium venue and opened its doors to visitors from Australia, Switzerland, Japan, China and beyond.

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Photo: Twitter_@Afrochella_GH

government and the ministry of tourism are encouraging people worldwide to come back to Ghana this year as a birthright journey. “I think that there’s a big light on Africa…Our fashion, our food and music. It is just popular culture right now, and people are pursuing it,” Abdullah says. “We’re looking to accelerate that.”

From college partiers to cultural ambassadors, Abdullah and Agyapong have always brought purpose and a sense of community to their trade. “We know that we’ve played a very vital role in getting more people to come back to Ghana,” Abdullah says. “We want to encourage other people that have such talents to be able to come back and create spaces like us.”

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Africa, as well as visual artists. “Afrochella is holistic,” Agyapong says. “It’s not only about the music; it’s about how everything comes together to make our music pop.”

The success of Afrochella’s first year gave Abdullah and Agyapong fuel to take the second year to the next level. With the help of A-list headliners like Ghanaian dancehall/afrobeats artist Stonebwoy and national icon Daddy Lumba, the business partners were able to double the event’s attendees. Drawing a crowd of 12,000, the festival moved to a stadium venue and opened its doors to visitors from Australia, Switzerland, Japan, China and beyond.

What’s more, they prefaced the festival with a pop-up performance from Ms. Lauryn Hill. “She loves Africa, and she’s been to Ghana several times,” Agyapong says.

As Afrochella’s reach expands, Abdullah and Agyapong plan to make the festival a vital part of Ghana’s future.

Partnering with the Ghanaian ministry of tourism, the duo aim to bring people from around the world not only to the country, but also to the continent at large.

“We always say Africa is the new sexy,” Aygapong says. “Our goal is to foster relationships through influencers and people from the diaspora that are doing amazing things through their respective countries and fields.”

This year in particular is crucial for Afrochella. 2019, dubbed The Year of the Return by Ghanaian President Nana AkufoAddo, marks the 400th year since the first slave ship left West Africa. The Ghanaian

EatUp

Shifta Ephratha Kibru

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hen considering naming a business venture, a lot of people would normally stay away from the word “Shifta”- a term used all over East Africa to signify bandits or outlaws. But it can also indicate progressiveness and originality, someone who doesn’t conform to society’s quintessential norms or values, choosing instead to create her own path. And that is exactly what Shifta does.

Through its contemporary, urban design, Shifta embodies the spirit of modern art while maintaining a retro feel in a way no other place does. Colorful walls and a vinyl embellished floor draw curious eyes to the tiny joint and the smell of freshly cooked food pique the interest of hungry customers. From jerk chicken sandwiches to red pea stew, Shifta is spearheading the addition of Caribbean cuisine in Addis and their variable menu makes sure to get you to try something new.

“Healing through Food” is the phrase Feben Kassaye and Maranata Tegegne,

" But the star of the dish was the jerk sauce."

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta (Ras Studio)

The BBQ Jerk Chicken

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the owners of Shifta, chose for their place’s motto and it is quite evident why. It’s clear from each meal that almost every ingredient is fresh from the local market (with the exceptions of a few spices and sauces that aren’t locally available). And with fasting season soon approaching, Shifta’s extensive vegan options are quite heartening.

During my stay, I had 4 different dishes along with 3 of their signature juices. They all had impeccable presentation and looked quite appetizing. My first encounter was with the Red Pea Stew, a vegan dish hailing from Jamaica. The well-cooked rice heavily complimented the creamy beans and I couldn’t help devouring it.

The Trinidadian Veggie Roti Curry was similarly vegan but the lentil based curry was characteristically rolled up in the Caribbean flat bread, Roti. The soft texture of the dish just rolled on my tongue and I eagerly welcomed the fantastic stimulation. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy and piquant flavor of the meal.

Next up were two variations of the

Location: Bole, Behind Sheger building around Edna Mall Service /label: Restaurant Opening Hours: Tuesday- Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM Facebook: /shiftafoodboutique Instagram: @shiftafoods Phone Number: + 251 91 186 6686

not yet what I want it to be but we couldn’t have had a better start. We’re building ourselves up, expanding Shifta, and that’s what matters.”

Feben’s experience as an interior designer also saw her taking the steering wheel when it came to Shifta’s aesthetic.

“I just really love color and old stuff conventionally considered useless, there’s so much you can do with them,” She comments on the exceptional design.

With healthy and affordable dining experience, Shifta is a sure hit for anyone with a curious palate.

"the perfect drink for hangovers "

"Shifta embodies the spirit of modern art while maintaining a retro feel in a way no other place does" Linkup Addis Ababa March, 2019 I 15

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta (Ras Studio)

traditional Jamaican Jerk Chicken. One was in BBQ form while the other was a sandwich. The BBQ Jerk Chicken was crunchy and smoky while the marinade the chicken was grilled with added a sweet and savory dynamic to the palate. The pineapples on the side helped nurse my sweet tooth while the potatoes played a good sidekick to the chicken. But the star of the dish was the jerk sauce. Made from jalapenos, thyme, honey, and a lot more colorful ingredients, it added flair and drama to the dish.

The sandwich, though not as filled with flavor as the BBQ, was a wonder on its own.

The chicken was soft and delicate while the bread was satisfyingly crunchy. It tasted amazingly fresh and the side sauce it came with always kept the dish interesting.

The juices soon came and I talked a bit with Feben and Maranata about Shifta while I sipped on the unique ‘meals in a bottle’.

The Love Beets Juice, a creation of watermelon, beetroot, carrot, among a bunch of other ingredients is the perfect drink for hangovers; the fresh, sweet, taste was very fulfilling. On the other hand the Roots Juice wasn’t really sweet at all. It was made from the likes of celery, cucumber, lemon, and spinach. Yet it had it’s own unique appeal. Every sip was a reenergizerit is the perfect thing to start your day with. Both the juices were amazing but my favorite by far was the Lemon Birz. A honey centered drink, it was inevitably sweet but the mint and lemons gave the drink a sort of fizz that satisfied me to no end. It was quite unlike any other ‘Birz’ I have had before.

Feben and Maranata opened their cozy little joint around 4 weeks ago. The place was once a women's hair salon and within a few months it was completely renovated to the place we now know as Shifta. “It’s always been a dream of mine to start a coop centered on food, clothes, and natural products like deodorants or soap,” says Feben, “I show my love through cooking.”

And when you add in the fact that she was once an herbalist, it’s easy to see how she envisioned her interests lined up.

Her continued interest to give back to the community plays a big role in her efforts and it is evident even now, only a month after opening. She’s already planting the seeds for a fully functioning co-op by showcasing a few bags by one friend for sale and some baked goods for another with no profit motive. “I had always wanted to work for a non-profit organization but things don’t always go your way in a bureaucracy so I thought, ‘Why not start my own non-profit?’” she says laughing. “It’s

CloseUp

Armaghedion Selam Tarekegn eddion Bihonegn, stage name Armaghedion, is a DJs pushing and exploring the Afro-Electronic movement in Addis. LinkUp’s Eyob Workineh spoke to Armagheddion to learn more about his skyrocketting music career.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m 26, I grew up all over Africa. I have too many interests and not enough time.

How do you define your profession/ career?

I’m a DJ so my job is to make people dance.

If I can show people a new sound and new music then thats a bonus. Its simple and I’m incredibly lucky to have a chance to do it.

What motivates you as an artist?

I’m constantly pushing myself to be better, technically and creatively. To push boundaries and continue to influence change. I don’t compare myself with other people as I only compete with myself.

Who do you look up to?

In Ethiopia, Ethiopian Records and Mikael Seifu are giants. They have managed to craft an entire genre from nothing, just absolute genius. Regionally, I’m also closely following what they are

doing in Kenya - the Kenya Nights and Gondwana KE rosters are full of super talented DJs and producers. To name a few, my idols are Black Coffee, Shimza, and DJEFF - all insanely talented producers and technically flawless DJs. If you don’t listen to them, stop what you are doing immediately and go check them out!.

What is your style as an artist?

I’m an Afro Electronic DJ. I play everything from Afro House and Afro Techno to old African music from all over the continent.

I love the product of African soundscapes, vocals, melodies and percussion against the backdrop of House and Techno beats and rhythms.

“I genuinely also think this sound is the most interesting thing happening in Electronic music right now. ”

You’ve been credited with pioneering and spearheading the afro house sound in Ethiopia. Was this on purpose?

Absolutely, yes. I felt kind of a shallow joy at playing Eurocentric Electronic music, and felt it was my responsibility because of this platform that I have been given to explore and showcase sounds and artists from the continent and the global south who don’t get enough airtime. I’m on a mission to decolonize dance music as the rest of the world has so much more to offer. Also its just strange to me as an African, to go out in Africa and hear everything but African music. I genuinely also think this sound is

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Photo by Aron Simeneh

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the most interesting thing happening in Electronic music right now.

Who/which audience does your genre appeal more to?

Anybody that likes African music and Electronic music. Any one that has an open mind and likes to dance. Its hard for me to gauge and its always a nice surprise to see people react to your music who you wouldn’t expect it from. I’ve been surprised by some of the older guests at some of my events or the little kids busting out dance moves like you wouldn’t believe at festivals during the day.

You are one of the most acclaimed nightlife performers in town. How do you observe the difference between performing in nightclubs and at other events you perform in?

Hahaha thank you! I’m not the biggest fan of performing at nightclubs anymore to be honest with you. I’ve come to realize its a very predictable and one dimensional approach that people want with music in those settings, and let me be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just have no interest in playing music that everyone already knows and people have heard millions of times.

artistic element was carefully curated, the aesthetic, visuals and music was painstakingly reviewed to provide a holistic and unique party experience.

I’ve also really enjoyed the UnUsual DJ events. The energy that those crowds bring is unrivaled in Addis. But for me the stand out event has been Bira Biro - the level of production, the lights, the sound and that stage! It completely redefined the boundaries and pushed what we thought was possible in Ethiopia. Big shout out to Korenti as well, that event launched who I was as an artist, and as the only multi day electronic music festival in Ethiopia its a lynchpin in the electronic music circuit.

Do you think this is the right time for artists like you to shine? Why? Ethiopia is opening up, and you have to credit artists like Rophnan and Chelina for making new sounds palatable and accessible for a local market. You can never achieve anything without someone else going before you and making an impression, so I’m grateful for all the groundwork thats been done and I’m also very much looking forward to hearing the next generation of musicians and artists.

Do you have any ongoing projects?

Staying relevant, fresh and at the same time providing something that people can relate to.

I have a couple of things in the pipeline, but for whats out now - there is my monthly party at Escobar, Tribes n Vibes. As well as Nomad events. Both of these are centered around Afro House and Afro Techno. I also hope to have my debut EP out by the end of this year.

What is Armaghedion's ultimate career ambition?

How can your fans follow you and keep up with you?

I want to leave an imprint on the music scene here. I would love if mature and complex African Electronic music was more ubiquitous. That I could go out on any given night and hear something fresh and new; to hear the generation after me come into their own and push the boundaries even further.

You can follow me on instagram for events giddy.jpg and mixcloud if you want to hear my sound. https://www.mixcloud.com/ armaghedion/

What are the challenges for a performing artist/DJ to function?

We know you perform a lot at several nightlife events. Which ones stand out for you?

My favorite events that I have played have been the Nomad events. Every

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“By working together, pushing each other, inspiring each other, critiquing each other we improve the quality of not only ourselves but all the arts in Ethiopia.”

Do you have any final messages?

I just want to call on all Ethiopian creatives to collaborate more, we’re only as strong as our support systems. By working together, pushing each other, inspiring each other, critiquing each other we improve the quality of not only ourselves but all the arts in Ethiopia.

“You can never achieve anything without someone else going before you and making an impression”

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[I want] to push boundaries and continue to influence change.

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Photo by Abdi Bekele

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What'sUp

Gast Mall Surafel Solomon

ast Mall recently opened around CMC and it’s the first of its kind in Addis in many ways but especially because it’s the first mall fully dedicated to entertainment. An ice cream shop, cafés and other businesses occupy the lobby but everything from the first floor up is entirely entertainment.

Going up the farthest right staircase, the first floor is occupied by a sprawling gym equipped with the latest weight machines, treadmills and anything else a state of the art gym requires. They even have a dedicated group cycling room. Salons and spas occupy the top two floors – men on the seventh and women on the sixth floor.

On the second floor we have a kids play ground and a mirror maze. The kids’ playground is wide and fully supervised, taking up a three-story space. The mirror maze, depending on your degree of being spooked and thrilled, falls between mildly interesting or a nail biting experience.

Up next is a food court followed by two floors of arcade games with something I haven’t seen anywhere else – a 7200 flight simulator.

Next is a room full of huge flat screen TV’s and

playstation4 consoles packed with the latest games.

The fourth floor is the main attraction, with escape rooms that feature five different scenarios you have to solve your way out of. With stories ranging from being trapped in a public toilet to the pharaohs curse, you problem solving skills will be tested.

On the upper floors are four movie cinemas, one of which has a VIP section at the back, and two exclusively VIP cinemas accessed through the trendy lounge bar.

The VIP cinemas seat no more than fifteen people at a time, boasting temperature adjustable reclining seats and the option of ordering anything while watching the movie. That’s right, a waiter will come take your order and serve you in the cinema.

Gast Mall is also in the process of opening a mini casino that will have tables modeled after Las Vegas, Monaco and Macau style tables as well as an electronic roulette table.

Up next is the Ethio Ninja Warrior – a three-stage, timed obstacle course.

Mirroring the Ethio Ninja Warrior course is the indoor climbing area. With ample choice of towers differing in difficulty, the one I loved, purely for chauvinistic reasons, was the Axum obelisk shaped 10-meter tower.

And at long last, we find the laser tag arena. Now, this is a lot of fun for everyone but if you are like me, a child stuck in an adult’s body, you will go bonkers. With the option of teaming up or going at it solo, this game is best played in groups, the larger the better. The arena has two floors and is wide enough to handle a lot of people. Be warned – all the crouching and getting up to shoot will take a toll on your legs. The game is reminiscent of what we used to play as kids with makeshift guns after watching a Van Damme movie. Even though I lost the game, I went out with a BANG!

Location: CMC around St. Michael church Service /label: Entertainment /Mall Opening Hours: Gym 05:00 AM - 10:00 PM Games 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM Facebook: /GastEntertainmall Phone Number: + 251 93 011 3377/99/99

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Photo by: Abenezer Geleta (Ras Studio)

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it’s the first of its kind in Addis in many ways but especially because it’s the first mall fully dedicated to entertainment.

Photo by: Abenezer Geleta (Ras Studio)

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ReelUp

Kidus Tamiru

Cinema Weto Ader Directed By: Anteneh Haile Runtime: 96 min Starring: Tariku Birhanu, Mahlet Haile Weto Ader is a comedy film about Addis, a struggling actor who ends up with a police uniform and all the mischief that follows as he impersonates a cop. This film is Let's Be Cops meets The Disaster Artist without the charm or humor of either. At least on The Disaster Artist, the main character sticks to his goal of making it as an artist, which this film abandons entirely halfway through. In Let's Be Cops, the main characters engage in mostly harmless, benevolent pranks throughout, whereas on this film, the character turns villainous pretty quickly. And that's the main issue with this film. I've seen so many Ethiopian films with unlikable protagonists, but this one definitely takes the cake. The character is so unlikable and unrelatable (he actually directly causes the death and rape of a few characters, all the while cracking jokes) that nobody in the cinema even chuckled. You won't like Addis from the start and you'll like him a good deal less as the story progresses. Don't waste your time and money on this.

3/10

Yisehaq Directed By: Abraham Fantish Gudayehu Runtime: 120 min Starring: Michael Million, Meron Engida, Nardos Birhanu Yisehaq is a family drama about a man who gets reunited with his long lost daughter and moves in to her house with her mom and stepdad. This movie is a family drama to the full extent of that genre. It's literally about the drama of a family told in a slow, serious, and at times, tear jerking, manner. None of that mean it's a terrible film. If you're a fan of these types of movies, you'd probably really enjoy it. But if you're expecting comedy, a fast paced or light hearted movie, you'll definitely hate this. On a technical note, this movie is so-so. The sound is audible, the cinematography visible and the acting bearable. The acting does get obnoxious at times, especially the lead who’s character also misses the mark. It's clear the writers intended the character to come off as a cool and wise young dad, but he mostly seems stupid and irresponsible.

Overall, it's an endearing and memorable film but only if you're in the mood for this genre.

6.5/10

24 I Linkup Addis Ababa March, 2019

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part Directed By: Mike Mitchell Runtime: 107 min Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett The Lego movie 2 is an animation movie set five years after the events of the first one and follows Emmet, wyldstyle and their wacky friends as they try to protect their land from new, seemingly invincible invaders. By now, we know what to expect from Christopher Miller and Phil Lord (the writers) and their brand of irreverent humor and unique storylines. But this sequel, the fourth one in the Lego universe, although funny at times, doesn't pack the punch of the first one. The first film was great because it was so unexpected; the jokes, the pop culture references, the ending were all great to watch. But this just feels like an obligatory sequel with no major contributions to the franchise. And plot wise, it's quite muddled and doesn't even have a villain. It has its emotional moments but nowhere near as good as the other films in the Legoverse. Or maybe I just expected a lot more from the writers that gave us Spider Man: Into the Spider-verse.

6/10

Alita: Battle Angel Directed By: Robert Rodriguez Runtime: 122 min Starring: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz Alita: Battle Angel is a science fiction film about a young android girl with amnesia and her journey to discover her past in a dystopian wasteland. This film, directed

by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Spy Kids) and produced by James Cameron (Avatar, Terminator), turns out exactly as you'd expect from those filmmakers. It's fast paced and gritty with beautiful visuals. On the down side, like most of their films, it's not strong on plot. It's predictable from the start. But the pros far outweigh the shortcomings. It's spectacular and frequent fight sequences and great cast, especially the lead Rosa Salazar, are sure to keep you entertained throughout. The main character's pure innocence is a great contrast to the gritty, dystopian setting. But another issue I had with the movie is, like most blockbusters these days; it seems more concerned w that they seem to be setting up a franchise at the expense of making a great standalone film. But considering the lack of more interesting movies these days, this is worth checking out. genre.

7.5/10

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ESHET – Cook Easy, Eat Healthy Convenient traditional Ethiopian sauces

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n 2013, Tigist was a mother of three, who had just completed her MBA in SME Promotion and was continuing her PhD in Leipzig, Germany. Despite her busy schedule — dropping her kids at school, studying in the library until late, picking the kids up again and getting home at the same time as her busy husband — Tigist then did not feel overwhelmed by the burden of cooking for her family.

She and her partner picked up readyto-eat or part-processed meals from the supermarket during the week and cooked with fresh ingredients during the weekends or on more leisurely days.

Her experience made Tigist reflect on the limited, lengthy, and often inconvenient process of shopping for, and preparing Ethiopian dishes in Addis. That reflection made her clearly realise that many of the food conveniences she took for granted in Leipzig, she would not be able to find back home. ‘If I had been in Addis,’ she remembers thinking, ‘I would not have been able to juggle everything.’

Eshet was born from Tigist’s desire to bring the same food conveniences she experienced during her life in Leipzig to the working mothers, the single youths, and the busy professionals of urban Ethiopia. Her products satisfy the desire for traditional Ethiopian food while at the same time recognizing all the demands of a fast-paced modern life.

Tigist feels especially strongly for women like herself who, while pursuing many other opportunities, also take on culinary responsibilities in the household.

Her products — traditional Ethiopian sauces made only with freshly sourced, natural ingredients, without using any artificial preservatives —are designed to

26 I Linkup Addis Ababa March, 2019

simplify the process of making Ethiopian food without losing any of the health benefits or authentic Ethiopian taste of our cuisine.

Having devoted three years of study and research into designing a unique preservation process, Tigist now brings to the market the ideal product for today’s health conscious, fast paced lifestyle — ready-to-eat sauces, made from freshly sourced ingredients from local partner farms, with a shelf life of up to one year, no added preservatives, and super delicious — and all at an affordable price. Eshet now has six different products: Lentil Sauce, Collard Greens, Tomato Sauce, Beetroot, Pea Sauce, and Pumpkin —currently stocked at Friendship and Safeway supermarkets and many more to follow soon.

When she first founded Eshet, Tigist set up a small facility in her own house and having recruited her partner to work in the company, regularly got her children involved in helping out with tasks like labeling or running errands. At the end of last year, the BLOOM Accelerator Fund invested in Tigist’s company. BLOOM is a new innovative initiative by Business Minds BV of the Netherlands and the incubator Iceaddis. With BLOOM now being an integral part of her team, she has recently moved to a bigger production facility and she has started to hire additional staff. Nevertheless, Tigist’s company maintains the original family feel and everyone is warmly welcomed into the Eshet family. Tigist’s aim is to make Eshet the most trusted and healthy, go-to brand of ready to eat Ethiopian food, in Ethiopia as well as internationally.

“designed to simplify the process of making Ethiopian food without losing any of the health benefits or authentic Ethiopian taste of our cuisine.”