November 2021
ADDIS ABABA
12 "We exist to create opportunities "
Netsanet Demoz
From the British Council
CatchUp
EatUp
ReelUp
The Real Ambassadors: How Jazz Toppled a Government
The Brick House: With Yet Another Trick Up its Sleeves
No Time to Die: A James Bond Screening Special Review
Followup
Linkup
Editor’s Letter
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ZOYA X NEGNE NEGE
Brief
Dressup Bold & Beautiful
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Eatup The Brick House
With Yet Another Trick Up its Sleeves
07 Catchup The Real Ambassadors:
How Jazz Toppled a Government
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Thumbsup
11 Closeup
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Netsanet Demoz
Top 5 Underrated Ethiopian Dishes
Ha Geez
Reelup
Linkup Info Dive
From the British Council
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Listenup MANU PROMPIA All trees aren't evergreen
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Whatsup
Readup
Let's get Graphic
Movie Review
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Linkup
City Guide
Oktoberfest, Halloween, Smile day, even the Mexican Day of the dead, my God October is a festive and eventful month. Fortunately, again, Addis did not let down. Events left and right, club openings, launches and releases all across town were quite something to behold. Although mostly concentrated on the Halloween weekend, every weekend was packed with activities for everyone. This month brought us reggae grammy-nominee Julian Marley, a wood art exhibition, James Bond screenings and what not. Everything ended on an overall positive note overall and there’s more of it in store in this month’s issue we have put together for you. Flip through the pages, explore what we have for this month, and enjoy reading what Addis Ababa has been up to. Feel free to reach out to us and engage on all our social media platforms. 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
The Brick House The British Council Fancy Make-up Ha Ge'ez Heineken Nyege Nyege Zoya
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 Kidus Assefa Kidus Tamiru Nathan Seyoum Yegeta Tsegaye Telilla
Graphic Designer: Abenezer Samuel bensamuel189@gmail.com
Cover photo: Courtesty of Netsanet Demoz
LinkUp Brief Amanu Teriessa
October 2021 Games and Politics Throughout October, Chewata Awaki, in collaboration with Goethe Institute, hosted an exhibition titled Games and Politics. The exhibition attempted to bring forth the latest creative products designed by independent game developers. Partly to examine the effects of the unprecedented growth of game culture and partly to show how politics is reflected through these platforms, the exhibition left its attendants with more than a few long lasting thoughts. Games that make the players face the reality of how much distance there is between drone operators and the on-the-ground horror they inflict, games that simulate the biases embassy employees have when rejecting on approving visas, and game that show how leaders would work through economic interrelationships of the globalized financial market were but a few.
Alliance EthioFrançaise Career/ Education Fair
5 I Linkup Addis Ababa
A throve for many interesting (as well as very useful) events, it comes as no surprise that Alliance held another one where a lot of eyes were open. On October 12, a fair aimed at helping students as well as career seekers gage what type of opportunities are to be found in France. As well as telling the attendants their options, the representatives of numerous universities made sure to outline exactly what type of challenges should be realistically expected. Because posters of many Ethiopian people who have been educated or have careers in France also gave some sense of inspiration in that it made the possibility a bit more tangible.
A Gathering of Vibes 5 I Linkup Addis Ababa
5 I Linkup Addis Ababa
October 16 saw a very underground and unique event. Held at Konark Hotel, the events was just another hang out for friends with good drinks and excellent music. The selling point and what made the event very unique was the music selection. The playlist from which the DJ played to a crowd that very quickly ditched the comfort of seats to dance as one included songs collected from the participants weeks before. No one expected how fun it would be to dance (and sing along) to their and their friends’ favorite songs.
FollowUp
ZOYA x NYEGE NYEGE W " Yegeta Tsegaye Telila
inter in Ethiopia, like the summertime in other countries, is a time of fluctuation. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the fact that it’s the end of the year and it’s time to count your chickens, or maybe it’s the period that we’ve been conditioned to adopt for change after spending 9 months or so cycling through more or less the same routine. Heck, it might even correspond
to the birth cycle, I don’t know. All I know is that winter in Ethiopia always brings with it an air of change and life experiments.
Even ZOYA is no exception to this. This year, ZOYA didn’t go into its customary hibernation during the winter season and instead found a new home away from home at Villa Verde. Many of us that knew and loved ZOYA when it used to
This month’s ZOYA partner, the Nyege Nyege Festival, one of Africa’s largest electronic music festivals, draws more than 15,000 people annually.
Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw
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hide from the rain and clouds felt the difference. While ZOYA at Villa Verde was a tremendous success, attracting hundreds of more people every month, this seems to have come at a cost. At its new home, ZOYA went from being an intimate party that still saw wild crowds to a rowdy electronic music festival in all its glory. Great, yes, but the vibes got lost in translation, even necessitating the employment of Kao Jiu-Jitsu services as added security. This is why it was nice to see that it was not really the size of the crowd that was affecting our beloved in, perhaps, an unwanted direction. We can’t say for sure but I suspect it was the difference between indoor (Villa Verde) and outdoor (Greek Club) that made all the difference. Not to mention this month’s ZOYA
partner, the Nyege Nyege Festival, one of Africa’s largest electronic music festivals, draws more than 15,000 people annually. Two of Nyege’s finest, Catu Diosis and R3ign Drops, joined Addis’ superstars REC, Judge, and Sam YF (from Fabrika label) and Tera and ChooChoo for an epic night of dancing under the moonlight. DJ Benaiah was also part of the lineup but flopped a bit with his amapiano set and inclusion of dancehall and afrobeat tracks. Not dissing those genres or Benaiah himself, but there’s a reason ZOYA is one of Addis’ biggest ELECTRONIC music events. The spirit of this edition was evident among the crowd—at least with those that were there to
"Tforhethenight was one books. " have fun. ZOYA was no exception to the biggest event plague in Addis – hyper-aggressive patrons and thieves. While ZOYA GO, ZOYA’s sexual harassment police were present, they were not much effective. It seems that it’s time to permanently instate the services of Kao Jiu-Jitsu (September ZOYA was so magically peaceful) as both personal observation and anecdotal reports show that we have a serious problem on our hands – a problem that could threaten the future potential of ZOYA.
Photo by: Amanuel Asfaw
Aside from that, however, the night was one for the books. From the fact that ZOYA has now embraced its festival calling and started at 4 pm, to the food vendors and host of activities, to the music both from our guests and our local baddies, and even the organic back-to-back sets that Tera and R3ign Drops decided to bless us with, I was thoroughly impressed.
With ZOYA x NYEGE in the past, what lies ahead then? Indeed, with the collaboration with Nyege Nyege, coupled with the collaboration that ZOYA had with the Gondwana KE label from Kenya back in March, it seems that it’s time for ZOYA to become a fully-fledged festival. This would not only mean incorporating festival elements like multiple stages, multiple days, and other fun stuff but also entering the scene as Ethiopia’s electronic music representative. With the launch of ‘Fabrika’ and the satisfying performances given by its producers at ZOYA, it sure seems like the next step is begging to be taken.
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It seems that it's time for ZOYA to become a fully-fledged festival.
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CatchUp
The Real Ambassadors How Jazz Toppled a Government Nathan Seyoum
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n 1962, Louis Armstrong and Dave Brubeck, along with their respective bands, released a 20 track album named ‘The Real Ambassadors,’ a satirical piece about their international world-tour green lit at the behest of the American government partly to ensue western propaganda during the supple years of the cold war. They were tasked to be the unofficial ambassadors of the United States preaching about all the goodies of the west. This was no easy task however. The problem was in convincing Armstrong and his entourage wasn’t troublesome, as the man himself did not see eye to eye with the government, especially regarding the raging civil rights
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“Who is the real ambassador?” sings Armstrong on the track that bears the album’s title.
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issues in the States at that time. Be that as it may, the Armstrong band agreed to be “Goodwill Jazz Ambassadors” to the United States ,which they considered as a once in a lifetime opportunity aimed at spreading good will and the fruits of democracy to other nations. It soon became evident that they would later regret this decision.
They were tasked to be the unofficial ambassadors of the United States preaching about all the goodies of the west.
“Who is the real ambassador?” sings Armstrong on the track that bears the album’s title. Indeed that was the question that many asked after the album seemed to have political messages buried under all that jazz. During that year, both Armstrong and Brubeck had officially ended
their world tours. One month after their continental tour of Africa, tragedy struck the newly independent Congo. This is where Armstrong realized that he and his team were used as one of the means to a well-thought out CIA end. History recounts the arrival of Armstrong and his fellow band men to the sovereign nation of Congo as nothing short of a hero’s welcome. There were loud jolts of noise by an enchanted crowd that had formed on the streets of Leopoldville, the former capital of the country. One journalist recounts a speech made by Armstrong as a message of solidarity. “I came from here, way back,” said Armstrong,
Patrice Lubumba as Prime Minister who were the first elected officials of the country post-independence. Even though Kasa-Vabu was the president, real power was vested under Lubumba who is credited as the founder of the MNC. Under his helm, Lubumba tried to unite the country as one sovereign nation. But the two leaders of the MNC did not see eye to eye. Lubumba held firm views in economic independence and nationalization and wanted to stay neutral in the cold war. These values, however, were troublesome to western interests, especially to Belgium and a country in the west with a new vested interest in Uranium. Upon Armstrong’s arrival in Katanga, a city in the independent Republic of Congo, the country was already riddled with one crises after another where internal conflicts and stability issues dominated Lumumba and his
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“And now this is my country, too.” The feeling he had for the country and the continent at large is also reflected on the first track of The Real Ambassadors album – They Say I look like God was one song in which he sings, “They say I look like God; Could God be black! My God; If all are made in the image of thee; Could thou perchance a zebra be?” Congo had just gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Under its stewardship was the MNC (Congolese National Movement) under President Kasa-Vubu and
comrades. Katanga was also a key place where Uranium ores were excavated and mined. Lumumba, being a nationalist and a pan-African, did not want his country’s riches being exploited by foreign meddlers. These kind of “radical” views were not welcomed by the west. Besides Belgium and the United States, Britain also had mining interests within the nation. But the CIA took the first blow that would change Congo forever. Kasa-Vubu soon put Lumumba in house arrest. This came with no shock to the public as the animosity between the two was the talk of the country. He tried to flee the country when officials captured him and a few of his followers. Nothing is known about how well they were treated, and no news had been heard about Lumumba’s wellbeing until January 1961 – two
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History recounts the arrival of Armstrong and his fellow band men to the sovereign nation of Congo as nothing short of a hero’s welcome.
" months after Armstrong’s tour ended where Lumumba, as feared, was, in fact, assassinated. Armstrong had not been aware at the time that his government attaché by the name of Delvin was actually a CIA agent tasked to kill Lumumba. The attaché was using Armstrong and his bands’ cover to get close to and freely move around within the government of Congo. The anger wave hit Congo and the world at large. But Armstrong held a deeper grudge for the country that coerced him to take part in a plot that ended a new wave of thinking that had brewed within a newly formed country. However, enough was enough. Even though the CIA denies its hand on the
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assassination, it has since accepted its involvement of the coup d’état. It can be reasonable to say they have their hands written all over it. As for Armstrong and his tour, they finally understood what had happened to them and recorded a satirical response to the tragedy that struck the Republic of Congo. Armstrong sings, “It was evident I was sent by government to take your place; All I do is play the blues and meet the people face to face; I’ll explain and make it plain; I represent the human race…”
DressUp
by fancy make up studio
Photo by: Abenezer Geleta
@fancy_Makeup_Studio @Emnet_fe | @Mahlet__d
Photo by: Abenezer Geleta
@fancy_Makeup_Studio @Emnet_fe | @Mahlet__d
8 I Linkup Addis Ababa
@fancy_Makeup_Studio @Emnet_fe | @Mahlet__d
EatUp
The Brick House: With Yet Another Trick Up its Sleeves Kidus Assefa
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lot of us who were outgoing in the city in the past few years have either been to or heard about “The Brick House.” A hub where the young crowd of Addis came to kick back, discuss business informally & socialize. I hadn’t been there after the re-opening and was eager to see what improvements were waiting for me.
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What a delight, I would eat this on its own for days without getting tired of it
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Photo by: Abenezer Geleta
pound, was impressive. The spacious outdoor layout with its playful natural looks put a smile on my face. Rough-cut rocks, wood boards, shelving, floors, partial partitions, and furniture were a great idea; The creative use of blank white canvases as a ceiling proved that the renovation was indeed for the better. The greatest change, however, for my concern, was the food menu expansion. We were treated to a low-key I walked in and what greeted me, lunch, and I will walk you through it starting from the outside of the com- dish by dish.
Chicken Kabsa There is a good reason why this dish is at the top of the main menu. Such a beautiful presentation, it took good consideration that we first eat with our eyes before anything. An aluminum skillet with two handles had a bed of rice on which a grilled chicken laid, served with another clay dish on the side. This is my kind of lunch—Tender, perfectly cooked “fall off the bone” chicken legs (both thigh and drum intact), so soft on the inside with crisp skin. Rarely do I come across chicken that is not over-cooked. The poultry was allowed to shine on
its own and satisfy my palate. The rice wasn’t your typical bland neglected side either—Flavorful basmati rice seasoned with aromatic curry spices and golden raisins finally garnished with cilantro leaves. What a delight! I would eat this on its own for days. The side of fresh juicy tomato & cucumber salad with a light lemon dressing gave the dish a bright freshness. It made the meal even more appetizing. My favorite bite was a mix of every element, which I found to be more well-rounded.
Stir-Fried Beef with Noodles Yes, we have seen this one popping up on menus across town, but the execution has always been an issue for me. Seeing for myself that the noodles were actually homemade excited me. There was so much going on in this quintessential far eastern dish. Unctuous stir-fried beef, crunchy string beans, carrots, broccoli & zuc-
chini strips are the backbone. Going well together, they were tied up with a very umami-laden soy saucebased glaze that ensured the meal retained its moisture. All this, garnished with pepper flakes and toasted black sesame seeds. Scrumptious! I was very eager for what was next.
Aubergine Bean Stew masterpiece and the first bite told me everything I needed to know. It was everything I wanted to eat. I couldn’t get enough of this stew. It was so balanced and hearty, yet light, I licked everything off the bowl. The main ingredients were roasted Aubergines (eggplant) and pinto beans, and the tomato-based sauce held the whole thing together. It was smokey, spicy, savory, filling, and rich; I loved it! I could only wonder what the other vegan options have in store.
Photo by: Abenezer Geleta
Among the latest entries to the brand-new Brick House food menu is a section with strictly vegan options. This trend has been catching on strong lately, and I see many restaurants adapting to such changes to cater to their customer needs. The Brick House also took notice and came through in style. There are some very intriguing options and new creations. Among those, one caught my eye, and I decided to go for it. The Aubergine Bean stew was a
Roasted Beef This was the chef’s primary recommendation, so I was curious to see how it turned out. Roasts are usually tough cuts, and these cuts are often not cooked the right way. You have to know what you are doing, or you are bound to screw it up. The outside had nice coloration and the glossy juices flowing all over the plate were a good sign. Super tender beef shank with grilled veggies and a side of a sweet eggy Yorkshire pudding. The connective tissues within had melted into the meat; the collagen was soft and edible; the flesh was juicy and fork-tender
and well complemented by the grilled vegetables (carrots, zucchini & skin-on potatoes). The most active parts of the animal tend to have the most flavor, and tissue activity determines the strength. All this flavor built up throughout an animal’s life can only be accessed by deliberate, mindful cooking – and that takes patience. About 10 hours or more of low-heat sloooooow cooking that most might not have the patience for. Believe me, the wait is always worth it, and you can only understand this after taking the first bite. The insides were still pink and soft, with all the moisture intact.
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The Brick House came through in style
Well-done! Hats off to Chef Biniam and his team at The Brick House. The new menu is fabulous. I suggest people come back flocking and treating themselves to more excellent dishes. These menu items are crafted deliberately and inspired by cuisine around the world. I highly recommend giving The Brick House another shot and further enhancing your experience here with the power of food.
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The wait is always worth it, and you can only understand this after taking the first bite
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ThumbsUp
ThumbsUp Eyasu A. Ashenafi
Cosmetics
Sunsilk Ethiopia Sunsilk is an international hair-care brand, and for the 1st time ever, its products are uniquely designed for our unique Ethiopian hair. Sunsilk Ethiopia launched two types of shampoo and conditioner blended with pure oils-coconut and avocado. The natural ingredients used in the Sunsilk products are known to deliver the right benefits for the different hair textures we have – like moisturization and nourishment. They are also very affordable and easy to find throughout the country. It's admirable that the brand preaches about being yourself in every way possible. Everything has an authentic Ethiopian feel, from its tagline to the contents they share and even the models they use. Sunsilk Ethiopia is not just a hair brand but a friend that welcomes you to the sisterhood – a crew of witty, resourceful, confident, and curious young women. It's a brand that works on girls' confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment along with our external beauty. Currently, it's working with brands and influencers as Miss.T.cal (Tsion Bahru), Milupresents (Melena Abraham), painted by Nardi (Nardos Esehetu), and Mahlet Daniel to spread the energy to its audiences. With Sunsilk Ethiopia, we explore more; we thrive beyond conventions and limitations, with hair that looks and feels right at any moment. SO LET’S GO!
Cleaning Service
Deep Cleaning Services Deep Cleaning Services was established in June 2019 with a team of 3 people. Although it started with a modest capital, Deep Cleaning Services is growing fast and meeting the demands of its fast-growing industry. It is helping many single mothers by providing a flexible work time and space, where they can share, grow and see that they are capable of providing for their family. Their strong management team is comprised of people with relevant and exceptional technical experiences. They strive to provide high-quality cleaning services with an utmost focus on attention to detail to ensure that their customer gets the best service available in the Cleaning Industry. Their company provides both general and deep cleaning services for residential and commercial buildings, hotels, offices, events, etc. Their employees work with passion to leave a smile on each client that comes seeking their services.
BE Kollective BE Kollective is a new start-up company working to produce and distribute fair-traded Ethiopian specialty coffee and Ghanaian cocoa produces to various markets around the globe. Located in Accra, Ghana, and Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, BE Kollective strives to deliver premium African agro-processed goods to please your palate. Their premium chocolates are made from pure 100% Ghana cocoa beans and use no compound substitution for cocoa butter, with a range of cocoa concentrations from 90% Extra Extra Dark, Extra Dark, Milk, and White chocolate. "We are dedicated to finding African solutions to our African problems," says Meron Dagnew, founder and CEO of BE Kollective. These mouth-watering pure cocoa chocolates are a dream come true for bakers and chocolate lovers around the world.
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Anyone looking or interested to order or collaborate with this brand in Ethiopia can contact them and their local agent Sozo Consult at the following addresses. Email: merona@bekollective.com, michael@sozoconsult.com WhatsApp: +233550836267, Instagram: be_kollective_ Facebook: @bekollectivecreative Website: www.bekollective.com
"Enjoy the delightful premium taste of Africa!!!"
CloseUp
Netsanet Demoz British Council during changing times
We exist to create opportunities Yegeta Tsegaye Telila What is the story behind Netsanet? What was your childhood like? Firstly, thank you for having me. I grew up in Gondar, which is where I lived until I came to Addis Ababa for college. I went to both a public school and a catholic mission school (Debre Selam Mariam School) when I was in Gondar. I have to say, the catholic mission school had a lot of influence on my upbringing and on who I am today as it gave me access to resources and tools that were difficult to access in Ethiopia at the time. Especially during my early days, it had a lot of impact on the
formation of my character as it was not simply a school for me as it was very close to where I lived. Its proximity made it a hangout space for me and my friends so we spent more time there than you would at your average school and this shaped us considerably. The biggest thing for me was that my time there taught me the value of discipline.
tools that allow them to be the best versions of themselves. This could be in the form of providing training seminars, offering a little handholding, or even simply creating spaces that inspire young people. And I believe that the British Council does exactly these things. In the British Council, we say that we exist to create opportunities, and I really believe that we fulfill this mission and saying. This relates to my upbringing and the relationship I had with the catholic school. Even though I was living in a country and region where access to resources was very limited, thanks to the catholic school, I was
What inspires you about the work you do? Where is the passion? I am very passionate about the youth and the potential that they have. One of my main drives in the work that I do is to help people unlock their potential and provide them with the
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In the British Council, we say that we exist to create opportunities, and I really believe that we fulfill this mission and saying.
Photo by: Courtesy of Netsanet Demoz
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exposed to all kinds of books and movies that opened my eyes to the world and fueled my curiosity. The British Council does the same, more or less. Would you say that the main mission of the British Council is education? Well, it’s a little bit more complicated. Technically speaking, we are the United Kingdom Cultural Relations and Education Agency. So, what we do is primarily concerned with establishing cultural and educational ties between the people of the United Kingdom and the people of the rest of the world, in our case, the
people of Ethiopia. We are a distinct institution from the British Embassy, which is tasked with establishing DIPLOMATIC ties. We go about our mission distinctly too, with a focus on the English language, education, and arts. The basis of this approach is the recognition that if you connect people, if you bring them around the same table and give them the tools to be able to exchange their views, beliefs, experiences, and what have you, you can foster understanding at the social and cultural level. And we believe that you cannot cut corners during this process, we believe that the only true path to understanding is effective communication and taking another person based on their lived experiences instead of
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If you connect people, if you bring them around the same table and give them the tools to be able to exchange their views, beliefs, experiences, and what have you, you can foster understanding at the social and cultural level.
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making assumptions or painting in the details. This is what leads to trust.
language education. The British Council is currently advising the government on the new education curriculum.
Why is trust important? Because that is the only way people can coexist and to coexist you need to be able to view that person’s lived experiences and the attitudes and norms that emerge from that as valid worldviews that do not threaten yours. You mentioned that the British Council mainly works on English, Education, and Art. What makes these areas the focus areas? These three areas are relevant to almost any country and any people. They are common issues that we can talk about and use to collaborate and integrate with our fellow humans. In our context, Ethiopia is one of the twenty-five countries out of the 100+ countries that the British Council operates in which shows enormous potential in these fields. With English, for instance, we promote the teaching of the language by creating spaces that facilitate this. We have a free website where teachers and others can share articles, lessons, and any other tools and resources that facilitate the teaching of the English language – as long as they meet our quality standards, of course. Additionally, we also support the government in its efforts to enhance English
Can you tell me about an ongoing project that excites you in the sense of the opportunity it is creating? There is this project that we are currently running in Bahir Dar that is being implemented by one of our teams. It is a training project for teachers selected from more than 150 schools in the Amhara region. The idea behind the project is that since we have very low internet penetration in Ethiopia, we wanted to find a solution to the problem of the accessibility of some of our great resources that can only be found online. What we came up with is using SD cards. To ensure relevance, we also mapped these resources against the curriculum. And after doing all this, we are now giving the teachers training in how to use our resources in conjunction with the lesson plans that they use in the classroom. In three months or so, we will go back to these teachers and get their feedback on the progress they have seen (or lack thereof) and on how to proceed. What about your work in education? We are not necessarily trying to “improve” education in Ethiopia (even though that is something we would like to see happen). Like I said, our mission is to create dialogue, to share experience, to learn from each
other, and in the process create development. In order to do this, we have, for example, the School Partnerships Project, where we facilitate communication between schools in Ethiopia and schools in the UK, then leave them to their own means to collaborate in ways that they determine serve their interests best. Sure, broadly speaking, we might establish communication between the schools based on a specific topic like climate or core skills, but that is where our moderator status ends. We also work at the higher education level where we facilitate similar things, but with more intensity. No scholarship programs? We used to have scholarship programs back in the day but not anymore given that they are very expensive. We recognize that scholarships are very powerful (if you are part of the lucky few) as they are not only a means for enhanced educational opportunities but also a means for cultural development by exposing you to different worldviews, norms, and experiences of a different country. Which is why it is unfortunate that they are also expensive. For example, studying for your master's in the United Kingdom costs from GBP 30,000 to 40,000, without all the additional expenses, so you can imagine how difficult it is to finance the studies of one person let alone set up a comprehensive scholarship program. However, our website contains resources that can help users access scholarships from all
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It would be a real shame to not give attention to the artistic sector based on the misguided notion that art is more important for developed countries.
Photo by: Courtesy of Netsanet Demoz
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over the United Kingdom; they can access these resources by visiting the ‘STUDY UK’ section. Tell me about ‘New Narratives’? New Narratives is a project that we are doing across Africa with the focus of changing perceptions of the continent that are more inclusive of the diversity of the African experience. The necessity of this project is evident in this common perception of the continent that focuses solely on the negative like hunger, famine, and war, and neglect all the positives that Africa has to offer the world in our art, literature, entrepreneurship, and others. This relates to the core value of our mission as we seek to challenge old and outdated perceptions about people and create more nuanced and relevant understanding. To guide this project, we conducted a continental research, of which Ethiopia was a focus country, and found that perceptions are moving in a positive direction. Thus, with the New Narratives project, we are looking to find ways to ensure that this momentum is not lost and how these changing perceptions are taking effect at different levels of society. What is a unique project that the British Council is running that focuses on addressing a global issue in the Ethiopian context?
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A recent project that we are working on fully implementing is an art project that focuses on climate change and the preservation of cultural heritage. The project was a collaboration with Addis Ababa University and a partner institution in the United Kingdom that sought to document historical resources in Geralta (Tigray). The idea was to provide funding to projects that were working on preserving heritage that had been damaged or adversely affected by climate change. In addition to preservation, however, we wanted to come up with ways that allowed for the local residents of the area to benefit from tourism or any other endeavor that involved the use of the historical resources. The project is still going on at an administrative level, but it is a shame that people cannot go to the area and engage directly in the cultural protection, conservation, and development that are the central elements of the project. What would be your response to those that, for example, have the perception that a focus on art is unnecessary under the premise that Ethiopia needs more manufacturing, agriculture, and health professionals instead? I think to start with, if a nation seeks to have balanced development, it needs to look at all sectors. I would not go into too much detail on which sectors create more employment opportunities in Ethiopia because the data on the
New Narratives is a project that we are doing across Africa with the focus of changing perceptions of the continent that are more inclusive of the diversity of the African experience.
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creative sector is very patchy. But if you were to look at the United Kingdom, for instance, there is a rich history of the creative sector playing an important role in society; it contributes more than GBP 400 billion annually to the economy. There is no reason why the same cannot be true for Ethiopia, especially when considering our cultural history and other tools that we can leverage. It would be a real shame to not give attention to the artistic sector based on the misguided notion that it is more important for developed countries. Think of traditional garment manufacturers, for example. There are a vast number of them in the country, and sure, at the moment that sector might be struggling, but with the right focus and plan, Ethiopia has the potential to have a robust fashion industry that might even be able to compete against some of the biggest countries in the industry. This is why I think the focus on development should be holistic as anything less will either force people into fields and lives that they have no business being in or exclude – and by definition turn into a negative force – chunks of society. Both of which are undesirable by any stretch of the imagination.
Info Dive
Top 5 Underrated Ethiopian Dishes Kidus Assefa
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es, we have all heard of how flavorful, hearty and satiating Ethiopian dishes could be. Compiling this list is no easy task, but I have my reasons. By underrated, I mean underutilized or “under-consumed” by the average consumer around the country, and somehow neglected and hence less accessible. I believe demand drives supply, and by us celebrating these heritages and delicious creations, we can better preserve and enjoy for the future.
1. Chiko ‘Chiko’ is a hard, crumbly, savory rich confection, I can say, served on its own. A traditional snack originating from the Oromia region, it’s made of ‘Besso’ flour (ground, roasted barley seeds) hand-rubbed with seasoning spices and ghee (‘Kibe’). I consider it a delicacy that is nowhere near commonly served. Maybe it is my limited exposure but my faint memories largely consist of frozen ’Chiko’ shipped in bulk abroad or small amounts served on rare occasions. I can’t get enough of it and would like to see this genius creation in more eateries or people’s places more often.
2. Bulla ‘Bulla’ is fairly well-known compared to the other dishes on this list, but has a love-hate controversy behind it. It is mostly because of the jiggly texture (in porridge form) that people avoid it, but I think that is a rather silly reason to miss out on something so great. This starchy flour is extremely fine and soft like talc powder or baby powder for a more relatable reference. Derived from the almighty ‘Enset’ (False Banana) plant, it is a staple in the southern parts of Ethiopia where the whole plant is utilized in so many ways. ‘Bulla’ is prepared in two ways commonly. Crumbly, chewy ‘Firfir’ or the gelatinous porridge – the latter one being my focus here. I think it is a filling, quick breakfast that can give you a morning boost. I wish more people could give it a chance due to its immeasurable convenience and nutritional benefits.
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3. Hibist What I would consider the queen of all Ethiopian bread, Hibist is a steam-cooked bread that is as soft as any loaf could be. It is admired for the delicate sweetness achieved by the gentle cooking but often consumed on special religious occasions as far as I’m informed. Although more common in the northern countryside, a lot of people have tried it at one point or another. The simplicity of preparation and the potential to pair with so many condiments or dips makes this a very underrated dish. I suggest whoever hasn’t tried it give it a shot, and for those who already have to explore the possibilities and see how far they can take the use.
4. Abish (Fenugreek) Juice
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Although people are cautious of its astringency, I believe Fenugreek is a superfood we need to consume regularly with some moderation. Fenugreek is densely packed with so many nutrients and affects the body in many ways like no other crop. It should be consumed with caution and is not recommended for some people. Needless to say, even though this is a tough food, it can remedy so many ailments and deficiencies. The line between food and medicine is very blurry with this one, and an occasional juice could do the trick. This drink is meant as a detoxifying beverage but its sweet form (possibly combined with other ingredients) is an enjoyable treat when the extremely bitter taste is masked.
5. Mitad Shiro Shiro is undisputedly a staple and favorite among so many Ethiopians here and abroad. The creamy stew is well known and hard to miss on plates across the country. ‘Shiro’ in its elementary form is a chickpea flour-based spice blend with a variety of aromatics like herbs and spices. When this is diluted into a runny mix and added on a ‘Mitad’ (the hot clay stove used to make ‘Injera’) the starch thickens up into a sticky, lumpy paste or crumbly texture. This form of ‘Shiro’ has a deeper flavor and takes very little time to prepare, and tastes much better with finely chopped onions and fresh green peppers added towards the end. There are plenty more dishes that are overlooked and missing in our day-to-day lives in my opinion. These are complete dishes on their own not frequently consumed, but I believe that harnessing the many homegrown ingredients using different cooking techniques and adding just a bit of imagination can take us very far.
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What'sUp
Nathan Seyoum
T
he bar/restaurant is located around the Haya Hulet area at the back of Lex Plaza building and is spiritedly named Ha Geez – a term to note being first. Indeed, it is the first place I have been to that serves exquisite meals complemented with some dynamic, invigorating, and flavorful cocktails. A quick look around the place invokes a sense of excitement ushered in by the earthy wood color agglomerating over the premise. As I begin the tour, I had already formed a feel for the place. It looked and seemed familiar.
them being in, as they say in the industry, “front of house” i.e., well within the customers’ line of vision. The kitchen, in contrast, was “back of house” and a small glass window separates it from the front. A separate space is available inside the warehouse where dining is possible and it is adorned with small cushions and pillows. I catch a glimpse of one of the cushions designed with the letter “H” and I wonder why the Amharic script “ሃ” wasn’t Currently (I say “currently” be- used instead. It would have made cause an expansion project is now better sense. underway with the intent to add more to the restaurant and VIP arAs soon as the food arrived, eas), the restaurant and bar have my olfactory senses were tickan indoor-outdoor feeling which led and my eyes feasted. The came about by virtue of both of beef kebab looked particularly
Photo by: Nathan Seyoum
The warm and spacious restaurant seemed to be on a BD when I first walked past the entrance. However, a number of people had arrived before I knew it. “Well, Ha Geez is like home for most of our customers,”
said Endargachew Yilma, the general manager of the place. With the compactness of the interior design and the overall aesthetic of a converted warehouse, it really did have a homey ambiance. Mahogany enmeshes the furniture and the bar is plated with wooden walls and shelves – shelves that house the local and international flavors that course through the cocktails as well some antiques such as old cameras and stereos.
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Ha Geez is like home for most of our customers
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appealing. It was cooked to a medium rare and had a nice char on the outside. I noted the taste was more flavorful and juicy with the gravy sauce. The tomato and green pepper chinks as well as the flavored basmati rice served with vegetables all tied together in a curry-like flavor and orchestrated a symphony of the senses.
Photo by: Nathan Seyoum
The cocktails were also in a league of their own. I embarked on a journey that started with a Long Island cocktail blended with some whiskey and local flavors. It sent a buzzing signal to my brain and I soon transitioned to the Tropical Paradise which played a crescendo of the true tropicana vibes while the Blue Curso took me
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further to the beach and a good ol’ fashioned Mojito gave rise to the terrifying Aqua Hurricane. I finally finished things off with a Negroni and it tasted just like something I imagine James Bond would drink on his day off. As I became one with the cocktails, I asked Endargachew about his love of mixology. “Mixology is chemistry,” he said, “But it’s not just chemistry, it also has a dash of mystery. You have to know the science but you also need to have a sense for what feels right.” As I downed my drink, drop by drop, it all felt right.
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With the compactness of the interior design and the overall aesthetic of a converted warehouse, it really did have a homey ambiance.
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Reel Up
A Farewell That Will Leave You Shaken and Stirred. Kidus Tamiru
A
fter being delayed for more than a year due to the Covid pandemic, the widely anticipated 25th Bond film was released worldwide last October. The film garnered much anticipation for being Daniel Craig’s last role as the famous spy, an actor many consider to be one of the best to play the part yet. The Ethiopian premiere was held at Sheraton hotel, organized by the long time James Bond partner Heineken beer. As Heineken had done for the past film premieres, they organized a James Bond themed event that was consistent from the invitation cards to the entertainment pre-screening. The program was designed to let the guests have their 007 moment for the night with card games and photo shoots with replica guns that insert the subjects into frames from the movie. The long entrance was lined with photos of all the actors who have played the role leading up to the current one, paying homage to the long tradition of the iconic series. If you’re a fan of the franchise, it was a great way to watch a film you waited a year for. Even if you’re not a big fan of the series, how often do you get the chance to see a film on a big screen with a cold beer? Now, about the film… No Time to Die follows Bond as he comes out of retirement to find a missing scientist, which leads to a showdown with a powerful adversary. The film has many of the characters from the previous films reprise their roles. I’d recommend watching the last couple of Bond films as their plot points and characters are pertinent to this one. To dive right into the review, I’d say this is a great closing chapter to the Daniel Craig era of Bond. It’s a great film. The performances, cinematography and action sequences were the highlights for me. I can also say it is very much a typical Bond film, while also being a very unique Bond film; Let me explain.
For the typical Bond film aspects, it has a crazy amount of references to previous Bond films and tradition, almost to a fault. Even though I appreciate subtle nods to prior films, it gets to a point where the nods become bows, and it feels like they’re trying to monetize nostalgia. Skyfall also had that problem for me, even though I think this film is way better. To give you some examples, like most early
Bond films this film has an oddly deformed henchman, a facially scarred main villain, Bond quips after kills (which I’m glad they brought back), and he drives Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton’s Aston Martins, which have gadgets in them like the old days. The film also uses the score to George Lazenby’s ? From Her Majesty’s Secret Service on the end credits as both films have similar plot points. Unlike the last few Craig’s films, old school Bond films didn’t try to replicate each other; most would try to come up with something unique for the series, thereby creating new traditions (except Roger Moore’s era of Bond, those were terrible). But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the film. It has many great surprises that are unprecedented in the series, which I will refrain from spoiling. I’d also like to talk about one aspect of modern films that is quietly dying out of tradition: opening sequences. Most films nowadays have totally omitted opening sequences, while some don’t even bother to put the title of the film in the beginning. I guess our short attention span and need for immediate entertainment have made us a little impatient. But fortunately for us, the James Bond franchise has kept that tradition alive. The sequence for this movie, even if it's not the best one in the Craig series (that honor goes to Casino Royale), sets the tone of the film perfectly. The haunting score and the dark, kaleidoscopic visuals remind you that this is not the happygo-lucky Bond film that was once the norm. Another
thing I enjoyed about this film is how it seems to be a combination of multiple genres. It was a swirley ride of thriller, action, comedy and romance, all blended seamlessly without being tonally confused. The cinematography and direction were sublime. One long scene in particular, with Bond killing bad guys one-by-one with no cuts was fantastically executed. It’s very similar to a scene in True Detective, which was also directed by Cary Fukunaga. The performances were also great, especially Craig as the aging Bond. This is a new version of the character you’ve never seen before, far from the cocky, womanizer (Connery), angry brute Bond of the early Craig era. Here, he is vulnerable and sympathetic. He’s also the most romantic, without even so much as a sideway glance directed at any women other than his love interest, Madeline Swan (remember her from Spectre? Yeah, me neither. Nobody remembers that film).
One aspect I disliked about this film (and the last few Craig films in general) is how it serializes the Bond story and expects you to remember the last few to understand the current one. Bond films were normally one-off entertainment where you can start the series at any point and you’d fully understand what's going on. The Mission Impossible franchise does a better job at this. The Craig films take themselves a bit too seriously with mythologizing their own stories. I don’t think a lot of people care enough to remember who Mr. White is, how Blofeld was arrested or how Bond and Madeleine met. I hope they go back to the old formula for the next iteration of Bond. Overall, this was a very enjoyable Bond film, especially as a closing chapter to the Craig era. If you haven’t seen the last few films in the franchise, some aspects of this might be a little confusing but I still highly recommend it.
8.0/10 Directed By: Cary Joji Fukunaga Starring: Daniel Craig, Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek
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ListenUp
All trees aren't evergreen Alula Abadi
Y
ou can travel the world -- go from city to city and nation to nation, asking people what their one true desire is. Some will say love, some will say peace and some will simply say happiness. But the fact of the matter is, most, will say fortune and fame. Most would rather live large and burn out young than live an honest and quiet life. But unfortunately, those that actually get to live this life are literally and famously less than one percent of earth’s population.
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They are princes and princesses that constantly live in exclusive service. But even to those people, even to the one percent, there is a club that demands the ultimate price. A club that demands you to stay true to the “live fast, die young” philosophy; I’m talking, of course, about The 27 Club.
Aside from being a pop culture spectacle, the 27 club is in fact a very dark and grim subject. It is a club which consists of multiple artists that die at the age of 27. This is a concept so shrouded in conspiracy and superstition that it is often compared to extremities such as ritual sacrifices and astrology. See, it all started with Robert Leroy Johnson – a blues man from the 30s. He was the first of the 27 club, and most thought nothing of his death until rumors arose about a satanic pact. What’s interesting about this contract with Lucifer himself is that during the time of Robert’s death, it was a highly uncommon thing, and during this time, saying a talented man signed a contract in blood to be paid when he is 27, is one of those things that you don’t just make up. At any rate, after Robert’s death, the names kept coming – Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and
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But even to those people, even to the one percent, there is a club that demands the ultimate price.
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many more. But here’s the thing: no body called it the 27 club until Kurt Cobain died in 1994, yet another man famous for selling his soul for a short shot of fame and fortune. Now even though Kurt’s Death resulted in the coining of this term, it was Amy Winehouse who truly pulled everyone’s focus towards this grim history of young Hollywood. The city of angels had more than a few resident demons. Or so it seemed. Now, if the inferno, the King and princes of its fiery pit is too
This is a concept so shrouded in conspiracy and superstition that it is often compared to extremities such as ritual sacrifices and astrology.
human condition that grabs us by the shoulders and shakes us till we wake up or die. Either way, one can never be sure. So remember to play it safe. Go slow and you WILL last long And one last thing, in the spirit of “anything is possible” and “who knows”, here’s a courtesy in the form of a safety net for the reader. Legend has it, that if you know their name, and I mean even read it once, the princes of hell cannot trick you because the subconscious mind, where most of the soul resides, will remember it even if you don’t. Kind of like a Spiritual Antivirus, if you will. So if you ever make it into the one percent and find yourself face to face with an attractive and strangely convinc-
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crazy a concept for you to swallow, there is another angle… one, of astrology and planetary science. This mainly concerns the planet Saturn. So, a single day on Saturn is about 10.7 hours. This is the time Saturn takes to spin on its own axis one time, and this is just a bit of back story and doesn’t really have much to do with our story, not really. What we’re concerned with is how long Saturn takes to go around the sun. And that is about 10,756 earth days and 29.4 earth years. And this is where Saturn comes into play with The 27 Club. Saturn signifies change and growth so if you happen to be born at the right time, Saturn will be close at about your 27th year, shocking personal realizations start to kick in, things like “I’m alone”, “I have no assets”, and so on. Adulthood really kicks you in the face, and it goes on till about you hit 30. The thing is that most don’t make it out alive. Or so they say.
Now, while all of the above maybe true, you don’t need a contract with the devil to know that the age of 27 is hell. It is a turning point for many and a time reserved for a primal instinct concerning independence and freedom. We feel Santisima Muerte hovering above us, the saint of death whispering “tick tock”, with the sandy tones of her hour glass. Half time is over; ball is in your court. And some people just spiral and fall while others don’t even feel this phenomenon. Maybe it is Saturn, maybe it is superstition, or maybe it is just the
ing studio executive with a weird looking contract, look for these names before you sign: Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Baal, Belial, Astaroth, Maggot, Asmodee, Oriens, Paimon, Ariton or Egin, Amaymon and Nergal. The princes of hell are many, learn their names and beware, because they always take what’s due. And their price is hefty..
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Either way, one can never be sure. So remember to play it safe. Go slow and you WILL last long.
ReadUp
Let's get
Graphic Haben Woldu
H
ey Reader,
I know where your mind went when you read the title :-) Get your mind out of the gutter, we are talking about books here... Graphic Novels to be specific. Graphic novels are so much more than glorified comicbooks; they use both images and words to tell a story. If you are stuck in a reading rut and can’t seem to get into reading, graphic novels are a great way to get back into the habit. Graphic novels are fast paced, quickly give you an overview of the story, have images that reinforce the words in the story, and have high quality language and dialogue.
inspired me to devour books like people devour food and pushed me to explore all genres without limitation. My foray into graphic novels happened through reading comics like Tintin and Archie at a young age. As an adult, my first exposure to graphic novels was the book Persopoilis which really solidified my love for graphic novels.
I don’t know about you but the last couple of months have been heavy and a period that made me question the very essence of humanity! I wanted to switch directions and go light this month and introduce you My dad played an important role to the genre of Graphic Novels. So in nurturing my love for books and let's get graphic with it!
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If you are stuck in a reading rut and can’t seem to get into reading, graphic novels are a great way to get back into the habit.
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1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein "Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy," and so begins a story of unforgettable perception written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. The book follows the lives of an apple tree and a boy, who develop a relationship with one another. The tree is very "giving" and the boy evolves into a "taker" as a teenager, a middle-aged man, and finally an elderly man. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk making the tree happy. With the passage of time, the boy grows older and his wants from the tree grow in proportion to his aging and the tree gives and gives and gives and gives with no end in sight. The tree is a metaphor for the spirit of unconditional love and giving while the man is a metaphor for perfect selfishness. This is a tender story with touches of sadness and consolation. This book is special to me as my first introduction to this book is when my dear friend Nick gifted it to me for my birthday years ago. How fitting is it that I was given this book by Nick as our friendship is one filled selfless agape-style kind of love? It is a love that is unconditional; love which asks for nothing; love that gives everything. Musical Pairing: I chose “Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney as a song to pair with this book selection as it has always been the anthem of my friendship with Nick. Also what perfect song to depict agape love then a song of two opposite being loving and living in harmony.
2. Persopolis by Marjan Satrapi Both funny and heartbreaking, Persepolis is a memoir of the life of the author during the Islamic Revolution depicted through black and white comic strip images. The comic style drawing is superb and the written part with its tragedy and humor is super clever and engaging. This graphic novel is an absolute must read as it manages to distill a country at war and change in a funny and poignant way. I can’t recommend this graphic novel enough as it is packed with information. It both depicts the war in a realistic way and also shows the war from the naive yet perceptive view of the author as a child. While one does not read graphic novels as a tool for learning history, this book does provide the reader with a lot of information and gems about the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Once you've devoured the book, I recommend that you head straight to the animated movie version of the book as it is very well done and a great accompaniment to the book. Musical Pairing: I was not quite sure what music to pair this book with but it is only fitting to pair with a song from the soundtrack of the movie adaption of the book. “Eye of the Tiger” is the perfect melody for this book.
3. Hilda Hopkins Series by Vivienne Fagan The Hilda Hopkins series is such a delightful read. This fast-paced crime thriller is super engaging and a must read. The story is about a serial killing granny who is on the run from the authorities. Hilda is not your average senior citizen with a passion for knitting as she is cool, calculating and totally ruthless as we learn in each book of the series. Hilda is a character that you hate to love, and she draws you into her criminal activity with anticipation on what she will do next as she is totally unpredictable. 16 I Linkup Addis Ababa
I admit I got roped into reading this series simply because of the catchy title such as “Hilda Hopkins, Murder she Knit”. You will enjoy this delightful read and will breeze through all nine books in the series in a couple of days or over a weekend like I did. This would be a perfect read for a long weekend when you just want to escape into a good book and take a break from the hectic-ness of the world around you. Musical Pairing: “Murder She Wrote” by Chaka Demus and Pliers is a classic tune that goes along with the theme of this book and depicts the main character Hilda.
4. The Games People Play by Box Brown Growing up Tetris was a very popular game worldwide and a big part of most people’s childhood in Addis. This book tells the complete story of the game from many angles with details that will both shock and fascinate you as the author walks you through the game’s journey. If you've never heard the remarkable story behind Tetris, this graphic novel captures its creation perfectly. If you are a game buff, you'll like learning about how it was developed, how various opportunists and even the Soviet government vied for control over its rights, and how it eventually ended up on Nintendo's Game Boy console as a phenomenon. If you are not, it is still a fascinating story on the inception and journey of the game. I did not think I would get into this book as I am not a gamer nor very interested in electronics but this was very interesting as well as educational. I am sure, at the least, that this book will inspire you to play a game or two of Tetris. If you have children, it might be a great bonding experience and a way to merge the past and the future. Musical Pairing: What better song to pair this book with than the classic tune of the game we all know and love looped for hours from start to finish of the book?
5. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters by Emil Ferris Set against the political backdrop of the late 60’s, a young girl seeks to uncover what really happened in the murder of her neighbor. Her journey to uncovering the truth is documented through a diary with classic monster imagery. The book is written in a notebook style and each page is scrawled in pen on lined paper delivering both dazzling art and real connection to the characters of the book. Readers beware, this book is pretty dark with some very deep and troubling themes. Either way, this is a book worth reading as it is beautifully illustrated and thought provoking. Musical Pairing: The song “Monster” by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber comes to mind when I hear the world Monster. This song is light and is a great pairing when reading a book with a heavy theme such as this one. 16 I Linkup Addis Ababa
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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
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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
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)
Desalech Kitfo
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: Namibia St. Contact: +251 91 151 2590 Known for: on the way to Atlas, in front of Romie Burger 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
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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
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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
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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/