Millions listen to Ethiopian star’s song taking swipe at government

Teddy Afro, Ethiopia’s most celebrated artist, has sparked widespread attention with his latest track, Das Tal, which appears to critique the current administration. In a nation where expressing dissent often leads to repercussions, the song’s release has become a focal point of discussion. With over seven million views on YouTube since its launch on Thursday, the track draws on a traditional mourning tent as a metaphor for loss and national sorrow.

Das Tal, meaning “put up the tent” in English, references a symbolic space for mourning. The artist, whose real name is Tewodros Kassahun, conveys a sense of disconnection from his homeland. “The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away,” he laments. “Now I understand the sorrow and pain. Where can someone go to mourn, where do you cry? In the place that raised me, in the village where I grew up, I have become a stranger, like someone with no country.”

A History of Resistance

Previously, Teddy Afro had faced a 16-month prison sentence in the early 2000s for a hit-and-run incident, which he claimed was politically motivated. His 2017 album, Ethiopia, resonated deeply with listeners, achieving strong sales domestically and holding the Billboard World Albums chart for several weeks. The work centered on historical narratives, advocating for national cohesion. However, its official release was blocked by the authorities, a decision that coincided with large-scale anti-government protests over the marginalization of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromos.

These protests ultimately led to the resignation of the then-prime minister. When asked about his music’s role, Teddy Afro told the BBC in 2017, “All of my work is rooted in love. As Martin Luther King said: ‘Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.’ For us to emerge from our current situation, I believe the only path is through unity.”

Abiy Ahmed and the New Era

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, an Oromo himself, rose to power after the protests, promising an era of national unity. Initially, Teddy Afro embraced this vision, but recent events have shifted his perspective. The two-year civil war in the north, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, has fueled his disillusionment. His 2022 song addressed growing tribalism, a theme that echoes in Das Tal.

Abiy frequently emphasizes that unity is key to Ethiopia’s prosperity. “The only way to achieve security and progress is through collective effort,” he stated. As June’s general election approaches, his call for togetherness is expected to gain even more prominence.

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