30th
Teddy Afro
Definitely the most popular artist in Ethiopia at the moment, Teddy Afro is automatically loved by 99.9% of the population. Or that’s what it feels like anyway. Ask an Ethiopian why and they’ll tell you his lyrics are meaningful and attractive, i.e. he’s got a way with words. It’s often these qualities that the people here look for, as reflected perhaps in the presence of azmaris throughout Ethiopian history. Azmaris revel in their lyrics’ ambiguity, often twisting meanings and plays on words. As I understand it, mid-twenties ‘Teddy’ Tedros does a similar thing. However, a few times he has apparently strayed into political waters, suggesting that Ethiopia should be a unified state and criticising the current government. He was convicted in 2007 for a hit-and-run incident in which officials claim he was drinking and spent two years in prison. Meanwhile, most of the public dismissed the story as a ploy to silence his dissenting voice and his popularity continued to grow. Released in autumn last year, he has played some huge concerts and has seemingly managed to stay out of trouble. With the coming national election in May, I suspect the authorities will be keeping an eye on him.
So what does he sound like? Personally? Like every other upbeat, insipid, predictable, reggae/r’n’b-fusion bore you find in any country. Ethiopia’s biggest star he is, but to me, his music doesn’t sound particularly Ethiopian (some may argue), and anyone who uses ‘Afro’ in their name will instantly get thumbs down from me.
