In a stunning cultural showcase, “Kin Ethiopia” has rekindled Ethiopia’s artistic legacy on a global platform, delivering back-to-back sold-out concerts in Beijing that have resonated deeply with Chinese audiences.
The two-hour performance, fusing traditional and contemporary Ethiopian music and dance, proved so popular that organizers added a third concert in Hebei Province to meet rising demand.
The show is part of a broader revival of a historic People-to-People initiative originally launched four decades ago to celebrate Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity.
“We are elated our effort to introduce—and reintroduce—Ethiopia to China has been so warmly received,” said Kamuzu Kassa, artist, curator, and founder of Shakura Productions. “Our music, our art, and our people have found a home in a country that has stood by Ethiopia’s progress for the last 15 years.”
The concerts coincided with the 55th anniversary of Ethiopia-China diplomatic relations, marked earlier this month in Addis Ababa with cultural exchanges and official visits from Chinese artists and delegates.
The events also underscore Ethiopia’s growing focus on cultural diplomacy as a key driver of tourism and international engagement.
Kamuzu signed cultural cooperation deals with prominent Chinese institutions, including the China Arts and Entertainment Group and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
One of the initiatives includes translating Ethiopian literature into Chinese, such as a forthcoming edition of a book by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“These partnerships will help us elevate Ethiopian music and culture to a global platform,” Kamuzu stated. “There is something uniquely powerful about our sound that resonates far beyond our borders.”
Among the performers was Oromiffa artist Aadam Mohammad, known for blending traditional sounds with modern arrangements. “We came here not just to promote Ethiopia, but to share our music with the world,” he said.
Zewdu Bekele, a beloved vocalist from southern Ethiopia’s Wolayta region, added: “To see people dancing to our music, without knowing the language—it was unforgettable.”
Tigrayan artist Gere Chuchu brought the audience to its feet with a moving performance. “We sing the music of harmony, love, and understanding,” he said. “It’s what the world needs more of.”
The performances were more than a musical experience—they became a full cultural immersion. Audiences were treated to traditional coffee aromas, dance collaborations between Ethiopian and Chinese performers, and visuals of Ethiopia’s landscapes and heritage.
One standout moment came when Selam Getachew from Gonder sang a Mandarin folk song, accompanied by a traditional masinko, with images of Fasil Ghebbi Castle projected behind her. The performance brought 61-year-old retiree Zhang Loe to tears. “This is the music of my youth and my many milestones,” she said. “It’s remarkable. Unique. I hope we’ll have more of this—more chances to hear the music of faraway places.”
Future stops for the Kin Ethiopia tour include Russia, Brazil, and South Africa, with negotiations ongoing to add India and other destinations.
The concert even stirred interest among those unfamiliar with Ethiopia. “This is a beautiful tradition,” said Li Peng, a young Chinese artist who attended the show. “I hope to get used to it—and maybe, one day, visit their country.”
For Ethiopian nationals living in China, the event offered more than nostalgia. “We are like cultural ambassadors,” said Tewedaj Alemayehu, an export business owner in Guangzhou. “This concert helps—it gives them a window into the Ethiopia we know and love.”
The performances are a bold reaffirmation that Ethiopia’s cultural voice can transcend borders—and that music, indeed, speaks the universal language of unity.
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