MM Concerts - Fendika

Ambition is something that Melaku Belay, the driving force behind Fendika, certainly doesn’t lack. From earning a pittance by shining shoes on the street, he has climbed his way up to become a successful dancer in an azmari bet – the Ethiopian equivalent to the British folk club – and saved money for many years until he could take over the venue in 2008. He then adopted the name of the club, Fendika, for all his activities, including the ensemble based at the club and with which he tours internationally, putting Ethiopian culture on the world map. 

His spectacular mastery of the ekista (traditional dance from the Amhara Region) earned him the nickname ‘walking earthquake’ in his homeland. Fendika has worked in Ethiopia with such figures as Mahmoud Ahmed and Getatchew Mekuria, and since 2008 also in the Netherlands with The Ex.

Line-up 

Melaku Belay - Dance

Meselu Abebaye - Kebero drums

Sentayehu Tadesse - Krar

Habtamu Yeshambel - Masenqo

Robel Solomon - Bass krar

Wude Tesfaw - Vocals 

Discover more!

Get to know the artist behind the music by checking out the Music Meeting Talks interview with Melaku Belay following this concert.