Teddy Afro’s new song sparks debate as it appears to criticise Ethiopian govt

In a country where criticising authorities has often carried risks, a new song by Ethiopia’s biggest musician, Teddy Afro, is drawing widespread attention after appearing to condemn the government.

The track, Das Tal — meaning “put up the tent” — has amassed more than seven million views on YouTube since its release on Thursday, reflecting both the artist’s popularity and the public interest surrounding the message.

Referencing a traditional mourning tent, Teddy Afro, whose real name is Tewodros Kassahun, sings about grieving for a country he believes has lost its identity, according to BBC.

“The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away. 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, ” the 49-year-old laments in the song.

The build-up to the song’s release was already marked by controversy after a preview event for journalists in Addis Ababa failed to take place under unclear circumstances.

Teddy Afro has long been viewed as a vocal cultural figure and, at times, a critic of government leadership.

Two decades ago, he was imprisoned for 16 months following a hit-and-run case, which he maintained was politically motivated.

His last album, Ethiopia, released in 2017, achieved strong sales and topped the Billboard World Albums chart for weeks.

The album focused on historical themes and called for national unity, but its official release in Ethiopia was blocked by authorities amid widespread anti-government protests.

The demonstrations, largely driven by grievances from the Oromo — the country’s largest ethnic group — eventually led to the fall of the then-prime minister and paved the way for Abiy Ahmed to assume power.

Initially, Teddy Afro embraced Abiy’s promise of unity and reform.

However, the artiste has since expressed disappointment, particularly following widespread violence and the two-year civil war in northern Ethiopia that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

In 2022, he released another song warning against growing “tribalism,” a theme that continues in his latest track.

In a previous interview with BBC in 2017, Teddy Afro emphasized that his music promotes unity and reconciliation, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Prime Minister Abiy has consistently defended his administration’s efforts toward national unity, stressing that cooperation among Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups is key to prosperity and stability.

With general elections approaching in June, the debate over unity, governance and national identity — now amplified by Teddy Afro’s latest release — is likely to intensify.

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