Tewodros Kassahun a.k.a Teddy Afro has become a musical sensation in Ethiopia over the past five years.  His singing and songwriting style have earned him comparisons to the Jamaican reggae superstar Bob Marley.  His music combines reggae and East African pop with very pleasing results.  Teddy’s lyrics are infused with political and spiritual messages, which has been a key component in his success.  He is a strong advocate for peace in his conflict ridden home.  Another huge part of his success, especially in Ethiopia, is that several of his songs are about historical Ethiopian figures.  His song “Haileselassie” is a tribute to Haile Selassie I, the deceased Emperor of Ethiopia.  Teddy has also written songs about Ethiopian Olympians, particularly Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele, both of whom were long distance track gold medalists.  These songs instill a sense of pride among the Ethiopian people and make Teddy one of the premier artists in the country.

One Ethiopian fan says, “This guy is the biggest thing since Tilahun in Ethiopia. The history of music in Ethiopia of course includes Eritrea as it was not a separate country at the time. Urban Ethiopia and Eritrea both shared in the experience under Haile Selassie. Teddy Afro does the same. He brings all together.”

Saba Gebrai, an educator and peace activist in Detroit says, "The pain, struggle and redemption of the characters in his songs can help us challenge the age-old, long-rooted stereotypes and misunderstandings that have always separated us from one another.  When Teddy makes everyone in the same room or at the same concert happy, he's making us understand that our differences are OK in a way. Like Bob Marley, he's saying that we can work things out."


Be sure to check out Teddy Afro’s Official Website



Contributed by Hans Hsu