Fendika Cultural Center
ፈንድቃ
Former namesFendika Azmari Bet
LocationKirkos, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
OwnerMelaku Belay
Typecultural center
Construction
Opened1990s
Renovated2008
Expanded2016

The Fendika Cultural Center (Amharic: ፈንድቃ) is a cultural center located in Kazanchis neighbourhood (Kirkos district) of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was created as a folk music house (azmari bet) in the early 1990s.[1][2]

Owned and run by Ethiopian dancer and choreographer Melaku Belay, Fendika Cultural Center is a cultural hub that offers classes, workshops, art exhibits, jazz nights, and cultural activities, beginning with displays of local painters and monthly poetry readings.[1][3][4]

It hosts the shows of Fendika and the Ethiocolor, two Ethiopian music groups.

Since its renewal, Fendika organizes an annual street festival during Timket, the celebration of epiphany in January. In this event, Fendika Cultural Center invites indigenous artists from various parts of Ethiopia to perform their folk music and dance on the streets of the Ethiopian capital.[1]

History

This cultural center was originally built as azmari bet (In English "House of Azmaris", the Amharic name for an Ethiopian traditional music house).[1]

Due to changes caused by urban development of Addis Ababa, Fendika remained one of the last folk music houses in Kazanchis neighbourhood in 2008. In this time, Melaku Belay began managing Fendika Azmari Bet, he converted Fendika into a more comprehensive performing arts center.[2]

In 2016, Belay expanded this cultural space to establish of the Fendika Cultural Center.[2][4]

In 2023, Fendika faces imminent demolition because the Addis Ababa City Administration plans to clear the land for a five-star hotel.[4]

Notable awards

  • Prince Claus Award (2020).[2][3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Developing Fendika Cultural Center, A Grassroots Civil Society Organization in Addis Ababa". UNESCO. 29 October 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Amanda Lichtenstein (21 December 2020). "Fendika cultural hub in Addis Ababa wins major cultural prize". Global Voices. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  3. 1 2 "FENDIKA CULTURAL CENTER". Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 Ilyas Kifle (15 June 2023). "Fendika Cultural Center Faces Imminent Demolition, Sparking Outcry and Calls to Preserve Ethiopia's Artistic Soul". Addis Zeybe. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
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