Heritage Festival begins in DC with a rocking EthioJazz show

July 27, 2013

Most of them in their early teens, EthioJazz rocked the place by playing music composed by legendary Mulatu Astatke of Ethiopia. The rising stars have also accepted an invitation from Ethiopian Heritage Society President Abebe Hailu that they become permanent honorary members of the Society.

EHSNA President Abebe Hailu presents an award to veteran artist Lema Guya (center) as EHSNA’s PR chief Kaleb Amare cheers on

The kids who took part in traditional Ethiopian fashion shows pose for a group picture. The youngsters drew cheers as they were the first in the set of programs who walked across the stage, often standing innocently to show their pose to the audience that included their delightful parents.

Gracing the event was also veteran artist Lema Guya, who was rewarded with a special prize for his lifelong contributions to the development of arts in Ethiopia. The 85-year-old Lema Guya displayed elegance in traditional costume, and often cracked jokes from the stage as he made a brief inspirational speech to the audience.

Poems that wowed the audience for their sarcastic messages were also read out at the opening day in which very young kids also took part in fashion shows in traditional Ethiopian costumes.

Various programs are scheduled for today, including open-air songs and dances at the soccer field of the Georgetown University. Ethiomedia will do its best to post the highlights of the day.