Raised by musical parents, it was apparent at an early age that Tewodros Kassahun, (now know as Teddy Afro) had a
deep love of music. Over the past ten years, Teddy has emerged as the number one voice in Ethiopia, breaking records for album sales and show attendance. Using reggae rhythms combined with traditional sounds, his songs are sung exclusively in the national language of Ethiopia, Amharic.
Noura Mint Seymali is a nationally beloved star and one of Mauritania’s foremost musical emissaries. Having begun her
career at age 13 as a supporting vocalist with her legendary stepmother Dimi Mint Abba, Noura Mint Seymali was reared in a transitive culture where sounds from across the Sahara, the Magreb, and West Africa coalesce in the dynamic
language of the Moorish griot. Fueled by the exploratory sound of her husband Jeiche Ould Chighaly’s distortion-fueled psych guitar lines and a declaritive rhythm section,
Noura Mint Seymali has already made a formidable debut on the international stage.
Hahu Dance Group are a contemporary modern traditional group that aims to promote Ethiopian culture, art and
indigenous knowledge all over the world. Hahu won Ethiopian Idol in 2011, and represents Ethiopian multiculturalism, by
including four traditional dancers each hailing from different ethnic groups, showing a true sense of community. The group’s early works were inspired by the poor Addis neighborhoods and performances were focused on community
awareness creation and empowerment.
New York City, NY; NYC