By Hussein Mirghani, Artist based in Khartoum, Sudan

It’s an old love story between me and Ethiopia. I have visited Ethiopia like 12 times. My passport is full of Ethiopian entry visas! During most of my trips I stay in Addis Ababa; but I also visit some other places near Addis and other cities recommended by friends. I love spending time in Ethiopia because I love the weather here. Walking around in early morning is a joy, and so is the food here. Also, I have got to know many artist friends in Ethiopia and I really enjoy their company.

One of them is Tamrat Gezahegne, who brought me to Fendika for the first time in 2019. I still feel very thankful to him. I’ll never forget my first visit to Fendika! I instantly loved the place, the people I met – all the artists - and the performance. I was especially impressed with Fendika’s traditional show: its originality and attention to details of the costumes and movements were remarkable. Fendika’s performances do not feel commercial like some other shows you see in the city.

The atmosphere at Fendika was very friendly and welcoming, starting with a very warm smile of the lady at the gate. When I entered, I felt right at home, surrounded by art everywhere. Right then and there I realized that this is the place I want to spend time in!

Melaku is another story! Honestly word can’t express my feelings. He is a very welcoming and humble person. In no time he makes you feel you’re the owner and he’s just a guest! I feel very comfortable talking to him. God bless him! He is full of energy. I love to watch him walking around the place spreading joy and elation everywhere.

After my first time at Fendika, I’d come back again and again. Usually, I come to Fendika early in the evening on Mondays and Fridays and stay till 11.30 p.m. One night, two friends from Sudan and I spent an hour with Melaku in his office. We listened to music from Sudan and watched videos of folk dances and rhythms from many ethnic groups in Sudan. At one point, Melaku told us that the rhythm and sounds of a Sudanese ethnic group are the same as those of an Ethiopian ethnic group. Better yet, he started dancing joyfully to the music, not missing a beat! We then discussed the deep connections between our two nations’ cultures and histories. I remember thinking: Who on earth created these borders between us? It was one of the most unforgettable days in my life. It inspires me to create visual art that reminds us of the same ancient roots we all share.

All people I’ve met in Fendika are warm and open-minded and I feel like part of the family. I want to add some joy and happiness to this big family, and I want to show my brothers and sisters how much respect I have for them. That’s the reason behind these artist portraits. I really hope they will like it.

I believe that in Fendika I will meet all Ethiopian artists and art lovers; it means a lot to me to add to my C.V. one day an exhibition of my artwork at Fendika. Fendika is becoming a remarkable spot in the cultural map of the horn of Africa. Its reputation is growing internationally. I always advise my Sudanese and international friends to visit Fendika if they happen to be in Addis Ababa. I want them to experience the genuine Ethiopian heritage and culture. Sometimes I show them videos and shots from Fendika live page on Facebook. [Fendika Cultural Center has a YouTube channel, too!]

Fendika is supporting so many artists and serving the community’s cultural needs. The team is working very hard to ensure its success. I hope in the future Fendika will benefit from a greater space and a theater setup of international specifications. It’s my dream that Fendika becomes the biggest cultural center in Africa! On the other hand, I love the intimate atmosphere of the current space of Fendika and hope it might not change too much!

Theater artist and musician Fantu Mandoye

FENDIKA CULTURAL CENTER