WE NEED YOUR SUpport

Fendika Cultural Center is the the only cultural institution in Addis Ababa where the Azmaris (singers, musicians and poets) perform and are paid regularly. In Ethiopia, there is no funding for culture- therefore artists have to rely on personal and private initiatives. Today Fendika continues to face the same pressure that has destroyed the other azmari bets. Located in central Addis Ababa, Fendika’s land is in constant danger of being taken away by the government, unless the existing traditional-style Fendika compound is replaced by a G+7 building.

Fendika Cultural Center is in need of investors who share our values and passion to undertake an expansion of this scale. Until then, Melaku and friends of Fendika hold fast to their dream: a multi-functional Cultural Center that includes a guest/residency house for visiting artists from around the world, a recording studio, an archive and library for Ethiopian music and dance, and a workshop for making traditional instruments. We hope you can help us turn this beautiful dream into reality!

Ways to Support Fendika

Financial Support

Support the vibrancy and longevity of Fendika Cultural Center and it’s artists by donating a financial gift today.

Performance OpportunitIES

Fendika Ensemble and Ethiocolor performances run from 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the venue requirements. Their show builds in sonic and dance intensity, often culminating in an exciting interaction as Fendika members invite the audience to join the dance.

Workshop

Fendika offers workshops to share their movements, sounds, rhythms, instruments, and the history and background of Ethiopian traditional music and dance. Fendika members are skilled at participating in panel discussions on topics such as the role of tradition in contemporary culture, also inviting questions and observations from the audience.