The annual Addis Jazz Festival has kicked off in Ethiopia, with music fans gathering to enjoy a night of live music and entertainment. The festival, which showcases a range of jazz and blues performers, has become a popular event in the country, drawing crowds from across the region.

This year’s festival featured performances from a number of talented musicians, including Ethiopian jazz legends Mulatu Astatke and Girma Beyene, as well as up-and-coming artists from around the world. The event was held at the historic Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa, with attendees enjoying the music under the stars in the hotel’s garden.

For many Ethiopians, the festival is a chance to celebrate their love of jazz and to enjoy an evening of entertainment with friends and family. The festival has also become an important platform for showcasing local talent and promoting the vibrant music scene in Ethiopia.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of the Addis Jazz Festival were able to put on a successful event, thanks to careful planning and safety protocols. Attendees were required to wear masks and maintain social distancing, and the event was held outdoors to minimize the risk of transmission.

The festival is a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and to create a sense of community and connection. As Ethiopia and the rest of the world continue to face uncertainty and challenges, events like the Addis Jazz Festival offer a welcome reminder of the joys of life and the importance of coming together to celebrate our shared humanity.