Every Year on January 31st People of Awi have a big event to celebrate. They Decorate their horses, make good food and dress for the day.
This culture was adopted from three Brothers and through time it became a big cultural festival.
No one stays home on this day, they ethier race or become the crowd. Since Horses are special to the #Agews almost eveyone knows how to Ride.
You can go Check out some of the prints of “The Agew Horse Riders” @kikundi_et@hilton_addis_ababa
#Ethiopia
Asmare Engidaw
I was 30 years old during the war. That makes me around one hundred and eleven years old now. I was summoned for the war. My commander was Dejjach Wonde Hailu.
The war was harsh and every man marched from everywhere in groups of five and ten.
Many great heroes were slain.
I have two sons and two daughters. The rest have all died.
If your around New York City, #thepatriotstory will be shown at @photovillenyc until sep 24th go & check it out!
Please join me on my second solo exhibition at Alliance éthio-française d'Addis-Abeba on October 2. I will be showing my new project The Azmaris & Still in motion!
YOU ALL ARE INVITED!!!!
Today’s #FriendsFriday spotlight goes to someone I truly see as a little brother and great a friend, the incredibly kind, gentle, professional, and effortlessly cool @aronsime
In a world where people often change with time, success, or circumstance, Aron has remained beautifully constant… almost like a law of physics itself. Solid character. Calm energy. Genuine heart.
I still vividly remember when we met, nearly 8 years ago, during the launch of my very first book at the Sheraton Addis, how wholeheartedly supportive he was. Capturing amazing moments and photos with so much care, passion, and sincerity. Those gestures may seem small to some, but they stay with you for life.
That kind of support, consistency, humility, and brotherhood is rare.
And beyond the professionalism and creativity, Aron is simply one of those people whose presence makes people comfortable. Respectful, dependable, talented, and always carrying himself with grace.
I genuinely cannot wait to see the magic he’ll help create around my upcoming book as well.
Love you bro. Proud of the man you continue becoming.
And finally… welcome officially to the🧑🏽🦲club too 😂🤝
It was a privilege to attend the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian Air Force’s 90th anniversary airshow and the graduation of their newest pilots. The Air Force has always been my favorite branch of the military I’ve long admired their discipline and the way they carry themselves. Being present for such a special milestone, alongside their families and colleagues from across the country, was truly inspiring.
I had the pleasure of photographing @astatkemulatu ahead of his farewell European tour for the Selam Magazine cover. @fly.ethiopian
It wasn’t an easy task directing the Father of Ethio-jazz, but he slowly relaxed once he noticed the kirar & Masinqo we placed in the background. I also brought along vinyl copies of his albums as a reminders of where it all broke through, beginning with the Ethiopian Quintet recordings in 1966. Recorded in New York, yet deliberately released in Addis Ababa, honouring the roots of Ethiopian music. He also released his latest album, Mulatu Plays Mulatu, this September.
As the article puts it, Mulatu remains what he has always been: a bridge between Ethiopian ancient creativity and its modern expression. “Music reflects who we are,” he simply says. “It’s our responsibility to protect it.”
Sessions like this remind me why I got into photography in the first place.
My love for music and the stories carried by the people who shape it.
Thank you @selamtamagazine for the opportunity,
ECA for the location, and my incredible team.
Styling done by the amazing @hamek_hon
Production Manager @jerusalem_tadele
Assistants @yishak_fikre@yitagesugebresilassie
Vinyl collection @mooyb_v
I feel incredibly honored and fortunate to have documented the progress of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam #GERD over the past five years. Since my first visit in 2020 with @pmabiyahmed , I’ve witnessed everything from the intense negotiations, to the first filling of the reservoir, the first two turbines generating power, and now, the historic inauguration.
GERD is more than just the largest dam in Africa. It stands as a powerful symbol of Ethiopian pride and sovereignty, a monument to what unity, resilience, and vision can achieve. For generations, Ethiopians have dreamed of harnessing the power of the Abay River, and today, we’ve made that dream a reality through our own sweat, blod and determination.
I’m proud to be part of this generation that made history.
May this achievement mark the end of our divisions, and the beginning of even greater unity.
እንኳን ደስ አለን!! 🇪🇹🇪🇹 መልካም አዲስ አመት!!
Congratulations to us all! and Happy New Year! 🇪🇹
It was a true honor to contribute to the “Space of Remembrance: ET-302 Memorial Book project, working alongside the brilliant minds of @alebeldestacae@pierpaoloelmi (Elmi construction), @prologueburson (@bagershadventures ) & Shamabooks. While I’ve photographed architectural projects before, this one stretched me in new ways—technically, emotionally, and creatively.
In an era where AI constantly questions the value of human work, being part of something this meaningful reminded me why I do what I do. My role went far beyond documenting structure—I set out to understand the architect’s vision, the engineers’ decisions, and ultimately to capture the emotions a visitor might feel when walking through this site.
This field—once the scene of immense tragedy—now stands as a space for remembrance, healing, and honor.
“ This is a tribute to those we’ve lost, to the families who carry their memory, and to all whose lives were forever changed. May this memorial serve as a place of reflection, unity, and resilience—and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. “
@berhanubeyene19@mehari_films
Nur the trumpet player and Kayn Lab embody a bold fusion of Ethiopian rhythms and modes with the improvisational spirit of jazz. Together, they create a mesmerizing soundscape that redefines tradition and invites audiences to reflect & be amazed.
The Sudanese trumpet player, Nur, adds soul and vibrance to the group’s innovative compositions, pushing musical boundaries while celebrating rich cultural roots.
This photos were taken during a recording session at Langano studio.
“When @gelaneee called me to ask if I’d be interested in capturing the magic of * @kaynlab * during a studio session for their upcoming album, I didn’t hesitate for a second with @yonas_b_mulat . As a fellow creative & a photographer who has been a fan of Ethiopian music since, I’ve always been in awe of these giants—not just for the music they create but for the mastery behind it. Their precision, elegance, style, and technique tell a story of countless hours spent with their instruments, constantly progressing, evolving, and innovating.
Their contribution far exceeds ‘just’ music. These icons have touched countless young lives in Ethiopia through their mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support—fueled by a mutual love for music. It’s a legacy that resonates far beyond the studio walls, shaping a new generation of creatives.
It was a pleasure to capture these moments through my lens, documenting not just their artistry but the essence of their craft.
Let us give people their flowers and celebrate them, while they’re still around. ✨🎶”
Caption @gelaneee@aronsime
One of the most famous coffee origins in Ethiopia, the Sidama region spreads across fertile highlands south of Lake Awassa in the Rift Valley. It offers diversity, quality, and complex flavor’s of #ethiopiancoffee
Shantawene village, located in Sidama’s eastern Bensa region at an elevation of 1,900 to 2,300 meters above sea level, is surrounded by rivers and enjoys humid midland weather. The village is primarily known for producing coffee, as well as enset (a plant related to the banana family and cultivated for sub-sistence), corn, and soybeans. While enset serves as a subsistence crop, coffee is the primary cash crop.
Daye bensa Thursday market was my favorite to capture from this trip for BUNNA Book by @keneandukamo@gemini_elevated@sarahwritesstories