Halemtina Habesha Dance Workshop
The Halemtina Habesha Dance Workshop is a vibrant celebration of Eritrean and Ethiopian cultural heritage, designed to foster unity and understanding within diverse communities. Led by Fnan Mulgheta, founder of the Halemtina band, this workshop offers participants an immersive experience into traditional Habesha dance forms, emphasizing their historical significance and contemporary relevance.
Since its inception in 2019, Halemtina has been dedicated to promoting unity, love and peace through music and dance. The workshop serves as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds to engage in the rich traditions of the Horn of Africa. Participants will learn authentic dance movements, understand the cultural contexts behind them, and explore how these traditions can be integrated into modern expressions.
The workshop is adaptable to various group sizes, typically accommodating 15 to 20 participants, and is suitable for schools, community centers, and corporate settings. It not only teaches dance techniques but also encourages discussions on anthropology, identity, and the role of art in social integration.
By participating in the Halemtina Habesha Dance Workshop, individuals contribute to a broader mission of building bridges between cultures, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the shared human experience through the universal language of dance.
I will keep knocking at the door until it swings wide open.
I will keep singing for justice until justice stands tall.
I will keep pushing minds to reflect on the confusing, shining light on the truth.
I will keep writing songs that ignite change, songs that offer solutions.
I will keep reflecting on the times we live in—because the time for change is now.
Yes, I believe in the power of music.
Music unites, uplifts, and heals.
The world is beautiful because it's diverse—diversity is the essence of nature.
When we respect each other, we all thrive together.
No one is better than anyone else. We are all equal. We all deserve a better life.
Hate is not the answer—it never will be. The power of love is unmatched, with greater benefits.
So stop following toxic regimes. Hang on to love, hang on to wisdom and knowledge.
Love one another. Have compassion for all life.
We are here for one reason: to live as fully and freely as possible until our time is up.
To do that, we must unite, not divide. Be yourself, and let me be myself.
I respect you—please respect me.
And still, I will keep knocking until that door opens.
Because it will.
Photo taken by @christopher.werrett
Going back to the roots in all their sense and direction. Going back to the root cause of everything in my life. Going back to the seed, to know myself better.
As an artist, I am a protector of culture and tradition — I keep it alive, evolving, and inspiring. I’m not just preserving the past; I’m carrying it forward with creativity into the future.
Photo by Lloyd Spencer. #eritreanmusic #ethiopianmusic #eritreanpopmusic #ethiopianpopmusic Ethiopia#worldmusic #popcharts #popmusic
The *gebena* on the left is from Eritrea, and the one on the right is from Ethiopia. According to tradition, the Ethiopian *gebena* is considered “male” because of its long, distinctive spout, while the Eritrean *gebena* is seen as “female.”
The Ethiopian *gebena* is beautifully shaped, with a rounded body, a slender neck, and an elegant, elongated spout designed for precise pouring during the coffee ceremony. Both are made from clay—just as, in tradition, humanity was formed from the earth.
For thousands of years, our mothers have handcrafted everyday items from clay: *itro*, *thahli*, *mogogo*, *wancia*, and more. These are not just objects—they are skills passed down through generations, a living chain of knowledge from our ancestors to today.
But in today’s globalised world, these cultural items are being copied, mass-produced in China, and sold back to Habesha people. This takes away from the value of our heritage and the livelihoods of our artisans.
Let’s be more conscious. When you buy from Habesha women, you are supporting them economically, preserving culture, and strengthening our community. You are keeping tradition alive.
As Habesha people, our identity matters. When you choose handmade *gebena*, *thahli*, or *itro*, you are choosing your culture, your people, and your land. These items are made from our own soil—be proud of that.
And as for the legend of the “male” and “female” *gebena”… a beautiful song is coming soon 🎶
Hizbi Habesha Easter 2025, Leeds.
I’ve finally started working on my next project—an album. This time, it isn’t about migration. It’s about home: a place where love was taken for granted.
The singer is called Jovanotti, he is one of my favourite Italian singer. He went to Asmara in Eritrea, the city where I was born and raised. He went in November 2018 to film his song Chiaro di Luna and I went to his city Rome to find my strength to pursuit my dream for Halemtina. Rome gave me life and strength.
Bradford 2025 is running workshops, activities and events called "Our Patch" – no experience necessary, and it’s all completely free.
One of these activities has been The Travelling Spoon - a series of cookery workshops to take the people of Holmewood on a culinary journey around the world.
Find out more about The Travelling Spoon, and download their recipe book at the link in our bio!
#OurPatch #Bradford2025 #CityOfCulture #Food
I had the honor of playing Kobero with an incredibly talented woman—I didn’t get her contact, but I’m sure our paths will cross again! 😊
Playing the Kobero isn’t just about drumming—it’s about mastering body movement, rhythm, and the rules of Guayla, a powerful traditional dance. The Kobero beats shape the energy of every move and signal the dancers where to flow next.
Rhythm isn’t just sound—it’s leadership.
#ashenda
Kobero (also spelled Kebero) is a double-headed, cylindrical hand drum central to traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean music. It’s held under the arm and played with both palms, producing powerful, primal beats that guide dancers throughout performances.
A skilled Kobero player does more than keep time—they direct the dance:
They synchronize complex rhythmic patterns to support the dancers’ movements.
In dances like Guayla, the drum’s beat signals transitions—when to speed up, slow down, or shift posture.
The drummer essentially speaks through rhythm, leading dancers through crescendos and mood changes.
This one’s for my generation — the MILLENNIALS!
✨ Millennials — my new demo ✨
I’m so optimistic about my generation. I believe that when we step into leadership, we’ll bring real change and wisdom once and for all. We’ll rebuild what’s been broken and make sure we never repeat the mistakes of those before us.
We are the vegans, the vegetarians, the climate activists 🌱🌍.
We are the human rights changemakers ✊.
We are the tech creators and the peace lovers 🤝.
We are the generation that refuses to divide humanity by colour, religion, age, disability, race, gender or sexual orientation.
We are passion, compassion, empathy, and we say no to oppression all over the world.
We are MILLENNIALS.
And the change we bring? It’s here to stay.
I love this song deeply. Tell me — should I record and release it? 🎶💭
Drums: @willblankleyy 🥁
Guitar & Bass: @nathan_rodgers_ 🎸
Vocals recording & Mixing: @khamlionmusic_ 🎤
👉 PS: Sorry about the captions — some of the words aren’t correct, it is funny 😂😂 what the Instagram caption has written 😂
Nina Simone once sang I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free — timeless words from an extraordinary artist. Every time I hear this song, it stirs something deep within my soul. And that piano? It has its own spirit, a flavour that never fades, no matter how many times I play it.
If you ever want to learn a song, learn it from someone you truly love. Tonight I started learning this masterpiece, pulling inspiration from one of the greatest singers of our time. Nina was more than phenomenal — she was power, truth, and beauty.
Artists like her weren’t just singers; they were warriors. They stood against injustice, racism, hate, and oppression — and they used their art as a weapon for healing and change. Just thinking about them gives me goosebumps. Angels on earth, who turned pain into music and music into history.
For me, Nina proves that good always — always — wins over evil. Because while hate fades, her voice still lives, still teaches, still heals.
So tonight is all about the emotion Nina carved into every note of this song. I hope I can learn this song well enough to honour her message. Wish me luck, my friends 🙏🎶
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" was written by jazz pianist and civil rights advocate Billy Taylor with lyrics by Richard Dallas. While Billy Taylor originally composed and recorded the jazz song in 1963, it gained widespread popularity after Nina Simone performed it in 1967, making it a beloved anthem of the civil rights movement.
