Panel discussion: The Ethiopian music scene

The session – attached below – explored the state of the Ethiopian music sector and focused on the opportunities and challenges facing music professionals in the country and those coming from abroad. The panelists discussed the state of live music in the country as well as what needed to be done to shore up Ethiopia’s recording industry. The participants also spoke about copyright law and its implementation, and about the music education sector in the country.

Panelists included music educator and musician Henock Temesgen (Ethiopia), Sisay Mengstie of Selam Festival (Ethiopia), label owner Dicken Marshall (Ethiopia) and Ethiopian Musicians Association president Dawit Yifru. The discussion was moderated by Ethiopian music critic and radio host Sertse Fresebhat.

The Music In Africa Foundation takes its Annual General Meeting to a different African country each year, using the opportunity to bring influential music industry players from across the globe together to exchange ideas, discover new talent and accelerate the shaping of the vibrant music sector on the continent.