August 23, 2017 - Ethiopian musician Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro’s) New Year’s Eve concert has been denied a permit, according reports. The Ethiopian Pop star’s concert, which was to take place on 10 September at the Addis Ababa’s Millennium Hall, was expected to draw more than 10,000 Ethiopian fans. The artist was reportedly to receive $76,980 (1.8 million Ethiopian birr) from organizers of the event, Joy Events and Promotion PLC, which sent an application to the Ethiopian government at the start of July.
According to Addis Ababa Mayor’s Office, the decision was taken to give space to a different music event. The Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemarim Desalegn is set to attend this replacement concert, according to music in Africa .net.
The cancellation is third time unlucky for Teddy Afro who was denied a permit for same event in 2015 and again last year. An interview with the artist on Ethiopian state television was abruptly cancelled earlier this year, after which the interviewer resigned. The streak of cancellations has been attributed to some of his politically vocal songs against the current Ethiopian regime.
These songs, mostly from his third album Yasteseryal, were released in 2005, same year that saw a wave of anti-government protests throughout Ethiopia quashed violently by security forces during election period. Yasteseryal accused the Ethiopian government of failing to deliver on its promise of change, making it an anthem for anti-government protesters.
Nevertheless, the event's organisers are yet to give up. They have announced that Teddy Afro's concert has been postponed. The new date for the concert is yet to be announced.
Source:- MusicinAfrica.net