September 3, 2017 - Ethiopian authorities are taking a series of measures to prevent Teddy Afro’s event from taking place in the capital, Addis Ababa, reports the BBC. A BBC reporter says federal police showed up at the hotel in Addis Ababa hours before the party and stopped Teddy's sound team from setting up.
His manager told the BBC that they are yet to get official reasons why the launch party was cancelled.
The Ethiopian Pop star is a huge figure throughout Ethiopia. Teddy enjoys almost cult-like following and his latest album - his fifth - has elevated him to legendary status in Ethiopia’s music industry. His latest music talks about Ethiopian history, including references to Emperor Tewodros II, who is seen as the father of modern day Ethiopia, and it also calls for unity among Ethiopians.
Teddy is no stranger to controversy though. In 2008, he was jailed for a hit-and-run accident. He has always maintained that the case against him was politically motivated by the Ethiopian government. He raised the ire of the Ethiopian authorities in 2005 when he released an album that was seen as critical of the Ethiopian regime in the wake of disputed elections, but Teddy has tried to distance himself from Ethiopia’s politics.
The Ethiopian star still enjoys massive following among Ethiopians who adore and revere him. Months after his album was released this year, his music is still being blasted out on public transport, in pubs, local shops and homes across Ethiopia.
Source:- BBC