Ethiopia
Documentary series. Afua Hirsch traces Ethiopia's proud 3,000-year history through its art and culture, exploring a civilisation as significant as any in the west.
In Ethiopia, Afua Hirsch traces a proud 3,000-year history as significant as any civilisation in the west. A beacon for the black diaspora, Ethiopia鈥檚 story is one of defiant independence, of kings and communists, of a country that has survived catastrophe but bounced back, underpinned by a culture inspired by an ancient faith and devotion.
At the heart of recent Ethiopian history is the complex reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. One of the most influential world figures of the 20th century, he was the midwife to African liberation and the generator of a global culture in Rastafarianism. Yet ultimately, Haile Selassie was a tragic figure.
With renowned artist Eshetu Tiruneh, Afua explores the impact of the 1974 famine that led to the emperor鈥檚 downfall, and she talks to photographer Aida Muluneh about her return from exile to the dynamic new Ethiopia of the 21st century responding to the dark days of the past.
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Clip
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Cultural influence
Duration: 01:39
Music Played
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Fela Kuti
Roforofo Fight
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Wallias Band
Muziqawi Silt
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Poppy Ackroyd
The Calm Before
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Band Aid
Do They Know It's Christmas?
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Bonobo
On Your Marks聽
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Afua Hirsch |
Interviewed Guest | Aida Muluneh |
Interviewed Guest | Eshetu Tiruneh |
Interviewed Guest | Mekale Genet Adhana |
Interviewed Guest | Hiwot Emishaw |
Interviewed Guest | Mimi Genetu |
Interviewed Guest | Wendwesen Kebede |
Interviewed Guest | Abel Tesfaye |
Producer | Alex Brisland |
Director | Russell Barnes |
Broadcasts
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African Renaissance
The extraordinary art, music and culture of Africa.
Stories To Get Stuck Into
Stories To Get Stuck Into