The legendary Artist Dawit Yifru has been awarded an honorary diploma by the Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau!
In the award ceremony that was carried out at Friendship International Hotel from 3:30 to 6:00, a documentary film that was produced by Selam Ethiopia was shown, and research about the artist’s work was presented by Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau Director Tsertsefre Sibhat. Dawit Yifru’s colleagues also gave their testimonials about the artist’s work and his personality, describing his passion for music and how he gathered fans of artists like Asnakche Worku, Colonel Sahle Degago, and Lema Demsew, as well as the art community in order to raise money to support them and the dedication he has displayed in serving the Ethiopian Music Association as president and advocating for the rights of musicians. On the event, it was mentioned that Dawit Yifru has composed more than 200 albums (about 2000 pieces of music).
Dawit Yifru performed instrumental music along with his colleagues on the event, and artist Girma Beyene made a surprise performance in honour of the artist. Selam Ethiopia’s country director, Mr. Sisay Mengste, who was present on the event, gave Dawit Yifru’s self-titled newly released vinyl composed of solely instrumental music which has been re-issued by Muzikawi and is the first release of our music company, Muzikawi’s Archive & Research project, to the Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau as a gift. At the conclusion of the event, Dawit Yifru received his diploma and an award made of brass from Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau director musician Tsertse Fre Sibhat and Dr.Mulat Astake
Artist Dawit Yifru, during the speech he gave when receiving the award, said music is a combined effort and thanked his colleagues.
On the event, Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau director musician Tsertse Fre Sibhat thanked Selam Ethiopia for producing a documentary about the artist and supporting him in different ways.
Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau holds similar commemoration events every year that give recognition to artists who have made a great contribution in the arts to their country.