@studioolafureliasson: 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nebiy Mekonnen. Nebiy, a poet and writer from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was a dear friend and an important collaborator on a long-term project initiated by the Institut für Raumexperimente, Berlin – which I founded in 2009 – and Tobyia Poetic Jazz, Addis Ababa. Poetry Jazz, as the project was called, collected the voices of poets, writers, sound artists, musicians, composers, and translators. Their poetry – in Amharic, English, and German – was fused with traditional Ethiopian pentatonic music, jazz, protest songs, and contemporary electronic music. Nebiy’s approach to life is embodied in his poetry and writings. His words testify to his insatiable curiosity and his incredible generosity in sharing perspectives and wisdom. His trust in dialogue in difficult times and his dedication to supporting younger generations of artists made him an inspiration not only for the close group of collaborators in our joint projects but for a larger public in Ethiopia as well. He will be dearly missed. Today is the moment to celebrate Nebiy’s extraordinary work and spirit.' ---- Video from: Poetry Jazz: Solid Gold (2019) Director: Clara Jo; Featuring: Frezer Admasu, Eric Ellingsen, Mihret Kebede, Robert Lippok, Nebiy Mekonnen, Jorga Mesfin, Neo Muyanga, Solomon Sahle Tizazu, Rike Scheffler, Misrak Terefe, Rediet Terefe Wegayehu, Tasew Wendem Mose, Christina Werner. Supported by SOE and funded by the TURN Fund of the German Federal Cultural Foundation.

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Wednesday 10 July 2024 11:55:22 GMT