PM Abiy Inaugurates Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center at Yared School of Music

Addis Ababa, June 8, 2024 – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center, a new addition to the Yared School of Music at Addis Ababa University.

Named after Ethiopia’s renowned musical artist, composer, conductor, historical musicologist, music educator, novelist, and poet, Professor Ashenafi Kebede, the center honors his legacy. Professor Kebede was also the first director of the Yared Music School.

At the inauguration, Prime Minister Abiy expressed his pleasure, stating, "I am pleased to witness the inauguration of the Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Center at the Yared School of Music."

Abiy highlighted the significance of Professor Kebede’s contributions, emphasizing the center's new director, Girma Yifrashewa, who aims to bridge the past and future of Ethiopian music.

The Prime Minister underscored the role of the arts in shaping future generations and boosting tourism. He called for efforts to promote Ethiopia’s rich artistic, historical, and cultural heritage.

Founded in 1954 by the Ministry of Education & Fine Arts, the Yared School of Music stands as a premier state-owned institution for higher music education in Ethiopia.