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Ethiopian musicians charged with terrorism for 'inciting' song lyrics

In 2016 another Oromo singer who comforted, inspired protesters through her songs was imprisoned

Screenshot from one of Seena's viral Afan Oromo 'resistance songs' from the group's YouTube channel.
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Screenshot from one of Seena's viral Afan Oromo ‘resistance songs’ from the group's YouTube channel.

Endalk | Global Voices

Seven producers and performers of a popular YouTube music video were charged in Ethiopia in late June with terrorism for producing ‘inciting’ audio-visual materials and ‘uploading them on YouTube’.

The group members were arrested in December 2016 and were held in detention without charges until last month.

Among those facing charges is Seenaa Solomon, a young female singer who critics say is a rising music talent to watch. The other detainees include the well-known songwriter, singer and music entrepreneur Elias Kiflu, two vocalists Gemechis Abera and Oliyad Bekele, and three dancers, Ifa Gemechu, Tamiru Keneni and Moebol Misganu.

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