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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.

58 minutes

Last on

Sun 23 May 2021 22:00

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Music Played

  • Fela Kuti

    Roforofo Fight

  • Wallias Band

    Muziqawi Silt

  • Poppy Ackroyd

    The Calm Before

  • Band Aid

    Do They Know It's Christmas?

  • 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

Featured in...

Producer/Director Alex Brisland on creating African Renaissance: When Art Meets Power

Producer/Director Alex Brisland on creating African Renaissance: When Art Meets Power

With hundreds of ethnicities, Africa is the most culturally diverse place on the planet.