Teddy Afro, Ethiopia’s leading music export, has blamed the government for the cancellation of an album launch at the hotel in Addis Ababa. The scheduled album launch also coincided with the Ethiopian New Year, which falls on 11th of September. He was demanded by the Federal police to obtain and produce a legal permit for the album launch. The police restricted him from setting up and making preparations for the launch.
Tewodros Kassahun, the Unites States based musician has been involved in the controversies with the government. Previously, he had run-ins with the government leading to the banning of his tracks in 2005
A number social activists have emerged to support the musician and have alleged the authorities of asphyxiating the freedom of expression by restricting the artist.