Renowned Ethiopian musician Dawit Yifru is set to showcase Ethiopia at WOMEX 2025, the world’s premier music expo, held this year in Tampere, Finland, from October 22 to 26. Dawit, a celebrated composer, arranger, and pianist, will perform a 45-minute set at the prestigious Tampere Hall’s Main Auditorium, marking his first appearance at WOMEX and Ethiopia’s debut representation on this global stage.
Following WOMEX, Dawit and his six-member band will continue their European tour in Sweden, performing at the Uppsala Konsert & Kongress (UKK) and the iconic Nefertiti Jazz Club in Gothenburg. Their concerts will feature sophisticated arrangements and instrumental soundscapes, including selections from Dawit’s recently reissued vinyl album that captures the golden era of Ethiopian music.
Dawit Yifru, who has had a prolific career spanning more than five decades, is widely regarded as one of the giants of Ethiopian jazz and the creator of the contemporary Ethiopian sound. He has been a founding member and bandleader of legendary groups such as Roha Band and Dahlak Band, and has worked with many of Ethiopia’s most influential musicians. His instrumental music, once limited in its local audience, is now gaining renewed appreciation and international recognition.
As the only Ethiopian artist selected from over 2,000 global applicants, Dawit’s presence at WOMEX is a milestone for both himself and Ethiopian music. He expressed his pride in representing Ethiopia and hopes this exposure will inspire both current and future generations of Ethiopian musicians.
The tour is organized in collaboration with Selam and Muzikawi, the Ethiopian music company that reissued Dawit’s rare instrumental works two years ago as part of its mission to preserve and promote Ethiopia’s rich musical heritage. Fans attending concerts in Europe will also have the opportunity to purchase signed vinyl copies of Dawit’s reissued album.
