The farewell concert for legendary Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed, held on January 11, 2025, at Millennium Hall, aimed to celebrate his illustrious 60-year career. Unfortunately, the event fell short of the heartfelt tribute fans had anticipated, leaving many attendees feeling disillusioned and dissatisfied due to poor organization and a lack of respect for the artist’s legacy.
Despite the attendance of notable figures, including former President Sahle-Work Zewde, the concert quickly descended into chaos. The event started late, frustrating many fans who had eagerly awaited the celebration of one of Ethiopia’s most beloved artists. While Mahmoud Ahmed is celebrated for his profound contributions to Ethiopian music, the execution of the event failed to honor his impact adequately.
Many attendees noted that the sound system was subpar, detracting from the performances and making it difficult to appreciate the music. Furthermore, Mahmoud Ahmed was reportedly made to perform while he was unwell, forcing him to stay awake until the early hours of the morning. Had the organizers been better prepared, they could have avoided putting him in such a difficult position.
The concert featured performances by other Ethiopian musicians. However, instead of complementing Mahmoud’s performance, some artists appeared to prioritize showcasing their talents at the expense of the main event. Many fans expressed disappointment that there was only one artist who played Mahmoud’s songs during the night. Given that there are numerous singers capable of honoring his legacy, it felt like a missed opportunity not to have a more Mahmud-themed night. The DJ could have easily played more of Mahmoud’s music to celebrate his career.
The performance by a singer named Danny was particularly criticized; many attendees found it embarrassing and out of place. Additionally, the MC’s performance left much to be desired, further contributing to the overall dissatisfaction with the event.
VIP ticket holders were particularly disappointed. Promised an inclusive dinner experience, they were met with exorbitant prices for drinks and mixers, with no beer options available. Many felt misled by the organizers, who seemed more focused on profit than on providing a memorable experience for fans eager to celebrate Mahmoud’s legacy.
Mahmoud Ahmed’s significant contributions to music over the past six decades—culminating in his historic performance at Carnegie Hall in 2016—there is hope that future celebrations will better honor his legacy. For now, however, the farewell concert serves as a reminder of how poor organization can overshadow even the most significant moments in an artist’s career.
