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Ebne Hakim’s Debut Single ‘Gela’

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Ethiopian singer-songwriter Ebne Hakim marks his musical debut with the single “Gela,” introducing listeners to his distinctive universe where Ethiopian musical heritage blends seamlessly with modern sounds, spanning Alternative R&B/Soul, Pop, and Electronic genres.

Mikiyas Mengistu, hailing from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, embraced music under the influence of his family’s varied musical tastes. Under the alias Ebne Hakim, he first ventured into the art world by anonymously sharing his poetry, relishing the creative liberation this anonymity provided. His evolution from a poet to a musician was fluid, driven by a deep conviction in music’s role as a universal medium for expressing emotions, through which he narrates stories that resonate deeply with listeners.

Crafted in Ethiopia’s rich cultural landscape, Ebne Hakim has forged a unique sound that artfully merges Ethiopian cultural motifs with Western musical influences. His entry into the music industry introduces a novel perspective and a vibrant addition to Ethiopia’s and East Africa’s cultural panorama.

Ebne Hakim’s music mirrors his life’s journey, transforming personal tales into narratives with universal appeal.

“Gela” acts as an introduction to his forthcoming EP “Brana,” which delves deeper into themes of self-exploration, the intricacies of human emotions, and the dichotomy of life – addressing everything from sins to virtues, ideals to realities, and the pain and beauty of love, while navigating the balance between tradition and modernity.

In “Gela,” performed in Amharic, Ebne Hakim embarks on a journey of emotional healing following a deep heartbreak, presenting an unvarnished look at life’s realities. This poignant story invites listeners into a world of stark truths and vulnerabilities, set against the backdrop of soulful R&B melodies. Through Ebne Hakim’s mesmerizing voice, the song speaks to the power of resilience in the face of life’s harshest lessons.

“‘Gela’ contemplates both the beauty and harshness of our existence, speaking to those who have traversed its complexities and come to a deeper understanding of life,” says Ebne Hakim, offering a beacon for all who seek truth amidst life’s illusions and challenges.

“Kehasabe” by Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu

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In a much-awaited musical event, the long-anticipated duet album titled “Kehasabe” by Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu has finally been released. The album, featuring a collaboration between two exceptional vocal talents, hit the airwaves and digital platforms on March 22nd, delighting fans and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Produced by Girum Mezmur, the album “Kehasabe” is a soul-stirring composition that explores themes of longing and love, weaving a narrative of heartfelt emotion and profound connection. With the involvement of numerous renowned musicians, the album promises to captivate listeners with its rich lyrical depth and resonating melodies.

Both Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu have individually made a name for themselves in the music industry. Balkew Alemu recently gained recognition for his EP titled “Yene Alem,” which received positive feedback and acclaim for its innovative approach and captivating melodies. Similarly, Sintayehu Belay’s EP “Tsedey” garnered praise for its evocative lyricism and soulful vocals, solidifying her reputation as a rising star.

Penned by Alemayehu Demeke, the songs in “Kehasabe” weave a narrative of heartfelt emotion and profound connection, offering a new dimension of sonic excellence under the masterful guidance of Girum Mezmur. Mezmur, a highly esteemed producer renowned for his exceptional talent and innovative approach, adds an extra layer of authenticity and creativity to the album, ensuring its place among contemporary classics.

“Kehasabe” also features contributions from other exceptional musicians, elevating the album to new heights of artistry and excellence. The combined efforts of these talented individuals have resulted in a melodic masterpiece that showcases the power of collaboration and musical prowess.

This duet album seeks to reignite the cherished tradition of duets, drawing inspiration from iconic partnerships of the past while transporting audiences to a bygone era of musical excellence. Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu, acclaimed solo artists in their own right, channel the spirit of legendary duos such as Kennedy Mengesha and Yeshiemebet Dubale, Tewodros Tadesse and Assefu Debalke, Kuku Sebsbe and Alemayehu Eshete, as well as Neway Debebe and Hamelmal Abate.

Furthermore, “Kehasabe” celebrates the talents of impaired duo artists who have historically made significant contributions to the music industry. Inspired by the resilience and creativity of these artists, Sintayehu and Balkew strive to honor their legacy by delivering a captivating performance that transcends barriers and touches the hearts of all listeners.

Cyberattack should be a matter of concern for everyone

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Following the recent cyberattack posed against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), it was said that university students were behind the attack.Amidst all of this, it was disclosed that the students who ransacked the ATMs using the e-Birr banking system had their accounts blocked right away.

The shock of the incident has not yet ebbed away from everyone. It has rather become the talk of the town. What has been confirmed is that the young university students have allegedly sneaked in and swept a huge amount of money from the ATM machine of CBE.

What has been circulated for sure through social media is that the university students drew and transferred money illegally through the electronic banking system from ATM machines. The CBE, which has lately announced that the occurrence was a system failure, not a cyberattack, implored the young university students to reimburse the money they have stolen.

The aftermath of the stealing spree at the bank brought transactions of the CBE to a standstill, leaving the entire customers of the bank in the doldrums.

Sources indicate that cyberattacks are common incidents in the world. In fact, what we have been told is that the threat posed on banks have become more serious than ever before. That’s why the issue has become the concern of all countries, including the developed ones that have fallen victims of the threat. Forbes wrote in its Newsletter of June 2023 issue that the “threat faced by the banking industry is not unique; all businesses face the risk of cyberattacks in the modern digital age”.

An article read on the web page of the International Monetary Fund states about a threat posed on banks in Bangladesh. The hackers who targeted the Central Bank of Bangladesh were detected while trying to steal one billion USD. Though “most transactions were blocked, 101 million USD still disappeared,” the source indicated.

Financial experts expressed concern that unless the global community cooperates to protect against this crime, cyberattacks could trigger a serious financial crisis. All should join forces to contribute what they can to contain the problem. They can share experiences on how to protect themselves from the threat.

Coming to our case, what was said by a local bank during the incident has sparked discussions among the urban dwellers. This bank has taken advantage of the opportunity to attract attention that its banking system is much safer and more secure. However, the reality is contrary. No single banking industry can be safe. Cyber threats have gone rampant and become a matter of concern not only for banks in developing countries but also for those in advanced nations. wIn the December 2023 issue of the Tech Monitor Newsletter, Livia Giannotti stated that hundreds of cyber-attacks occur monthly. With the escalating sophisticated tactics of hacking groups, it puts both large and small organizations at risk.

A famous book entitled Future Crimes, authored by Marc Goodman, states that everything is connected, and everyone is vulnerable. This book recounts an internet bank robbery carried out in 1994 by a certain Vladimir Levin from his apartment in St. Petersburg, Russia. Levin, a computer programmer, was accused of hacking the accounts of several of Citibank’s large corporate customers and making away with 10.7 million USD. Collaborating with accomplices around the world, Levin transferred large sums of cash to accounts in Finland, the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and Israel.

The surprising thing is that Levin never physically entered the United States to commit the crime. He left no fingerprints or DNA and was never marked by an exploding dye pack. Importantly, he never needed to physically carry the thousands of pounds of cash out of the bank; it was all accomplished with a mouse and a keyboard. He merely hid behind his computer screen and used a circuitous virtual route to cover his digital tracks.

As Marc Goodman says, everything is connected, and everyone is vulnerable to the cyber threat. Therefore, the question that should be asked here is what actions can be taken to address the issue. It’s important for banks, whether they are state or private, to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their customers from cyber threats. One way to do this is by joining forces and collaborating with other banks to share information and best practices. By working together, banks can strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and better mitigate the risks of cyberattacks. By the way, why did the financial intelligence unit of the country not say anything on this?

You can reach the writer via gizaw.haile@yahoo.com

Name: Azeb Assefa

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Education: MA in Marketing Management

Company Name: Axis Marketing Services plc

Title: Managing Director

Founded in: 2012

What it does: Provides consultancy in Marketing and Business Development Services

Headquarters: Addis Ababa

Startup capital: 90,000 birr

Current capital: 400,000 birr

Number of Employees: 8

Reason for Starting the Business: Identified outsourcing opportunity

Biggest Perk of Ownership: Freedom to explore opportunities

Biggest Strength: Persistence

Biggest Challenge: Dealing with informality and corruption in the market

Plan: To launch the largest business development platform

First Career: Secretary

Most Interested in Meeting: International business development experts

Most Admired Person: Dr. Selam Aklilu

Stress Reducer: Spending time with family

Favorite Book: “Purpose Driven Life”

Favorite Pastime: Spending quality time with family

Favorite Destination: Israel

Favorite Automobile: None