Fendika Culture Center — Attraction in Addis Ababa

Making this review one year later. Visited July 2024

I had one night to spend in Addis Ababa, and I wasn't going to waste it. I have been an admirer of Ethiopian jazz since my college days, particularly the work of Mulatu Astatke and the Ethiopiques. This is what drew me to visit Fendika Culture Center to see a live performance. The center is a bastion of what jazz means to Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. I will never forget the atmosphere, the walls, the artwork, the people I met that night from Addis, the Ethiopian diaspora, and Jazz enthusiasts from around the world. The performance sent me to cloud nine. This was a place I was hoping to visit again in the future, and I'm sad to learn that the venue I visited no longer is there...I'm hoping Fendika is doing well and makes an even better home. I'm not upset, I'm happy to have at least experienced this...

Terrific Ethiojazz club with an Uber cool vibe. It’s popular with expats, tourists and locals alike. Includes local and visiting artists either rotating bands that change during the week.

Monday is the busiest evening and features legendary bassist Henok. If you get there around 7:30 PM and order something to eat, you can reserve a spot where you will get the best views of the stage and best photos (flash not allowed). We preferred the younger band in Wednesday (Abyssinia) that covered Ethiopian classical songs in a jazzy format.

Open three evenings a week (M, W, F) with music starting at 9:30 PM.

There is an art gallery at the back as well as a souvenir shop. There’s often a fire going opposite the bar.

Super atmospheric and...

You have to go here! The most entertaining experience I had in Addis. You can feel the excitement in the atmosphere. Major credit to the drummer, he plays the drums during the whole show and that is the underlying beat for the show. He was impressive. The room is packed but it makes the show a more intimate experience as the Azmari performer weaves through people and freestyles in tandem with playing the masinko. The dancers are phenomenal! Their talent exceeds what I thought was possible in eskista. After the dancers each perform their routine they encourage the audience to join in and sorta dance battle with you. Try the honey wine, it's good. DO NOT take photos with flash, it's...