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Welkite, Ethiopia – June 14, 2025 (Gurage Zone Calendar: Sene 7, 2017 E.C.) – The Gurage Zone Administration has commended ETV’s initiative to cultivate successive generations of artists, deeming their efforts encouraging. The Ethiopia’s Idol organizing team received a warm welcome upon their arrival in Welkite town.
W/ro Meseret Amerga, Representative of the Gurage Zone Administration and Head of the Zone’s Culture and Tourism Department, highlighted that the Gurage Zone is home to a community rich in artistic heritage and has produced numerous artistic masterpieces. She stated that art plays a significant role in fostering peace, strengthening unity, and accelerating development. She added that Ethiopia’s Idol is undertaking commendable work by providing opportunities for talented young individuals to emerge on the artistic stage.
W/ro Meseret further explained that the Gurage community is a custodian of indigenous knowledge and wisdom, possessing a traditional justice system spanning centuries, pioneering the “Jeforen” rural corridor, and establishing “Eqqub” and “Edir” – which laid the foundation for modern banking and insurance. She also noted that the zone is home to attractions such as Gibe River Valley National Park, Areqit Lake, protected forests, waterfalls, and other scenic spots. She specifically mentioned that renowned artists, including author Dr. Endalegeta Kebede, have emerged from this region.
The Gurage Zone Administration expressed its gratitude to Ethiopia’s Idol for its significant efforts in nurturing successor artists and advancing young talents with various skills to a higher level. They also advised young people to seize this excellent opportunity.
During the welcoming ceremony, Ato Murad Kedir, Mayor of Welkite Town Administration, described Welkite as a city founded by a hardworking community with a culture of thriving through diligence. He characterized it as a city embodying coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance. He also highlighted that the city is home to artists who have made significant contributions to the arts sector. The Mayor affirmed that the 13th round of the Ethiopia’s Idol competition being held in the city is exciting, and all necessary preparations have been made for the program to conclude beautifully.
Ato Daniel Workneh, ETV Entertainment Producer, for his part, described the people of the Gurage Zone as art lovers, with a wealth of tourist attractions, and a population that embodies hard work and elegance. He stated that ETV is a veteran institution with 90 years of radio, 60 years of television, and 25 years of FM radio broadcasting experience. He added that the institution’s significant focus on Ethiopian art is evident in its “Journey to Discover Ethiopian Art: Idol” program, which travels to various cities to identify new talent.
Singer and music instructor Samrawit Azene and traditional music ambassador Tesfaye Taye were announced as the judges for the “Art Discovery” competition.
Upon the team’s arrival in Welkite, Ato Desalegn Fekede, Head of the Gurage Zone Administration Office, the Chief Government Representative of Welkite Town, other city officials, and members of the community were present to extend their welcome.