Rophnan Nuri, 29, Ethiopia, Electronic Dance Music Artist
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Rophnan Nuri has combines Ethiopian language, instruments and rhythmic patterns, deep-rooted in raw traditional music and futuristic electronic music. At the age of 10, he made a tape recording of him and his childhood friends in their classroom singing and drumming. Six years later, Rophnan released his first mixtape which introduced him to Addis Ababa’s club scene and eventually the entire country. In 2018, he received awards in three categories at the 2018 Leza Awards in Ethiopia. In the same year, he was featured on a song titled ‘’Get to Work’’ by Major Lazer, a popular American electronic dance music trio.
Despite his global impact, Nuri says he will always stay true to his Ethiopian roots, one of the reasons why he is most loved by his fellow Ethiopians.
