If you are looking for a splash of colour, look no further than Ethiopia. From azure blue to piercing yellow, its colourful and maze-like alleys are full of life. Here, we present five local Instagram accounts to follow now
Characterized by historic alleys and grand mosques, the walled city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia is waiting to be explored. Harar is classified as the fourth holiest city in Islam, and the locals have a tradition of infusing colour into the city during Ramadan, leaving the walls of the old city vibrant shades of pink, green, purple and blue. Here, we select five visually striking Instagram accounts to follow now.
Eyerusalem Jiregna
Eyerusalem Jiregna is a 23-year-old Ethiopian photographer capturing the visual wonders of the place she calls home. Through her photography, she promotes the idea of stopping and reflecting, encouraging people all around the world to do the same. She also recognizes the ability of photographs to tell stories, focusing especially on those of mothers in Ethiopia through a keen eye that finds bursts of colour to immerse viewers into the distinct and vivid aesthetics of Ethiopian culture.
Ethiopia Skate
Formed in 2013 in a parking lot, Ethiopia Skate works to empower youth and promote access to skateboarding. It unites Ethiopians from all around the country through a shared passion of skateboarding and its success is evident in the fact that it has set up two free-of-charge community skate parks in Ethiopia within just four years. Ethiopia Skate embodies the talent and passion for skateboarding that lies within the Ethiopian community.
We The Habesha
We The Habesha is an account giving ‘a Habesha perspective.’ The Habesha people are not united by ethnicity, country, language, or religion. Virtually impossible to describe or identify, the Habesha is actually a state of mind. It is a form of community and @wethehabesha is a great way to get daily insights into the vibrant and sensational Habesha lifestyle in Ethiopia
Maile Tadese
Maile Tadese is a photographer based in Ethiopia whose Instagram is filled with scenes that explore everyday life through her unique perspective. Her enthusiasm for photography extends beyond the picture and she is an avid believer in the stories behind an image. For her, backstories are essential in understanding and appreciating photography.
Abinet Teshome
Abinet Teshome, a self-taught Ethiopian photographer, finds street life captivating and attempts to portray this through his work. His attention to light and dark results in powerful images that dominate his Instagram account. Abinet believes that photography is the best way to celebrate the lives of Ethiopian people.
Words by Nadia Massoud
Images courtesy of @eyerusalem_a_jiregna, @ethiopiaskate, @wethehabesha, @maile_tadese and @ab_onthestreet
