HA HU in Amharic is equivalent to ABC in English. In either language the meaning is the same:the beginning...but the beginning of what?an all-Ethiopian born and bred dance crew,that’s what! Let me introduce HAHU dance crew,the winners of Ethiopia Idol-dance Category in 2011.following their success on Ethiopian Idol the demand for this crew has propelled them into the limelight as guest entertainer
s on music videos,concerts,live performances at cultural and historic events and the list goes on.The word is out,HAHU crew are here,it isreal,and we are full-blooded and proud Ethiopians with a point to prove:be inspired, follow your heart and anything is possible. HAHU entertaiment is comprised of eight core members all haling from addis abeba-six principle dancer (all-aged between 22-23):Hawaryat Assefa, Biruk Esuedale, Bedlu Esayas, Fikru Dimssie,Ephrem Nasir and Biruhanu Tesfay; as well as EDITOR Binyam Shimelis. In order to pursue one’s calling so strongly one must be inspired to do so. What inspired each member to dance? Hawi was a singer first and foremost and at the age of 17 became inspired when he saw his current crew member Bedlu practicing hip hop and popping (a hip hop dance style) .Biruk saw friends dancing in a concert at age 15 and started his dance journey at 17. Bedlu witnessed his friend dancing at school and it incited an emotional response within him which moved him to pursue dance. Fikru first started in circus at age 15 and then saw a break dancing program which moved him to dance.Ephrem was inspired by a famoseEthiopian dancer at the age of 15.Biruhanu has always been into music and waching music videos of artists such as j.lo and usher which prompted him to dance at age 16.Binyam has a martial arts background and started dancing with crew mamber Hawi. In 2009, HAHU started off with for of their current principl dancers-Hawi, Biruk, Badlu, and Birhanu and one other dancer who has since left for canada. These five entered Ethiopian idol and successfully made it through the many audition rounds where they met 3 other dancers –Ephrem, Fikru and Binyam-who together connected and formed the current HAHU crew. As winners of Ethiopian idol 2011 HAHU have used this platform to showcase their unique styel which they like to call ‘’NEW TRADITION” What exactly is NEW TRADITION ? new tradition is traditional Ethiopia culture dance with a modern element.” In this way they are able to appeal to the order generation by keeping true to traditional dance and culture as well as the young generation with new influences such as hip hop and contemporary dance. Winning Ethiopian idol meat a lot to HAHU. Not only were they plunged in to instant stardom but more importantly it meant that they ere recognized and accepted by the Ethiopia people for their unique style – a style that is new and original to HAHU crew and Ethiopia. Thus, NEW TRADITION was born. They have danced Nhatty man concert,in music videos for artist such as Abby Lakew,Sofiya Atsbeh, Haile Root, Tigist Legesse,Terefe Assefa,Theruedl,Mikyas Chernet,Temsgen and more. Their performance also include The World Economic Forum in front of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other world leaders ,the HIV conference, the New Year celebration at the National Theatre, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam one year celebration ,the 50th Anniversary of Goethe Institut and the list goes on. Ethiopia i a rich and diverse country with many diffrent tribes.Each tribal group has distinct dance style which reflects their history, traditions, identity and every day activities.HAHU’s aim is to showcase Ethiopia’s rich and diverse culture and tradition through highlighting the diffrent tribes’ unique dance styles like Amhara, Tigrayan, Gonder, Wolayeta, Oromiya and so on, while at the same time uniting them under one dance umbrella-Ethiopia. If one thing rings true as i talk to this and young and charismatic group of habesha men, it is that they are deeply patriotic and above all bond as one with the love of dance and love for their motherland. What Ethiopian idol provides for the regular person is the chance to dream. Talent shows such as idol are phenomena because they allow ordinary people be come extera –ordinary .These shows demonstratehow important it is to pursue dreams.Ethiopia idol ful filled HAHU’s dreams,and now they are dreaming bigger.
‘’our big dream is to establish a dance school or college for future generation.Also to create a company where members perform here in Ethiopia and abroad and are able to generate a sufficint income stream where they can become professional dancers in their own right. At the moment, to be a full-time professional dancer in Ethiopia is very hard. The income and work available does not provide enough to live off. In the mean time,we want to keep establishing ourselves as artists ‘’ In to month time HAHU are planning to hold a show that will tell how HAHU began and also tackle important social issues prevalent in Ethiopia society such us chat and alcohol addiction, HIV, poverty and so forth. They will collaborate with choreographers of other dance genres and it will be a show for all ages. As a dncer it is a constant battle to be taken seriously,especially in a country that does not consider dancing to be a legitimate profession.HAHU all agreed that the hardest part of trying to make it has a professional dancer was that their families did not understand or support them.It is hard to not have the support and encouragement from the people you love the most. In a society where traditions, culture or lack of money can hold back a lot of dream and the mere thought of pursuing one;s dreams ins an unusual foreigen concept,talent show such as Ethiopian idol can provide aspiring stars the satisfaction of pursuing their dreams even if it just for a glimpse,a moment,thire moment in time to shine, the courag and glory obtaind can be a powerful stimuls to one’s life and it can also inspire other to pursue their dreams. Through HAHU’s example there is hop that a young Ethiopia generation will be inspired to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity.HAHU’s advice to the next generation is, ‘’Build your self confidence and belive in your self.dont lose track of education find the balance between education and doing what you love whether it be dancing ,singing,drama,painting or whatever it maybe. Have your own identity and styel’’. No matter what your circumstances maybe, remember HAHU’s word: ‘’be inspired,follow your heart and anything is possible’’. If HAHU is the beginning then bring on the rest of the alphabet. HA HU HI HA HE H HO.......
For more information or to book hahu crew for a performance contact Manager
Binyam Shimelis
Mobie:7036755029
Email.:¦[email protected]
