Fendika Cultural Center was established in 2016, but the original Fendika Azmari Bet opened its door in the early 1990s, when the neighborhood of Kazanchis sported 17 similar places. While the other azmari bets disappeared due to the pressure of Addis Ababa’s rapid development, Fendika has survived until today thanks to Melaku’s passion for Ethiopian music and dance, his belief in the power of art and creativity in building communities, enthusiastic attendance of concerts and events by local and international friends, and many other forms of support we have been blessed with (fundraising, invitations to music festivals, press coverage, etc.).