By Ruhama Wolle
Every September 11—as the rains retreat and the earth drinks its final drops—the golden petals of the Meskel flower are blooming across Ethiopia. They blanket the highlands in yellow brilliance, a living tapestry that signals the dawn of a new year: Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year. While the world waits for the cold grip of winter to mark the start of its calendar, Ethiopia steps into 2017, holding onto a unique timeline rooted in its own heritage. In a world hurtling toward 2025, Ethiopia stands anchored in its own rhythm, a subtle reminder that time moves differently here, steeped in the kind of history and culture that refuses to be rushed.
This isn’t just another New Year. It’s a reclamation. A renaissance. As Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ turned the eyes of the African diaspora back to the continent, Ethiopia has quietly been sparking its own cultural revival, one that transcends tourism. It is a deep reconnection with roots, an affirmation that despite conflict and struggle, this ancient land is not only surviving—it is thriving.
Ethiopia has always set the stage for global influence—starting with Lucy, the oldest human ancestor, who marked the very beginning of humanity. One of the only African nations that was never colonized, as Ethiopia remained unbroken, the world took notice. The red, yellow, and green of its flag didn’t just represent a nation; they became the symbol for independence movements across the globe.
From the bold, vegan-friendly flavors of its cuisine, now staples in cities like L.A., Brooklyn, and Seattle, to the coffee that fuels the world, Ethiopia’s roots run deep in the global fabric. Ethiopian jazz has already left its mark on funk and hip-hop, but today it’s the youth who are turning up the volume and pushing boundaries. They’re not just remixing the past, they’re carving out a future that embraces tradition while boldly redefining it.
From music and fashion to film, visual art, poetry, and even nightlife, a creative renaissance is sweeping across Ethiopia. And this generation? They’re not waiting for permission to step onto the world stage, they’re storming it with the same unapologetic pride their ancestors used to. I’ve witnessed this cultural resurgence firsthand, spending time in Ethiopia, right in the heart of its revolution. Yes, the country’s been through political turmoil, with bloodshed and unrest marking untold stories—but amidst the chaos, millennials, Gen Zers, and even Gen Alpha are rising up, making sure their voices are heard. It’s a renaissance you can’t ignore.
Take a look at the Habesha-American experience today, and you’ll see a movement that’s shaking things up. Platforms like Motherland Sounds and 2591 Worldwide are spotlighting East African culture, while Herrana Addisu’s film The River, produced by the powerhouse duo Qene Films in Addis, shows that Ethiopia’s creative voice is making waves. KITFO is gearing up to host the first Ethiopian film festival in Los Angeles, and Pristine Marketing Group is throwing massive concerts in Addis, blending Afrobeat stars with local Ethiopian talent. Meanwhile, WorldAfrika is redefining the African party scene across the States, and poets like Debbie Alamrew are dropping spoken word albums. Musicians like Abel (The Weekend), Mereba, Kelela, Aminé, and Berhana? They’re taking Ethiopian talent global.
From the kid who invented a skin cancer-detecting soap and earned Time’s ‘Kid of the Year’ to Ethiopia’s marathon champion dominating the 2024 Olympics, this generation is making its mark in every arena. Actors like Ruth Negga and Arsema Thomas, chefs like Marcus Samuelsson and Fariyal Abdullahi, and initiatives like One Love Community Fridge, tackling food insecurity and malnutrition, show just how deep this cultural renaissance runs. Add to that a thriving art scene—from the fine art circles of Addis Fine Art to celebrated visual artists in the Habesha community—and it’s clear this moment is huge. Social platforms like SelamCentral and Habesha Networks are keeping the community connected, sharing stories and celebrating joy. Whether it’s in WhatsApp group chats or on the streets of Addis, this community is shouting, loud and proud, “We’re here, and we’ve got each other’s backs.” This collective experience is rooted in pride, connection, and only growing stronger.
This is what sparked the birth of Meskel Flower—a visual love letter to Ethiopia, an homage to our traditions, and a reclamation of our stories.
When I began this project, I wasn’t just hoping to photograph women in traditional Habesha kemis—a handwoven, white cotton dress with it’s intricate tibeb embroidery, worn for holidays, weddings, and religious ceremonies. I was capturing the essence of a culture long overlooked in the editorial landscape. Scroll through social media, search through photo archives, and you’ll find beautiful representations of African fashion, art, and celebration—but very little of Ethiopia. There’s a void, a silence where our stories should be. And I wanted to break it, to ensure that the next generation of young Ethiopian girls sees themselves represented in the world’s visual lexicon.
The inspiration behind Meskel Flower comes from Afewerk Tekle’s iconic painting of the same name, an image that has always spoken to me as an Ethiopian woman. His depiction of a woman holding the bright Adey Abeba flower—the symbol of hope, renewal, and unity—has always felt like our Mona Lisa. There’s something timeless and quietly powerful in the way she holds herself, in the flower’s golden simplicity. It’s a reminder of our strength, our beauty, and our ability to flourish no matter the circumstances. That’s why we’ve done it so subtly—because we move with humility. Our strength has never needed to shout. It’s always been in the quiet power of our resilience, our ability to thrive with grace, even when the world wasn’t watching.
To me, this project was never just about fashion. It was about creating a moment that would last beyond the click of a shutter or the turn of a page. I wanted Meskel Flower to stand as a visual testament to the complexity and elegance of Ethiopian women—a tribute to the mothers, aunts and grandmothers who carried our culture forward through their hands, their voices, and their unshakable pride.
Every image, every stitch in the traditional garments, every prop in our recreated Ethiopian living room—each detail is a love letter to who we are. The crocheted table coverings, the old-school TV, the framed family photos—they all speak to the shared memories of Ethiopian homes around the world. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a grounding, a reminder that wherever we are, we carry home with us. The braided hair, the laughter, the coffee ceremony that brings everyone together—they are echoes of our past, folded neatly into the future we are building.
As we celebrate Enkutatash, Ethiopia’s renaissance isn’t just happening on its own soil—it’s radiating outward. Our music, our art, our fashion—they’re not whispers anymore. They’re loud, they’re bold, and they demand to be seen. This is our moment to rise, to claim our space in the global cultural landscape, and to do so unapologetically.
Meskel Flower is my contribution to that rise. It’s a piece of history, a snapshot of the present, and a vision for the future. Because, like the Meskel flower itself, we bloom with resilience, year after year, unbowed by the storms that come. And as the world wakes up to Ethiopia’s brilliance, one thing is certain: we are just getting started.