Melaku Belay: The ecstasy of Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance

The ecstasy of Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance

By mastering the Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance, TED Fellow Melaku Belay survived a childhood on the streets and became a voice for his country. He shares how traditional dances can connect the wisdom of the past to the energy of the future -- and, after the talk, delivers a thrilling performance of Eskista accompanied by a free-jazz ensemble. (In Amharic with consecutive English translation by filmmaker Mehret Mandefro)

Traditional Ethiopian dance like Eskista is more than art; it carries cultural memory, protest, and survival. A childhood spent homeless in Addis Ababa was transformed through years of nightly dance at a local nightclub, even sleeping under the bar. Eskista remains alive by telling new stories, including those of threatened markets and Indigenous spaces. Its improvisational spirit links survival and beauty, honoring the past while fueling hope for the future.