Meet the visionary behind Adulis Music
Semere Welday, the founder of Adulis Music and the Hanse Meskel Festival, is a cultural entrepreneur, musician, and event organiser dedicated to uniting artists and diverse cultural expressions. Discover his passion for traditional music, innovative collaborations, and his commitment to cultural dialogue.
A journey through sound: Semere Welday's musical tapestry
As the bandleader of Adulis Band, Semere Welday masterfully blends Ethiopian jazz, Eritrean traditional music, and Sudanese classical influences with contemporary Western styles. A specialist in the krar—a traditional East African lyre he occasionally builds himself—Welday creates rich, rhythmic soundscapes and "smooth dancing vibes," seamlessly integrating traditional East African music with global genres. He has graced stages at numerous Dutch venues and festivals, including the ExploreZ Festival, Theater De Roode Bioscoop, Muziekschool Amsterdam Noord, and more.
Fostering cultural exchange and community
Semere Welday actively contributes to cultural integration and international collaboration as the Event Coordinator for Adulis Music. From 2019 , he participated in the FATE (Future Academy on Tour in Europe) project by ZID Theater, performing in productions like NO FEAR and A City with Many Faces. Alongside his artistic endeavours, Semere also founded the Hanse Meskel Festival, an initiative dedicated to bringing together artists and cultural makers from diverse backgrounds to collaborate across music and the broader cultural sector. His professional background also includes experience as an all-round construction professional within the metal industry, having attended Winna Technical School from 2009 to 2011.
From migration to inspiration: a resilient spirit
Welday’s artistic vision is profoundly shaped by his journey from Ethiopia to Eritrea and ultimately to the Netherlands. He often reflects on his childhood experiences and the challenges of migration as formative influences. This "turbulent journey" has become a profound source of resilience and strength, inspiring his unwavering commitment to cultural dialogue, community building, and artistic expression across borders. His work embodies a deep respect for tradition while embracing innovation and cross-cultural exchange, fostering collaboration (SAMENWERKING) at every turn.
"Semere Welday: bridging cultures through sound and vision"
His dedication to music culture, history, and collaborative spirit defines the heart of Adulis Music, inviting all to share in a vibrant cultural journey and experience the richness of his contributions.