Fadila Biya Dismisses Teddy Afro Press Briefing Cancellation Claims as ‘False’ and Attention-Seeking
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — April 15 | Horn News Hub
Rumors circulating on social media claiming that Ethiopian artist Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro) cancelled a planned press briefing due to government pressure have been rejected by Fadila Biya, who described the claims as baseless and misleading.
The speculation emerged after supporters of the artist alleged that a press briefing scheduled for April 14 in Addis Ababa, intended to announce his upcoming album Ethorika, had been cancelled following pressure from the Ethiopian Media Authority. The event was expected to be broadcast live by Arts TV.
However, no official evidence or confirmation has been provided to support the claims, and neither the Ethiopian Media Authority nor Arts TV has issued a statement indicating any intervention.
Responding to the circulating reports, Fadila Biya, Head of the Public Relations Bureau at the Prosperity Party headquarters and Vice President of its Youth Wing, dismissed the narrative as “completely wrong” and driven by attempts to attract attention.
She stated that Ethiopia is a country where more than 50 opposition political parties operate freely, making claims that a singer’s press briefing would be blocked by authorities unreasonable.
“The government has no place for such agendas,” she said, criticizing what she described as exaggerated claims aimed at portraying influence or victimhood.
Fadila Biya further warned that spreading such narratives during a sensitive political period risks misleading the public and undermining confidence in democratic processes. She added that such claims could also be interpreted as attempts to create unnecessary political tension and spoil the electoral environment.
The controversy comes ahead of Teddy Afro’s album Ethorika, scheduled for release on April 16, marking the artist’s return after an eight-year hiatus. Neither the Ethiopian Media Authority, Arts TV, nor the artist’s management has issued an official statement regarding the reported cancellation.
The controversy also comes amid broader national discussions, with observers noting that the artist has previously been associated with releasing politically sensitive messages or generating public debate during election periods or at times when major national agendas dominate public attention.
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