How an ancient Ethiopian dance helped a survivor find his voice

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Discover the rhythmic power of Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance. TED Fellow Melaku Belay explains how mastering this tradition helped him navigate a childhood on the streets and how it bridges ancestral wisdom with modern energy.

The video explores the personal and cultural significance of Eskista. Melaku Belay shares his journey from surviving the streets to becoming a prominent voice for Ethiopia, illustrating how traditional dance serves as a link between the past and the future. The presentation concludes with a live, high-energy performance of the dance set to a free-jazz ensemble.

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