Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Endemen ameshachehu.

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Opening Night of the East Africa Tour of the renowned Japanese drummer, Mr. Leonard Eto and his group of drummers and dancers.  Indeed, this is the second event of the Japanese Cultural Series in Ethiopia for this fiscal year.  We are very honored and excited to have this opportunity and I would like to thank Leonard Eto and his group for visiting us here in Addis Ababa.

I would also like to express my heartfelt welcome to all of you who have gathered here at the National Theatre this evening to enjoy what I know will be a spectacular performance.

A few more words of appreciation are in order, starting with the Japan Foundation in Tokyo for sponsoring this overseas tour of Leonard Eto and his group.  Without its funding, this performance would not have been possible.  My appreciation also goes to the National Theater for offering their splendid, spacious hall for this event.  I also thank the Ethiopian dancing team for their collaboration, which we will see later in the program.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Leonard Eto is one of the pioneers of introducing Japanese drums outside of Japan, and he has performed in over 35 countries to date.  He has also played with great musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi and many other artists and bands.  His music is widely appreciated and has been used in movies such as ‘JFK’, ‘The Lion King’ and ‘The Thin Red Line,’ as well as in various dance performances and even at the Olympics.  Leonard's original ensemble style of Japanese drums has influenced not only Japanese musicians, but also foreign performers such as ‘Stomp’ and ‘Blue Man,’ who create unique musical theatre. 

This evening, Leonard and his group will be introducing his original project called ‘Blendrums’, where percussion provides the main instrumental focus.  Tonight’s performance will be a blend of Japanese drum music and modern tap dancing.  This is why the dancers are also called, ‘Dancing Percussionists.’  I have no doubt that we are about to witness a unique, colorful and vibrant performance.  At the end of the Blendrums, there will be a fascinating collaboration across cultures between Leonard Eto and Ethiopian dancers.

As they say, ‘seeing is believing.’ And in our case, hearing as well!  So, without further ado, let’s welcome Leonard Eto and “Blendrums.”

Amesagenalehu!