Addis Ababa’s once-thriving live music culture is fading as venues close under pressure from rising rents, redevelopment, and vanishing sponsorships. Spaces like Fendika Cultural Center and SHIFTA once anchored the city’s creative community, offering musicians, dancers, and artists a home to experiment across genres. But redevelopment forced Fendika out of its longtime neighborhood, while SHIFTA shut down in 2023 due to rising operating costs. As beer companies withdrew sponsorship amid declining consumer purchasing power, live music increasingly gave way to DJ culture. Still, entrepreneurs are developing alternatives. Fabrica, Hanu Bet, and Moseb Music Center are creating new spaces, while Kebelezero has expanded into concerts, radio, and other experiences. Despite the losses, organizers remain committed to reviving Addis Ababa’s live music infrastructure, insisting the city still needs—and deserves—spaces where creativity can thrive.