Personal Information
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Given name: Tesfay Equar









Surname: Kidanu









Email: tesfaequarart@gmail.com









I understand that by submitting this form, I consent to the use of my data for the purposes of the 2026 Forum on Artistic Research'.: Yes









I agree to the terms of service.: Yes













Your contribution
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Title: The Legacy of Kidus Yared as the Founding Father of Ethiopian Liturgical Music and World Music 









Format: Other format (7)









Main language: English









Abstract:
This study examined Kidus Yared (c. 505-571 AD) a 6th-century Ethiopian theologian, notation system, musician, hymnologist, poet, author, translator, naturalist, choreographer, dancer, actor, director, critic, and composer, revered as the founder of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church liturgical music. Methodologically, a qualitative approach. The data collection tools were interviews, observation, and document review. Data analysis methods used qualitative data thematic analysis through narratives and merged data. The study identified the Aksumite kingdom and early monasticism as crucial influences on Yared's development and performed a detailed analysis of his unique modal system, rhythmic structures, and vocal techniques (Zema). Findings reveal the meticulous oral transmission of his music through generations of Debtera (traditional musicians) and the profound cultural impact of his work on Ethiopian society and identity. Finally, this study contributes to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of global music history, placing Kidus Yared at the forefront of non-Western musical innovators and visionaries. 










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Short biographies of the presenter(s):
- Tesfay Equar Kidanu's academic trajectory, having studied at Mekelle and Addis Ababa
  Universities. He holds an undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts, followed by a Master’s degree in
  Theatre in multimedia. Tesfay, where he explored the use of pure theatre and applied theatre as a
  tool for social change in Ethiopia. Tesfay has had an active career, taking part in applied drama-
  based on projects for various purposes and participants. These projects include art therapy,
  psychodrama therapy, health education, commercial sex workers through invisible theatre, 
  art for peace education, workplace skills training, and presentation techniques, as well as
  emotional intelligence. 










Previous presentations or iterations of the research:
	Visual Arts Competition at the 4th Edition of EHRC’s Annual Human Rights Film Festival to mark International Human Rights Day on 10, 2024, Jimma, oromiya-Ethiopia.
	Exploring the Acting of Prominent Actor Wegayehu Nigatu in Focus. International Conference on Art studies on 10-12 october 2024, Milan, Italy.
	The Role of Laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin's Selected Artwork in Promoting National Building: Audiences and Artists' Perspective in Focus. 















Requirements
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Additional information:
Inspired by his time at the Addis Adigrat and Jimma University, Tesfay
has explored writer, actor, director, and critic training techniques, incorporating oral traditions
and storytelling, and continues to explore alternative perspective in performance training. Tesfay
brings an extensive 11-year teaching career to our University, with expertise spanning various
aspects of theatre such as writing, acting, directing, criticism for (stage, screen, and radio),
 musical theatre, movement, voice, indigenous performance, and contextual studies. His rich
professional background deeply informs his approach, anchoring practice and context as the core
pillars of his teaching philosophy.
Research interest: Art History, Teaching and Learning the Arts, Arts Policy, Art Management
and Advocacy, Arts Theory and Criticism, Economic, Social, Cultural Studies, Migration,
Climate change, AI in the Arts, Art Therapy, psychodrama therapy, Ethnomusicology, Political and Community in the arts.










Spatial and technical requirements :
I have been teaching Theatre Arts courses as a lecturer at Jimma University. I am also working at Mara Children and Mothers Multipurpose Aid Social Development Organization as a program designer volunteer in a remote/online capacity.
2025: I have working as a chief operational officer, consultant, and project designer on remote/online at Harmony Tube as a content creator, Yament PLC in Yeshi Gabicha program, Addis Ababa, and an event organizer, and children's play game director with Ho-Arts.










Potential risks or ethical concerns:
No, a potential risk at all.










Create a user account for SAR 2026: No