“The Horn of Africa” by Chris Frangou

This year I was lucky to return to Ethiopia; the first time I visited was in 2015.  Ethiopia is a vibrant and beautiful country filled with many diverse cultures. It has a population of roughly 100 million people which makes it the most populous land-locked country in the world.  Most of the country covered a large plateau that rises above the African continent. The capital Addis Ababa is about 2,300 meters above sea level.

On this trip I visited both the capital Addis Ababa and a regional city in the north called Mek’ele.

1 - Addis Taxi
A local taxi in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is a city constantly under development, it is a haven for international and local investment.

Everywhere you look you find the juxtaposition of old and new.  This can be seen in the cars on the road & the buildings, even the technology the people of Addis Ababa carry around and utilise.

With Foreign investment in the country brings new technology such as the photos of the new modern trams that runs straight through the city.

7 - Addis street with new tram
Foreign investment brings new trams into Addis Ababa
4 - Storm in Addis
A rain-storm in Addis Ababa

Some of the roads are brand new and others are extremely old cobblestone roads that are deteriorating. I was skeptical about shooting in black and white on this trip as Ethiopia is such a vibrant country.

6 - Addis Laneway 1
Typical laneway in Addis Ababa
3 - Enushu Street Portrait
Street portrait of Enushu in Haya Hulet – Addis Ababa

However, I shot a roll of Kodak Tri-X in Addis Ababa and I think it captures a level of intensity that colour doesn’t necessarily give you.

9 - Addis car
Function over form when it comes to motor vehicles
5 - People crossing street in Addis
Pedestrians basking in the midday sun

The simplicity of Black & White enables you to marvel in the complex angles and shapes naturally created in streetscapes.

2 - Kahan Street Portrait
Street Portrait of Kahan in Haya Hulet – Addis Ababa
8 - Addis Laneway 2
Laneway view of Addis Ababa
20 - Boy under wood in Addis
Makeshift cover from the Sun – Addis Ababa

The city of Mek’ele is situated in the north of the country and like Addis Ababa, it is about 2,000 meters above sea level.  Mek’ele is in the region called Tigray that borders Eritrea and there is a lot of history in this part of the country.  The Tigray region is home to the ancient city of Axum, as well as the Danakil Depression, which is the hottest and lowest place on earth.

16 - Landscape in Wukro, Tigray
The Tigrayan landscape

 

10 - Market in Mek'ele
Market in Mek’ele
12 - Pepsi in Mek'ele
Pepsi

Instead of taxis, in regional Ethiopian cities people hire blue auto-rickshaws called bajaj to get around. People attach stickers and other signs to personalise their vehicles.

17 - A very cool bajaj
Stickers are used to customise the local bajajs (taxis)
18 - Two bajaj in Tigray
A line of bajajs in Tigray

 

There are some of the oldest churches and mosques in the world here too.

21 - Man in cathedral in Addis
Worship in the biggest cathedral in Africa – located in Bole – Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is often misrepresented and underestimated in the west. It is full of incredible history, food, music and of course amazing things to take photos of.

19 - Man with horse and cart in Wukro, Tigray
Horse & cart transportation
14 - Kids in Wukro, Tigray
Kids in Wukro – Tigray

15 - Gate to church in Wukro, Tigray

13 - Stray dog in Negash, Tigray
Life as a stray in Negash – Tigray
11 - Selling chickens in Mek'ele market
Local chickens ready for the market

 

I would highly recommend visiting the country and immersing yourself in this beautiful culture.

About Chris

Chris Frangou Self Portrait

Chris Frangou is a musician and photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. He is lucky enough to travel around the world to perform and take his cameras along for the ride. Chris has been shooting film since he was 14 and whilst he shoots many different formats, he has a longstanding love for black and white photography.

Shot on Olympus OM-2 paired with a 50mm f1.8 (Kodak Trix for Black & White, Kodak Ektar 100 & Hillvale Sunny 16 for colour)

You can follow Chris on Instagram at @chrisfrangou.photo