Kassmasse is one of Addis Ababa’s most promising up-and-coming musicians. He combines Ethiopian Ambassel and Tizita sounds with foreign beats to create ANSAR, a unique new genre he calls his own. He discussed his new music with Capital. My stage name is Kassmasse, but my real name is Fikru Sema, and I consider myself to be a dedicated artist. In terms of education, I attended St. Joseph School and Addis Ababa University School of Commerce, where I earned a marketing degree. It’s been a little over three years since I graduated from high school, and I’m now pursuing a career in music. Despite the fact that I am new to the scene and particularly to the music industry, I would want to emphasize that I am not a novice when it comes to being an artist. Art is a means of expression for me, and I’m also a graffiti artist. I generally enjoy writing letters with my graffiti, and I now believe that with my music, I am bringing life to the words that I could not achieve while drawing art on walls. In terms of my music gaining traction, I am really humbled that it has been well received since I strive to positively touch the world through this art form.
