For Abby Lakew, “Yene Habesha” remains a defining work—continuing to reach new listeners years after its release.
(Photo via YouTube)
Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff
January 2026
TADIAS — Recently, Abby Lakew reached a notable digital milestone: her music video “Yene Habesha” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, placing it among the most widely viewed Ethiopian songs on the platform.
Originally released several years ago, the video’s gradual rise reflects sustained engagement rather than a fleeting viral moment. At its heart, “Yene Habesha” is a beautiful song about love and belonging — and for Ethiopians in the diaspora, it continues to speak across distance and time.
In an era shaped by short attention spans and rapid turnover, the longevity of the song stands out as a testament to its cultural resonance and enduring appeal.
Placing the Moment in Context
Some media coverage has framed the milestone as a historic first for Ethiopian music. While the achievement itself is clear and verifiable, broader claims about “firsts” are more difficult to establish conclusively. As of January 2026, there is no comprehensive, independently verified industry record or public ranking that definitively identifies the first Ethiopian music video to surpass 100 million views across all eras and platforms.
Ethiopian music has long circulated globally, from historic recordings and archival releases to contemporary artists whose reach extends beyond YouTube to platforms such as Spotify, TikTok, and others. Artists of Ethiopian origin working in global pop spaces, as well as legacy catalogs that predate the streaming era, further complicate direct comparisons based on a single platform’s metrics.
Within today’s platform-specific landscape, however, “Yene Habesha” occupies a distinctive place. Crossing the 100-million-view threshold on YouTube situates the song among a small group of Ethiopian works to achieve such sustained visibility online.
A Milestone Shared With Fans
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, Abby acknowledged the moment on social media, thanking collaborators and fans who have supported the song over time. The post, accompanied by celebratory artwork referencing the milestone, underscored both the personal and collective nature of the achievement.
A Milestone, Not an Endpoint
More than a numerical benchmark, the 100-million-view mark offers a snapshot of how Ethiopian artists are navigating global platforms on their own terms. For Abby Lakew, “Yene Habesha” remains a defining work—one that continues to reach new listeners years after its release.
In that sense, Abby Lakew’s milestone is a testament to her artistry, vision, and dedication, highlighting the enduring visibility of her work.
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