Kebra Ethiopia Sound System is rooted in Kwa Thema, a township where creativity and survival are inseparable. From the beginning, Kebra has used sound to build community and restore dignity in places where opportunity is scarce.

Between 2006 and 2011, founder Lekentle Mohlala launched The Poor Man Movement, a community initiative that exchanged music for meals. Audiences were invited to bring non-perishable food for local school feeding schemes, turning ordinary park sessions into acts of solidarity. These gatherings transformed public spaces into hubs of rhythm, generosity, and collective care.

That same spirit continues today through long-running park sessions in Kwa Thema. The events are open to all: youth assist with setup and learn technical skills, elders share stories, and families gather to listen, eat, and connect. The sound system becomes both a classroom and a community centre, a place where cultural practice and social responsibility meet.

Through this consistency, Kebra Ethiopia has become an anchor for township culture and a model of how art can serve real needs. The system feeds, educates, and unites, proving that sound can still be a form of infrastructure.