Netsanet Sultan: Showcasing Ethiopia's Linguistic Diversity with "Halaala" at Intervision 2025

Ethiopia's debut at Intervision 2025 was marked by the selection of Netsanet Sultan, a highly respected artist who brought her rich cultural heritage and powerful vocal talent to the global stage. Her entry was framed as a vibrant demonstration of the nation's ethnic and linguistic diversity.

The Road to Intervision: Cultural Fusion and Advocacy

Netsanet Sultan is recognized as one of Ethiopia's most influential and recognizable artists, celebrated for her ability to fuse tradition with contemporary sound. She is known for her powerful vocal range, bright stage charisma, and masterful blend of the rhythms and melodies of her country's numerous peoples with a modern sound. A unique aspect of her artistry is her ability to sing in multiple national and tribal languages, allowing her to reflect all of Ethiopia's cultural richness and promote the preservation and development of languages like Oromo. Netsanet Sultan is a winner of prestigious national awards, confirming her status and commitment to elevating national art on global platforms.

The Contest Performance and Theme

Netsanet Sultan performed her original song, "Halaala." The song itself is a powerful example of her creative innovation, blending 21st-century music with ancient languages. The song is a sincere expression of gratitude to God for the gift of love, full of beautiful poetic imagery, and at the same time a bold confession of her feelings to her beloved. 

Contest Result and Life After Intervision

Netsanet Sultan's emotionally compelling and culturally rich performance secured a notable finish for Ethiopia's debut in 19th Place.

Following her appearance at Intervision, Netsanet Sultan was celebrated for her cultural representation. She quickly returned to her work as an active figure in the Ethio-pop music scene, using the visibility gained from the contest to continue touring and promoting her fusion of modern and traditional music. Her focus remained on producing singles that cater to both the large Ethiopian diaspora and the domestic audience, capitalizing on the international exposure to cement her status as a leading voice in East African music.