WHO IN THE WORLD IS ABDO RIMBAUD?
Arthur Rimbaud, once a luminary of French Symbolist poetry, renowned for his profound impact on modern literature and his tumultuous relationship with fellow poet Paul Verlaine, embarked on an extraordinary transformation upon his arrival in Ethiopia. Leaving behind a burgeoning literary career and the fame that came with his revolutionary works such as „A Season in Hell“ and „Illuminations,“ Rimbaud sought a radical departure from the world of poetry and the controversies that had marked his youth in Europe. In Ethiopia, he ventured into the life of a merchant, engaging in the trade of coffee and arms, and immersing himself in the local culture and language, and going by his local nickname „Abdo“.
WHAT IN THE WORLD BROUGHT ABDO TO ETHIOPIA?
Seeking a complete change, Arthur eventually found his way to Ethiopia (and before that, to Yemen), not through colonial ambitions typical of his era but rather in pursuit of a new livelihood.
Rimbaud arrived in Harar, Ethiopia, in 1880, where he engaged in various commercial ventures over the years, including coffee and arms trading. His decision to move to Ethiopia was driven by a combination of personal disillusionment with his previous life in France and Europe, and a desire for independence and financial success. Ethiopia, at the time, was a place of opportunity for those willing to navigate its complex social and political landscapes. He became deeply involved in the local culture and business, attempting to establish himself as a trader.
HOW DID ABDO INSPIRE US?
