Ethiopian singer Abby Lakew has achieved a significant milestone with her song 'Yene Habesha,' which recently crossed 100 million views on YouTube. Released years ago, the track's enduring popularity highlights its deep cultural resonance among Ethiopians worldwide. On New Year's Eve 2025, Lakew celebrated the achievement on social media, thanking fans and collaborators.
Abby Lakew's music video for 'Yene Habesha' has reached over 100 million views on YouTube as of January 2026, marking a notable achievement in Ethiopian music. The song, released several years prior, explores themes of love and belonging, particularly resonating with the Ethiopian diaspora. This gradual accumulation of views underscores the track's lasting appeal in an age of fleeting online trends.
While some reports describe this as a historic first for Ethiopian music videos, no definitive records confirm it as the inaugural entry to hit this mark across platforms. Ethiopian artists have long gained global traction through various channels, including Spotify and TikTok, complicating direct comparisons. Nonetheless, on YouTube specifically, 'Yene Habesha' joins a select few Ethiopian works with such prominent visibility.
Lakew marked the occasion on December 31, 2025, via social media, sharing celebratory artwork and expressing gratitude to supporters. This milestone reflects not just numerical success but the broader navigation of global digital spaces by Ethiopian creators. For Lakew, the song remains a cornerstone of her artistry, continuing to attract new audiences long after its debut.
