"Ethiopia's Dating Revolution: Latey Show Challenges Tradition with a Twist"

Sun Oct 19 2025 05:17:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The groundbreaking dating show "Latey: Looking for Love" has stirred up conversations around dating norms in Ethiopia, featuring ten women vying for the affection of one man, creating a stir in traditional courtship customs.

"Latey" has gained significant attention for its premise, resembling Western dating shows but challenging Ethiopian courtship traditions. While some view it as devaluing women, others praise its representation of diverse personal stories among the contestants. The show's success has sparked discussions about cultural norms, leading to plans for a second season where roles may be reversed.

Latey: Looking for Love has emerged as a remarkable reality TV show in Ethiopia, attracting over 620,000 viewers as it navigates the complexities of modern romance within a conservative society. The program centers on the competition between ten women for the affection of one man, 38-year-old Ethiopian-American, Messiah Hailemeskel. Unlike traditional dating customs, where courtship is typically a private endeavor, Latey opens the door to a more public rivalry.

Contestants participated in various challenges, such as boxing and basketball, cleverly conceived to test their compatibility and creativity. Bethel Getahun, a 25-year-old winner of Latey, describes her victory as surreal, stating it feels like a "badge of honour." However, the show has met with criticism from those who believe that it undermines women's dignity and perpetuates Western ideals about love and dating. Ethiopian vlogger Semere Kassaye voiced concerns that the format commodifies female contestants.

Despite these critiques, Bethel argues that the show provides a platform for the diverse experiences of Ethiopian women, showcasing their struggles and realities that often go unrepresented in mainstream media. Stories shared reflect personal challenges, such as displacement due to conflict, financial hardship, and deep emotional ties to family, leading viewers to connect with the contestants on a more intimate level.

Producer Metasebia Yoseph asserts that Latey aims to engage audiences in thoughtful dialogue about cultural perceptions of dating, emphasizing that the show remains innocent rather than hyper-sexualized. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from some viewers, who appreciate the show's innovative approach to Ethiopian dating culture.

Plans for a second series are already underway, with potential changes in format including a female lead selecting from male contestants, aiming to disrupt traditional gender roles further. Meanwhile, Bethel's relationship with Messiah has faced challenges due to distance, but she celebrates the sense of camaraderie with her fellow participants, referring to them as her "sorority."

Ultimately, Latey has opened up new conversations around the romantic experiences of women in Ethiopia and aims to redefine how they are portrayed within their culture, heralding a new era of representation in Ethiopian media.