Ethiopia’s Newest Social Media Sensation: The  “ማን እንደ ሚሪንዳ” Challenge

By Dagmawit Zerihun
Published on 10/17/25

Ethiopia’s social media scene is buzzing with excitement as a new viral trend sweeps across platforms: the “ማን እንደ ሚሪንዳ” challenge. Inspired by the iconic Mirinda soft drink, this challenge has quickly become a favorite among young Ethiopians, blending creativity, humor, and a touch of nostalgia.

Mirinda, known for its bright colors and fruity flavors, has been a popular soft drink in Ethiopia for decades. Originally launched in Spain in the 1950s, the brand was acquired by PepsiCo and expanded globally. In Ethiopia, Mirinda is celebrated not just for its sweet and refreshing taste but also as a symbol of fun, energy, and youth culture. Its association with lively colors and fruity zest makes it a perfect inspiration for a social media challenge.

At its core, the challenge is a playful homage to the vibrant and colorful world of Mirinda. Participants are encouraged to showcase their unique personalities, talents, or everyday moments in a way that reflects the bold and lively spirit of the drink. Whether it’s through fashion, dance, comedy, or art, the goal is to embody the essence of Mirinda in a fun and engaging manner.

The challenge has turned competitive with cash prizes for the top entries:1st Place: 1,000,000  ETB, 2nd Place: 500,000 ETB and 3rd Place: 250,000 ETB. Participants are evaluated based on the following criteria:50% Views: The number of times your content is watched, 30% Likes and Comments: Engagement from your audience and 20% Creativity: How uniquely you capture the spirit of Mirinda. This ensures that both popularity and originality are rewarded, making the competition fair and exciting.