The Ethiopian entertainment scene just got a whole lot spicier thanks to a face off between famous talk show host Seifu Fantahun and TikTok star Adonay. It all went down on the Seifu on EBS show and was tied to the big Ethiopia TikTok Creative Award, where Adonay is competing fiercely with Yuti Nass.

 
The heat started when Seifu’s show invited only Yuti Nass, one of the top nominees. A lot of people on social media got angry, saying the popular TV show was taking sides and giving Yuti an unfair advantage by featuring her to millions of viewers. They felt it was wrong for such a big platform to highlight just one competitor.

 
Seifu, trying to smooth things over, asked Adonay to use the platform to ask his fans to vote for him and help him win the award.

But Adonay’s answer was a total shocker: he refused.

With a lot of feeling, Adonay basically said he didn't need the TV show's "movement" to win. It was a clear rejection of the show's perceived bias and the initial lack of respect shown to him.He made it clear that he trusts in God and the genuine love of his audience. His exact words were powerful: "I don't need your movement to choose me. I am enough on my own. If the people love me, that's enough."

 
This moment has become huge. It's more than just a fight over an award; it's a clash between the power of traditional TV media and the independent spirit of a new-school creator who relies on his direct fan base. Adonay’s move is seen by many as a powerful statement of confidence and faith, turning the award show competition into a dramatic national conversation.

 
The controversy has unfortunately also brought up deeper issues, with some online discussions about the award becoming focused on religious and ethnic divisions, which is a disappointing turn for what should be a creative celebration.