Dawit Eklund is a name that has been making headlines recently, as he is rumored to be dating Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The couple has been spotted together in various occasions, such as at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and in New York City, sparking curiosity and speculation about their relationship. But who is Dawit Eklund, and how old is he? Here are some facts you need to know about the Ethiopian-American record producer and musician.
Dawit Eklund’s Early Life and Education
Dawit Eklund was born in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to an Ethiopian mother and an American father, according to his Facebook page. His father, John, was a longtime employee of the US Peace Corps, while his mother, Yeshi, was an entrepreneur. Due to his father’s career, Dawit grew up in different countries, such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Kenya, and Sudan, where he was exposed to various cultures and music styles.
Dawit completed his high school education at the International Community School of Addis Ababa, where he developed his interest and talent in music. He then moved to the US to pursue his higher studies, and graduated from George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he majored in international development in Africa.
Dawit Eklund’s Music Career and Achievements
Dawit Eklund is a co-founder of 1432 R, an independent record label based in Washington, DC, that specializes in experimental electronic music. He founded the label in 2014 with his friends Joyce Lim and Sami Yenigun, who are also DJs and music producers. According to the Washington Post, the label’s music “seamlessly brings together house music grooves, the stutter of UK garage, an uneasy electronic ambience, and – perhaps most notably – Ethiopian folk music”.
Dawit has released several singles and EPs under his own name and under the alias Dawit & Dolo, such as Psycho Animus, New Life, Lies Are Chic, and Corvus. He has also collaborated with other artists and bands, such as Beautiful Swimmers, Protect-U, and Sir E.U. His music has been praised by critics and fans for its originality, creativity, and diversity.
Dawit has also performed at various venues and festivals, both in the US and abroad, such as the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, the MoMA PS1, the Boiler Room, the Dekmantel Festival, and the Nyege Nyege Festival. He has also been featured in several media outlets, such as Pitchfork, Resident Advisor, The Fader, and Vice.
Dawit Eklund’s Personal Life and Relationship with Malia Obama
Dawit Eklund is currently based in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to work on his music projects and runs his record label. He is also reportedly in a relationship with Malia Obama, who is studying at Harvard University and pursuing a career in film and television production.
The couple first sparked dating rumors in July 2022, when they were seen together at a concert in New York City. Since then, they have been photographed on several occasions, such as at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where they enjoyed a romantic date, and in New York City, where they attended a Broadway show and a comedy club.
According to Page Six, Dawit and Malia have a lot in common, as they both share a passion for music, art, and culture. They also have similar backgrounds, as they both have parents who are influential figures in their respective fields. It is unknown whether Dawit has met Malia’s parents, Barack and Michelle Obama, or whether they approve of their relationship. However, it is clear that Dawit and Malia are happy and comfortable with each other, as they often display affection and smiles in public.