Blogtrotters

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Sheba Sound - Deep Ethiopian Soul Cassette Selection [ethiopia]



visit Sheba Sound webpage HERE > _______









        “For new music, contemporary musicians outside Addis Ababa have little opportunity to record and proudly express their unique mesmerising sounds. 

            We at Sheba Sound are trying to re-address this balance. We are as committed to recording and introducing diverse music to Ethiopians themselves as well as to foreign communities. ??We have our work cut out; there are over 85 separately recognised tribes, all of whom define themselves through their unique language, music, customs, values and clothing. ??We bring traditional deep Ethiopian sounds, with a modern twist, to dance-floors and bars all over the world.”







Listen here :  

https://www.mixcloud.com/Sofrito/sheba-sound-deep-ethiopian-soul-cassette-selection/



Background info:


      In 1974 Mengistu crushed Haile Selassie and came into power in Ethiopia. By the late 70’s, all the music labels pressing up tunes on vinyl, such as Amha and Philips, had been forced to shut down their operations.

      This left the cassette shops to continue the work of publishing the new music that was coming out of Ethiopia. Notable heavyweight houses pushing Amharic music, such as Electra and Anbassel took the lion’s share of the famous vocalists.

      Naturally, as time evolved, so did the sound of music. In this mix, you will hear how the classic 70’s ‘ethio-funk’ sound (represented in the Ethiopiques collections through Buda Musique) digresses to the 80’s into something much less frantic and more precise. The bands themselves tend to be smaller, allowing the bass players to take a more driving lead. This particular evolution of the bass, for us, defines the sound of Amhara music from this period.




Tracklisting:


Atechekenbegnem – Ayalew Mesfin
Tezez Begalaye – Muluken Melesse
Ancbi Lij – Thiedros Tadesse
Tey Enekebaber – Kefel Bekele
Munaye – Ephrem Tamru
Tatche Alkarem – Neway Debebe
Tey Manesh – Solomon Shibeshi
? – Fisseha Alamayehu
? – Fisseha Alamayehu
Yangete Sew Honesh – Tamrat Molla
Kemekem – Muluken Melesse




Sheba Sound have more mixes available on their site, and don’t forget to check his & Fade 2’s stellar mix of off-kilter 90s dancehall versions.



Saturday, December 26, 2015

uKanDanZ - Lantchi Biyé / Endè Iyèrusalèm [7''] [2014] [france-ethiopia]










       uKanDanZ ... a unique style, an unusual meeting between an electric quartet and Asnake Guebreyes, charismatic lead singer originates from the vibrant music scene in Addis Abeba. 

          Their music is inspired by traditional and popular Ethiopian songs. uKanDanZ has a real crunch energy. Between rock, jazz, noise... 

With impertinence, they rock it wildly. Without compromise. Guitar, saxophone, bass, drums and vocals shuffle our bearings. 

What a pleasure! The stage presence of uKanDanZ swings alternately between energy and emotion... then the public, transcended, dances and shivers.




uKanDanZ - Endè Iyèrusalèm
Rock In Opposition festival 2015, 18/09/2015



uKanDanZ 1 - Lantchi Biyé 04:26

uKanDanZ2 - Endè Iyèrusalèm 04:09





Damien Cluzel - Guitar
Asnaque Guebreyes - Vocals 
Lionel Martin - Sax
Guilhem Meier - Drums

Benoit Lecomte - Bass



Thursday, December 24, 2015

Tadesse Alemu - Mishamisho [2001] [ethiopia]








       Tadesse Alemu was an Ethiopian singer from Wollega who sang traditional Ethiopian songs, sometimes Christian-based, in an upbeat pop-music style with the modern-day electronic instrumentation that is characteristic of today’s Ethiopian popular music. 

         Active since 1997, nothing was known about his origins. However, an interview with Alemu’s wife on Voice of Ethiopia radio during fall 2007 confirmed that he had become sick and died that July in Addis Ababa of a short disease, which resulted from an infection that was caused by a stabbing wound from several years previously that had not healed properly, just before he was set to leave the country on a concert tour.





Tadesse Alemu - Mishamisho




Tadesse Alemu - 01 - Sherbela (9:04)
Tadesse Alemu - 02 - Mishamisho (6:08)
Tadesse Alemu - 03 - Gojea Melegnaw (7:12)
Tadesse Alemu - 04 - Ye-Ethiopia Lijoch (7:26)
Tadesse Alemu - 05 - Minjar, Mignar (6:15)
Tadesse Alemu - 06 - Guragea (5:23)
Tadesse Alemu - 07 - Merea (5:20)
Tadesse Alemu - 08 - Selamlegki (6:38)
Tadesse Alemu - 09 - Oromigna (6:10)
Tadesse Alemu - 10 - Guajla [bonus track] (5:07)
Tadesse Alemu - 11 - Track 11 [bonus track] (5:20)




Vocal – Tadesse Alemu 
Keyboards – Mitiku Tefera
Kirar – Mesele Asmamaw
Masinko – Dejene Manchilot
Backing Vocals – Aschalew Ayele, Elasbeth Meshesla, Sileshi Tsegaye, Teshome Mekonen, Tilahun Auimut, Wase Dires, Yodit Zeleka




Saturday, December 19, 2015

Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - Fiker Yazat (Vol 1) [1997] [ethiopia]












Axumite Band - Gedamay Gedamay










Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 01 - Aydelem Endie (4:13)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 02 - Hij Yilatal (4:35)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 03 - Yeteyim Konjo Nat (3:57)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 04 - Ensifsif Alebign Hodie (4:13)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 05 - Fekir Yazat (4:21)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 06 - Adjeb Hone Ekoberafish (5:15)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 07 - Endanchi Yeminafek Ketom Alayehugn (3:21)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 08 - Tizitama Baynor (6:02)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 09 - Fikir Yelem Woy Keto (3:54)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 10 - She Geleshal Alu (4:28)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 11 - Atnekakagne Fikir (4:59)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 12 - Be-Ethiopia Ekoralehu (5:28)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 13 - Ale Gena (4:59)



Saturday, December 12, 2015

Dawit Getachew - Memory of the Future [2015] [ethiopia]










       Dawit Getachew  (born September 25, 1986) is one of the greatest gospel singers in Ethiopia, and east African music award winning Ethiopian singer, song writer , arranger and producer. 

      He is one of the best-and most influential artists in Jazz Christian music. Dawit not only sings but also teaches music at “Mekane Yesus Seminary” school of JAZZ music. This young and intelligent artist is one among the group of Zema for Christ choir.  His first CD “ Ethibekehalehu” has been a blessing since it was released.  Dawit is a great growing artist and is an expectation of everybody.  





Dawit Getachew - Ewedihalew




Early life 

     Dawit Getachew  was born to Mintayesh Cherinet and Getachew Abraham in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at a place known as “Shiromeda”.and grow up in “Debrezeit” with his 3 sisters and 4 brothers.  He grew up in a Christian family, with the word of God and having devotional times with his parents, as a kid Dawit knew that he could sing in those devotional times. Having this talent as a kid Dawit joined his Sunday school choir. The love of music grew in his heart. And he knew that there was nothing on earth that would make him feel good than music. So having this passion Dawit graduated high school from Bishoftu’s preparatory school. 

        After graduating high school, he moved back to “Addis Ababa” and joined Mekane Yesus Seminary” Jazz Music school, majoring piano. As a student Dawit was one of the best students. His interest and passion for music made him to give all his time and heart, by doing that he was one of the top students found in the school. After spending 3 years at the music school, he completed his studies with a heart to serve God and his people.then he start to lecture in the same school. 

        In 2007 a choir known as Zema for Christ released their first album known as  “Bemamene Bicha”. Dawit was one of the founder members of the group. The album was amazing in all its musical arrangement and song contents. He arranged most of the songs and produced along Mihret Tegafaw (a member of Zema for Christ). Starting from then Dawit Getachew along with Zema for Christ performed their songs in most churches found in Addis and other parts of the country.  Then Dawit started arranging and producing songs to different gospel artists, including Bethelhem Tezera, Pastor Mesfin Mamo, Samuel T/Michael, Endalkachew Hawaz, Endrias Hawaz and others. Along this journey the biggest encouragement in his life came from his mother and his older sister Addis Kidan , supporting everything he does and helping him by their prayers. so, their prayer played the biggest role in his life. 

     The first challenge in Dawit's life came from his father. As any Ethiopian, christian parent his father wanted him to continue with his acadamic studies because he believed that the music life of most christians was believed to be difficult for both economical and spiritual life. Deep in side Dawit new that his father purpose is LOVE. Therefore, listening to his father's advice, he was convinced that he should also do more to his life by studying another field of study. He joined the management and leadership college at Mekane Yesus Seminary . Studying for 3 years he got his first Bachelors Degree (B.A) in leadership and development in in June 25,2011.


      In 2010 Dawit released his first album known as “Tebekehalehu”. He amazed his audiences in this album. It was beyond anybody’s expectation. Dawit played the major role in his first album joined by Zema for Christ as his back up singers. He wrote all the songs and produced it on his own by bringing a new and spectacular flavor to the existing music industry.




Dawit Getachew - 01 - The Power of Faith (8:19)
Dawit Getachew - 02 - Hope (8:41)
Dawit Getachew - 03 - Memory of the Future (11:07)
Dawit Getachew - 04 - Gheralta (8:27)
Dawit Getachew - 05 - Worthy of All Praise (9:09)
Dawit Getachew - 06 - Love (Live) (6:17)
Dawit Getachew - 07 - Mercy (4:38)
Dawit Getachew - 08 - Rejoice (8:23)
Dawit Getachew - 09 - Thank You (9:48)



Monday, December 7, 2015

Layne Tadesse - Everybody Get Up [EP] [2012] [eritrea+usa]











        Layne was born in Eritrea, located in East Africa just North of Ethiopia near the Red Sea to Neghesty Kiros and Tadesse Iassu, Layne Tadesse is no stranger to war and a desire for freedom. On his debut album a song titled “NEGESHAY” is a tribute to his mother who passed away. In Tigrinya, the African language that is LT’S native tongue, the meaning of his mothers name is Queen, and LT refers to Neghesty as the “Queen of all Queens”.

        With war between Eritrea and Ethiopia beginning shortly after Layne was born, his mother and father fled to Sudan and lived in a refugee camp for three and half years. During that time Layne was able to learn Arabic and the study of Quran religion. Shortly after that Layne, and all his siblings and parents were picked to go to America. Three days prior to flying to America Layne’s older brother Dawit decided to go back to Eritrea and joined the Armed struggle EPLF to fight the Ethiopian communist army. Without his brother Layne along with his siblings and parents landed in Philadelphia and lived there for four years before moving to Southern California. With a diploma from Colton High School and an associate degree from Chaffey Collage. Layne is a positive example turning adversity into opportunity and credits his family for his early musical interests. He grew up around many musicians and most of them family members.

         Throughout High school and collage Layne performed in plays and competed in talent shows and came across many genres of music. First group he was a member of was called Black Fugitives. Black Fugitives were a mixture of Hip-Hop and R&B. However, because he was introduced to Reggae by his family at an early age Layne soon recognized his true calling in music . By taking a piece of his experience with other genres, Layne has created a unique sound that touches the masses. Traditionally it has been a type of music suited for adults only. Many of his loyal fans believed Layne has reinvented Reggae by helping this genre of music cross the barriers that separates our youth and adults.





Layne Tadesse - Ghetto Corner



      Versatile, multitalented, flexible, diverse, are just a few words to describe Layne as an artist and a person. If you have not yet seen one of his live performance then you have missed something great. As a live performer, Layne’s presence is electric, from his trademark Acappella Intros to the last note of the show, he keeps the eyes and ears of the audience glued to the stage. Now with a loyal and always growing fan base, Layne Tadesse plans to spread positive vibes and souls stirring music to the rest of the world.




Layne Tadesse - 01 - Fly Away (3:48)
Layne Tadesse - 02 - Dance (3:49)
Layne Tadesse - 03 - The Best of Me (4:05)
Layne Tadesse - 04 - Dance Floor (4:21)
Layne Tadesse - 05 - Fly Away (DJ Spair Remix) (3:42)
Layne Tadesse - 06 - Dance Floor (DJ Mutt Aka Dr Klaw Remix) (3:08)




Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Ejigayehu 'Gigi' Shibabaw - Gold & Wax [2006] [ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   










01. Gigi - Semena-Worck (6:29)
02. Gigi - Anten (5:47)
03. Gigi - Jerusalem (8:56)
04. Gigi - Salam (5:42)
05. Gigi - Gomelaleye (7:44)
06. Gigi - Ambasale (7:22)
07. Gigi - Hulu-Dane (4:52)
08. Gigi - Utopia (4:52)
09. Gigi - Acha (5:04)
10. Gigi - Marena-Wotetea (5:26)
11. Gigi - Enoralehu (3:56)







Friday, November 27, 2015

Umar Suleeymaan - various tracks [ethiopia]














Umar Suleeyman - Bilisummaa




Umar Suleeymaan - 01 - Baaletu Sii Biyaa (5:40)
Umar Suleeymaan - 02 - Wabeen Namanceessisuu (7:26)
Umar Suleeymaan - 03 - Waboo Leenca (12:23)
Umar Suleeymaan - 04 - Fira Fakkaate (7:31)
Umar Suleeymaan - 05 - Ta Utaa Sibilta Gufta (4:51)
Umar Suleeymaan - 06 - Seena Oromiyaa (7:05)
Umar Suleeymaan - 07 - Robee Walashiyyoo (7:40)
Umar Suleeymaan - 08 - Leci Adee Bookisa (5:40)



Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Bruktawit Getahun aka Betty G. - Manew Fitsum [2015] [ethiopia]












Betty G - Asebehalew





Betty G. - 01 - Manew Fitsum (3:53)
Betty G. - 02 - Asebehalehu (3:45)
Betty G. - 03 - Yekelekelal (4:17)
Betty G. - 04 - Nana Demaye (5:14)
Betty G. - 05 - Tawekaleh (4:14)
Betty G. - 06 - Ye Zenbabaw Kelebete (4:39)
Betty G. - 07 - Meshenef Siyansegn (4:14)
Betty G. - 08 - Kant Aybeltim (4:01)
Betty G. - 09 - Sew Alegn (5:54)
Betty G. - 10 - Minew (3:55)
Betty G. - 11 - Aye Set (3:46)
Betty G. - 12 - Fikir Aybeltim Wey (4:16)
Betty G. - 13 - Super Star (4:08)




Sunday, November 22, 2015

Adib Kadir - Harari Love [2006] [ethiopia]













Adib Kadir - Oreetay





Adib Kadir - 01 - Intro (0:55)
Adib Kadir - 02 - Zamal (4:25)
Adib Kadir - 03 - Gizmaanay (3:21)
Adib Kadir - 04 - Ethiopia (3:52)
Adib Kadir - 05 - Kamen Darar (4:55)
Adib Kadir - 06 - Ayanana (3:30)
Adib Kadir - 07 - Mawordi (3:13)
Adib Kadir - 08 - Interlude (0:45)
Adib Kadir - 09 - Oreetay (5:02)
Adib Kadir - 10 - Akhash Zeltah (4:05)
Adib Kadir - 11 - Nayling (3:34)
Adib Kadir - 12 - Ifatcheshakh (4:57)
Adib Kadir - 13 - Subti Orti (4:35)
Adib Kadir - 14 - Huffbalu (4:43)
Adib Kadir - 15 - Ethiopia (remix) (4:15)
Adib Kadir - 16 - Outro (0:51)




Monday, November 16, 2015

Munit and Jorg - ፪ - Munit + Jorg [2013 [ethiopia] [ger+eth]









       Munit and Jörg have been creating a most unique and energized blend of Ethio-Acoustic Soul music in Addis Abeba, around Ethiopia and the world! This Ethio-German duet has been entertaining thousands of people with their exciting and engaging live shows, sharing their love for funk, soul and Ethiopian flavors with audiences everywhere.

      Since the duet formed in 2007, Munit and Jörg have had a great journey performing in all the best jazz and world clubs in Addis Abeba. With just one voice and one guitar, they create sounds that are larger than life while bringing an intimacy that makes their audience feel as though they are sitting with old friends in their living room. They believe in creating a positive and uplifting vibration where the audience becomes part of ‘the band, clapping, singing and moving to the music even if it’s in a language they don’t understand!

      Munit’s voice soars in perfect harmony and beat with the rhythmic strumming and drumming of Jörg’s playing as they infuse new energy into old song and tell their own personal stories with joy and play at the heart of it all.




Munit and Jorg - Yekermo Sew




       Munit + Jorg second album, a studio production entitled “፪ ። 2”, was released in March 2013. The title represents the fact that it is the two of them that were the executive producers and artistic directors this project. It is also their second album and the blend of two cultures that has created their unique music! 

       The long-awaited album contains 14 songs, of which 9 are originals and 5 are well-loved familiar tunes ranging from an updated classic by 
legendary krar player, vocalist and actress Asnakech Worku, to children’s songs and an Ethio-jazz standard originally arranged by Ethiopian musical icon Mulatu Astatke. The combination of the new and old provides something for everybody, for those who crave to remember the good old days to those who crave new visions, styles and sounds in Ethiopian music. 

     The album includes many styles and the songs tell personal stories and universal truths with layers of guitar and voice and a few touches of percussion by guest drummers Natnael Tessema and Teferi Assefa




Munit and Jorg - 01 - Hagere (4:10)
Munit and Jorg - 02 - Abet Abet (4:14)
Munit and Jorg - 03 - I Remember (4:39)
Munit and Jorg - 04 - Yekermo Sew (3:52)
Munit and Jorg - 05 - Kraro (2:33)
Munit and Jorg - 06 - Bale Gari (3:31)
Munit and Jorg - 07 - Trans-Africa Highway (4:32)
Munit and Jorg - 08 - Fana Wogi (3:29)
Munit and Jorg - 09 - Yegize Te-Amer (4:04)
Munit and Jorg - 10 - Vanity (4:38)
Munit and Jorg - 11 - Ete Mete (4:35)
Munit and Jorg - 12 - Sister (3:49)
Munit and Jorg - 13 - Abaye (4:43)
Munit and Jorg - 14 - Selam (3:14)




Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Ras Abel - Humble Beginnings [2000] [usa + ethiopia]



   R E U P L O A D     




Ras Abel - Love Is Selassie I





       The title of his album "Humble Beginnings" is the perfect phrase to describe the musical career of Ras Abel.



       Born in Addis Abeba in 1972, Ras Abel moved to the USA in 1989. While attending the college in Maryland in early 1990s Abel met a guy named Belatchew who encouraged young Ras' ability to express his lyrics. During the summers Abel, Belatchew on bass and his younger brother Dula met their soul JAH, creating music together. As their love for music grew, they decided to record a demo in 1994. They made two tracks, "Love is in the air" and "Forward to Zion".











       Due to the various difficulties, Ras was unable to pursue a musical career in full time. However, Ras continue to work with Dula in his studio in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent 1996-1999 in coordination with Dula and Tensae (co-producer of "Humble Beginnings") eventually produced "Humble Beginnings" in 2000. 

       While living in Washington, Ras Abel and Tensae tried to make music of Jah. Initially band was named "Maebel", which means tidal wave in Amharic. Later they changed their name to "Melekebet", name of native Ethiopian instrument, used to make an anouncements in ancient times.






     
"Melekebet" was consisted of Salomon on drums, Tensae on bass and Ras Abel on guitar, rhythm guitar and vocal. Their sound was unique blend of reggae and Ethiopian music. Band dismemmbered in early 2001. and Ras Abel took hiatus in the music of Jah.


    In 2008 Ras Abel returned to music once again. Abel recorded his second album with drummer Jeff Franca.

     Curently he is playing with his band "Tesfa". He also features on the album "Sur Mahber", a compilation of songs with various artist made with american group "Soldiers of Jah Army".






    
   In "Dancehall Celebration," he gives props to the new "conscious" roots-and-culture face of dancehall reggae; and in "Afrikawi," sung in the provincial Ethiopian language Tigrinya, he pays tribute to Zeray Deres, an Ethiopian warrior who stood up to the invading Italians.



      Ras Abel's voice is rich, with full range. The music on this CD ranges from Nyahbinghi rhythms, to ska, to Hard Roots, to some Ethiopian traditional music styling. Hard, real upbeat music and messages from a young lion making a 'Humble Beginning'. Respect!.






"Humble Beginnings" is not of humble quality. All tracks reveal that these young lions are under the influence of the masters of premium quality reggae. The lyrics are not shy about singing praises to His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Pan African Development and progressive livity for mankind.




Ras Abel - vocals, lead and rhythm guitar
Bobby T - solo guitar
Matt (bihnghi roots) - keyboards
Taharqa - keyboards
Tensae - bass guitar
Jeff Franca - drums





01. Ras Abel - Rastafari Callin' (5:16)
02. Ras Abel - Forward To Zion (6:01)
03. Ras Abel - Enat Ithiopia (4:29)
04. Ras Abel - Love Is 'N De Air (6:07)
05. Ras Abel - Dancehall Celebration (4:22)
06. Ras Abel - All De Time (3:46)
07. Ras Abel - Afrikawi (Tigrinia) (4:06)
08. Ras Abel - Roaring Lions (4:31)
09. Ras Abel - Bongo Locks (3:19)
10. Ras Abel - Love Is Selassie I (6:31)