Blogtrotters

Friday, January 29, 2016

Kenedi Mengesha & Yeshimebet Dubale - Kenedi Mengesha & Yeshimebet Dubale [2012] [ethiopia]











       Singer Kenedi (Kennedy) Menegesha died at the age of 29 and in his short lived carrier, he left behind 57 songs through 9 cassettes that he presented to the public. Kazzanchis was his last residence before his untimely death.





Yeshimebet Dubale & Kennedy Mengesha - Metahugn Bezna




 
The reason he got the name "Kennedy" is that he was born in november 1963, the assassination month and year of J.F.Kennedy (35th President of the United States from January 1961 until he was assassinated in November 1963).

       Kenedi  was one of Ethiopia's top modern artists with a string of hits to his credit. Beautifully backed by the Roha Band with their usual fast paced sax and guitar line up. Great vocals with Kennedy weaving and warbling his way through the octaves. Lovely.









Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 01 - Liyish (6:47)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 02 - Zeleknata (5:17)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 03 - Libih Lib Yibel (5:56)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 04 - Enbaw (6:46)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 05 - Tew Belew (5:26)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 06 - Metahu (8:23)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 07 - Lezih Bekahu (7:40)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 08 - Alkedahim Bilesh (4:41)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 09 - Bewedaje (4:29)
Kenedi Mengesha/Yeshimebet Dubale - 10 - Dabes (5:18)



Wednesday, January 27, 2016

HOT STUFF : chOOn : Upcoming DJ Mitmitta Mix!!! 29/01/2016 11:00 - 13:00 GMT (12:00 - 14:00 CET)


Guest Mix #2 // DJ Mitmitta
chOOn!!


DJ Mitmitta is an Amharic speaking Norwegian and one of the main record collectors based in Ethiopia. He started a music shop in Aware, Addis-Ababa in 2010 called Mitmitta Musika and with that an  – posting accompanying blog - some of the strangest and downright warped, psychedelic pop music I’d heard from the region. Over the past two years he evolved the shop into a commercial record label by the same name re-releasing in collaboration with Domino Sound from New Orleans, a compilation of traditional wedding songs by Getatchew Degefu & friends to great acclaim.

I approached him nearly 2 years ago with the idea for a mix of Ethiopian sounds spanning the 1980s and early 90s. This was a period of great political upheaval in the country. Ethiopia was in the throes of a bloody civil war and at the mercy of a military dictatorship. The production of vinyl recordings stopped, many of the countries leading musicians emigrated to the west amid the political turmoil and the permanent curfew all but ended live music performances.

Much has been made of Ethiopian music pre 1974 – box sets, huge reissue archives, the revival of classic recordings and artists have been lauded by music critics across the land but the same cannot be said about the music produced during the period under military rule (1975 – 1991, commonly known as the "Derg" years) – and that which I had heard was usually negative.




So I present this guest mix by DJ Mitmitta – 2 hours of rare Ethio-Eritrean sounds – synthesizers, organs, wah wahs, pop and traditional sounds from the 80’s and early 90’s.








Here are a few words about this mix from DJ Mitmitta…


'The idea of this mix goes several years back from when I had a music shop up and running in Addis. I always said to myself I should make a mix presenting some of the cassettes I had for sale in Mitmitta Muzika Bet. To make that selection it meant I had to digitize every single cassette that potentially could become a part of the mix. This didn't happen, or at least I didn't have enough tapes to make the desired selection and the years went by, the shop closed and those tapes were lost down in collection boxes. It was when mr. chOOn!! from Subcity Radio contacted me that I started to pick it up again – he was interested in the perceived lack of interest and regard from music collectors and archaeologists for music made during the Derg years (1975 – 1991), Ethiopia’s stay under military occupation. Being the only westerner he knew of living in the region with an active interest in and access to lots of this music he asked whether I’d be interested in curating an interesting mix of sounds from this period. So I started picking out the potential cassettes again that could fit into a theme of 80s, instrumentals, pop and traditional sounds. The pile became way to big to finalize in the then near future, so I had to tell him to be patient. Now, almost 2 years later and after having a couple of days off in Dire Dawa, East Ethiopia I managed to punch out the last selection, which became this mix.

The mix's selection consists of lesser-known artists and lesser-known releases of established artists, which somehow have caught my attention. Mostly because of the way the singer sings, or the way a synthesizer or an organ is played, or how the bass or programmed drums play along, or how it's all put together in a different soundscape than what most people are used to from listening to 70s Ethiopian music. It's divided into 4 half-hour sets so that you can easily tape it onto 60 minute tapes. I'm hoping this is something for both Ethiopian and foreign ears. Enjoy!'


friday, 29/01/2016   11:00 - 13:00 GMT 
                                   12:00 - 14:00  CET 




ENJOY!


Friday, January 22, 2016

Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - Abat Des Ylewal [2013] [ethiopia]












Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 01 - Ytayal Gudu (7:19)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 02 - Tedegagfen (5:28)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 03 - Kulu (8:11)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 04 - Yeweyn Abeba (7:37)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 05 - Tdar (6:37)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 06 - Ashagedawo (5:48)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 07 - Abat Des Ylewal (9:16)
Daniel WoldeGebriel and Teklu Demssie - 08 - Hayloga (6:39)




Thursday, January 21, 2016

From Khartoum to Addis - Instrumental [1996] [ethiopia]




   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   








1. From Khartoum To Addis - Eyuat Sitnafekegne (6:44)
2. From Khartoum To Addis - Tegegntoal Liju (7:39)
3. From Khartoum To Addis - Yene Hasab (6:52)
4. From Khartoum To Addis - Enetarek (6:53)
5. From Khartoum To Addis - Endih New Gabicha (7:36)
6. From Khartoum To Addis - Fikir Ayarejim (5:04)
7. From Khartoum To Addis - Nanu Nanu Naye (6:13)
8. From Khartoum To Addis - Ende Amora (4:43)



Monday, January 11, 2016

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba [project by Girum Mezmur] [2012] [ethiopia]










       Comprised of some of Addis Ababas finest acoustic musicians, the Addis Acoustic Project brings forth Ethiopias popular tunes from the 1950s and 1960s in a new light. Directed and arranged by guitarist Girum Mezmur, the Addis Acoustic Project unfolds vintage Ethiopian music in a fresh and contemporary way. The groups musical style has influences of traditional East-African, Jazz, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms among other styles.




Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba
August, 2012 - "Meche Dereshe"



    The band, composed of veteran musicians such as Ayele Mamo (Mandolin), as well as contemporary musicians such as Girum Mezmur (Guitars, Accordion), Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Nathaniel Tesemma (Drums, Percussions), Aklilu Wolde Yohannes (Clarinet, Flute), and Misale Legesse (Kebero, Percussions), produces unique sounds dear to most Ethiopians and that undoubtedly appeal to a greater world music audience.

      Addis Acoustic Project presents its performance with an attempt to stay true and authentic to the styles as well as instrumentations of the 1950s Ethiopian popular music, yet introducing fresh and contemporary musical elements with ample room for spontaneity and improvisation.







    Addis Acoustic Projects founder/ musical director, Girum Mezmur, has performed with the whos who of Ethiopian music including Aster Awoke, Ali Birra, Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Teddy Afro. His musical relationship with Mahmoud Ahmed has provided him the opportunity to tour several countries worldwide including Africa, Europe, and Canada, playing at major international music festivals such as the WOMAD, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Roskilde Festival, etc. Girum has also had the honor of participating in U.Ks 2007 BBC Radio World Music Award, appearing as Mahmoud Ahmeds guitarist. It was here where Mahmoud Ahmed won the nomination for Best Artist under the category Africa. Girum has also performed / recorded with other renown African artists such as Angelique Kidjo, Ray Lema, and Ali Keita. Girum Mezmur is also a co-founder of Jazzamba Music School and Jazzamba Lounge, as well as the yearly Acacia Jazz & World Music Festival in Addis Ababa.

     Since its premiere at the 7th Ethiopian Music Festival (May 2008), the Addis Acoustic Project has been enjoying great success. The group currently performs on a weekly basis at one of Addis Ababas hip jazz spots..."Jazzamba Lounge".  





    The band has also performed internationally at renowned festivals and venues such as WOMEX09 in Copenhagen, Selam Festival in Stockholm, TFF Rudolstadt Festival in Germany, Tree House in Nairobi, Sauti za Busara Festival in Zanzibar, and MASA in Ivory Coast among others.

     The band released its debut album "Tewesta"- Remembrance" on the world music label, Harmonia Mundi/World Village in August 2011.



Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 01 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:57)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 02 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (3:58)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 03 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (0:35)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 04 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (3:24)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 05 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:54)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 06 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (5:42)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 07 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:13)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 08 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (5:57)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 09 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (6:31)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 10 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (5:11)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 11 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (9:53)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 12 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:41)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 13 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (11:29)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 14 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:25)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 15 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (9:01)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 16 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (6:50)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 17 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (7:57)
Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 18 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (7:23)


1:47:01  -  147 mb @ 192 kbps
bootleg quality





Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - Soow Sow [2003] [somalia]









Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc was  born in Owdweyneh in 1942, and grew up in Berbera and Hargeisa He started his singing in Hargeisa, in the then British Somaliland Protectorate in 1954. The repertoires of his songs are long, voluminous, omnipotent and eternal, so rich and so amazingly legendary.

The late Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc, whose career spanned more than 50 years, was known for his raspy voice, rose to fame in late 1950. For the past two decades Kuluc has been living in Britain.





Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc -Heestii Daaimow




                    Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc was one of the preeminent founding members of “Walaala Hargeisa Band” The legendary Somaliland band has been formed in Hargeisa in 1954. In the recent past, another Somaliland giant vocalist, the king of songs of all times, Mohamed Suleiman has also died in a strange country, a place where nobody knows his personality, and gentleness, humility, humbleness, and legendary status. 

                   Mohamed Ahmed was one of the first generation of Bulwo or Heelo songs in Somaliland and the entire Somali speaking world for that matter. Mohamed Among the other founding members of “Walaala Hargeisa” were the likes of preeminent legends such as Abdullahi Qarshe, Mohamed Said (Guroon Jire.), Osman In-Beenale, and Shamis Abokar (Gudoodo Carwo).








                 The giant singer and playwright was buried on the 18th of January, 2015 in “Nasahablood cemetery in his beautiful Hargeisa.” Thousands of people including high Somaliland government officials led by Somaliland’s vice-president were in attendance. 

           Other great of his amazingly brilliant and irreplaceable generation who already died were Abdullahi Qarshe, Mohamed Yusuf, Mohamed Omar Huryo, Osman Mohamed Abdulkarim, Mohamed Suleiman, Omar Dhuule, Halimo Khalif Magool, Abdullahi Abdi Shube, Hussein Aw Farah, Mooge brothers Mohamed and Ahmed Mooge Liban, Farhiya Ali, and many others. 



Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 01 - Intro (0:48)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 02 - Badda (6:21)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 03 - Badan (5:39)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 04 - Boqorkii (7:08)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 05 - Carwo (6:10)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 06 - Cosob (4:20)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 07 - Dadnimada (5:09)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 08 - Dhoolbari (8:14)
Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc - 09 - Soow Sow (6:48)




Abinet Agonafir - [2004] - Debek Webet [ethiopia]



   R  E  U  P  L  O  A  D   







Abinet Agonafir - “Ewedeshailu" (እወድሻለሁ)








01. Abinet Agonafir - Habesha (5:08)
02. Abinet Agonafir - Setalekshi Des Alegne (5:07)
03. Abinet Agonafir - Atiregemat (5:00)
04. Abinet Agonafir - Lene Kaleshe (6:34)
05. Abinet Agonafir - Ages Mehas (6:28)
06. Abinet Agonafir - Wond Lij (5:13)
07. Abinet Agonafir - Atenafekegne (4:08)
08. Abinet Agonafir - Kezkaza Welafen (4:51)
09. Abinet Agonafir - Tey Tey (4:36)
10. Abinet Agonafir - Telahushe (5:56)
11. Abinet Agonafir - Emamye (5:09)
12. Abinet Agonafir - Ewodishalehu (5:20)
13. Abinet Agonafir - Miskin Zemen (7:44)


Saturday, January 2, 2016

Qwanqwa - Qwanqwa Demo [2013] [ethiopia]







   Qwanqwa - ቋንቋ   


          Qwanqwa, from the Amharic word for language, plays beloved and rare Ethiopian tunes with a unique twist. The band, based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, is named for this concept. The members vary in age and background, but have come together for a unique and powerful sound with an equally meaningful message. At it’s core, this band is instrumental, since they believe that to reach the widest audience, a single singer can limit the effect. 

           However, the list of guests and collaborations is long, including both beloved and famous singers such as Fikraddis, Habte Michael, Amelmal Abate, as well as beloved Azmari singers Selamnesh Zemene and Etenesh Wassie. Not limited to only singers, Qwanqwa also has invited the virtuoso masinqo player Endris Hassen, the father of washint Johannes AferworkEthiopia’s foremost clarinetist Dawit Frew, and many other treasures of traditional instrumentalists to join them.

         The vision of Qwanqwa is to reach as many people as possible with their music. Where many groups play at clubs, Qwanqwa strives to organize concerts in remote places and unique situations. They know that there are many people who would enjoy their music but would not be able to attend a concert at a club because they can’t afford a taxi, that can’t get a babysitter, they are too young, they don’t drink, or other infinite limiting factors. But music is for all, Qwanqwa seeks opportunities to play to as many demographics as possible. Oftentimes, the members have found, the outreach concerts are even more memorable and rewarding than regular club shows.




Qwanqwa are : 

Mesele Asmamaw - lead krar 
Elias Wolde Mikael - kebero/percussion 
Dawit Seyoum - bass krar 
Kaethe Hostetter - 5 string violin 





Qwanqwa -  Gubliye at Selam Fetival
Qwanqwa's homage to Asnaketch Werqu




Mesele Asmamaw is Qwanqwa’s lead electric krar player. (Krar is a traditional harp, relative to the lyre). Mesele is known as a composer and arranger, active in Ethiopia for over twenty years. He has released many albums of his compositions as well as traveled extensively throughout Europe and Africa performing the traditional music of Ethiopia. Since the mid-2000s, Mesele has been a favorite guest of the extremely influential punk and “The EX”, has recorded several albums with the experimental Norwegian drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, and has toured and recorded with his experimental rock group Trio Kazanches. He uses several interesting techniques in Qwanqwa, including a wah pedal, a distortion pedal, a coke bottle and a plastic tube!


Dawit Seyoum, master of the bass krar, plays extensively in traditional groups around Addis, including Ethiocolor and Hager Fikr. He also is a member of the Nile Project, a much-acclaimed American based project which tours internationally with traditional musicians from all Nile countries.


Elias Wolde Mikael is Qwanqwa’s percussionist. He uses the traditional kebero, goat skin drums played with sticks, as well as a variety of other homemade percussion instruments. He can be seen regularly in several groups around Addis Ababa as well as on popular TV music programs in Ethiopia, including Ethiopian Idol and Balageru.


Kaethe Hostetter, 5-string electric violin, has been playing Ethiopian music for many years now. A founding member of the critically acclaimed Debo Band (signed to Sub Pop), the first Ethiopian band in the US to top many charts including iTunes and CMJ, and who has played many stages from Lincoln Center to Kennedy Center, from Chicago World Music Festival and GlobalFest to Bumbershoot and Bonarroo. She also has had an active performing life in the experimental scene, including tours with Fred Frith, Butch Morris and Jim Hobbs.




Qwanqwa - 01 - Rhumba / Ethiopia Hagere (8:01)
Qwanqwa - 02 - Gubliye (10:55)
Qwanqwa - 03 - Yayne Abeba (12:24)
Qwanqwa - 04 - Hamalele (8:00)
Qwanqwa - 05 - Mejemmeria Fikray (6:35)
Qwanqwa - 06 - Nanu Nanu Nay (8:11)






follow link to  Qwanqwa - Volume One [2014]






follow link to  Qwanqwa - Volume Two [2015]