Blogtrotters

Showing posts with label ethiopian funk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ethiopian funk. Show all posts

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!


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.



Sunday, November 1, 2015

De la Abesh - Addis [1995] [ethiopia]

  


                        R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   


Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop & Rap





01. De La Abesh - Cheb (4:40)
02. De La Abesh - Xirak's Tizita Jam (5:44)
03. De La Abesh - Saynega (4:41)
04. De La Abesh - De'laaw (6:37)
05. De La Abesh - Ye-ge'le (4:13)
06. De La Abesh - Ye'nema (6:19)
07. De La Abesh - Sebebe (5:29)
08. De La Abesh - Addis pt 1 & 2 (8:21)
09. De La Abesh - De La Abesh pt 1 (5:12)
10. De La Abesh - Sela (4:23)









Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Black Flower - Abyssinia Afterlife [2014] [b]








      Born out of a surreal experience and with strong devotion Black Flower takes you on a lucid voyage through the gardens of the Abyssinian afterlife. A highly remarkable place, far away from what you and I would call reality. It is a place where strange creatures and unfamiliar sounds merge into a harmony of the weird and the beautiful.

       It is said that these are the secret realms of the long past legendary ruler of Ethiopia, Sir Prester John. Some even claim that he composed these sounds as a way of ruling his ancient land. Whether this is fact or myth, nobody knows for sure...

     Now, for the first time, we have the chance to get a glimpse of this mystical empire. It is no secret any more that Nathan Daems has been chosen to witness this special place. Being such an overwhelming experience, he felt the urge, even the obligation, to share this with the real world. The result is a record he applicably called “Abyssinia Afterlife”.

     It was no easy task finding the right people for this job. In his years of musical exploration, Nathan kept searching for the right people to team up with. A challenging process, because they needed to embrace the idea of looking to music from a whole new perspective. They needed to be able to capture the Abyssinia Afterlife as if they had visited it them-selves. Finally he found four young and dedicated spirits who could do the job.

 This is the moment Black Flower was born.




  Black Flower - Upwards  



 Track list:


    1. Solar Eclipse 6:39 
    2. Upwards 4:59 
    3. I threw a lemon at that girl 5:20 
    4. Jungle desert 4:50 
    5. Winter 5:35 
    6. Star fishing 5:42 
    7. The legacy of Prester John 3:41 
    8. Again I lost it 4:57 
    9. Abyssinia afterlife 7:45





 Nathan Daems - Soprano saxophone, Tenor saxophone, Melodica, Flute 
 Jon Birdsong - Cornet 
 Simon Segers - Drums 
 Wouter Haest - Piano and keyboards 
 Filip Vandebril - Bass, Effects 




 [http://www.dewerfrecords.be/en/catalog/abyssinia-afterlife][http://www.jazzinbelgium.com/album/black.flower_abyssinia-afterlife]
 [http://www.discogs.com/master/view/681766]

Monday, July 20, 2015

Sheba Sound - Ethio-funk Amhara 'Chichika' beat [2014] [ethiopia]




visit Sheba Sound webpage HERE > _______











       Sheba Sound is the ongoing product of over six years of events, music digging and recordings, originating in Addis Ababa and spanning as many of the areas of the country as is physically possible to reach.

         Music drew us to this beautiful, historic country.

         Most of the old music is littered across cassettes, reels and vinyl in dusty corners. 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 redress this balance. We are 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 dancefloors and bars all over the world.







Ethio-funk mix of songs that have never been re-issued.

I was asked a while back by a label in the UK if I could compile an album of ethio-funk songs from the 70's that were never re-issued.

Being a Dj in Addis, my immediate inclination was to do a comp on the Amhara, traditional Chichika beat - the one that gets everyone dancing.

I used to play this stuff in Fendika Asmari House in Addis with DJ Mitmitta.

The comp never happened, but here's a little mix of that Chichika magic that got the room all heated up.








tracklist :


01.  Abebaye  by  Alameyehu Eshete, PH-125
02.  Kulun Manqualesh  by  Tilahun Gessesse w/ Mulatu Astatke All Star Band, PH-105
03.  Yewyen Abeshie  by  Negash Tekie & Mulugueta Tilhaun, ER-6
04.  Tez Alegn Hagere   by    Alameyehu Borobor & The Walias, KF-7643,
05.  Yeshebelewa   by    Alameyehu Borobor & The Walias, KF-7644
06.  Band Igir Lay Tchama    by    Tamrat Molla, PH-240
07.  Kantchi Lela   by   Mulugueta H Mikael, PH-233
08.  Fikrishin Eshalehu   by    Getachew Kassa, PH-107
09.  Zimam Newhoy   by   Hirut Bekele & The Police Orchestra, PH-255
10.  Eswa Gin Teletchim   by   Tamrat Molla, PH-240
11.  Lemlemwa Hagere    by    Issatu Tessema & Orchestra Ethiopia, PH-179
12.  Goradew Na   by  Kebede Ali & Orchestra Ethiopia, PH-185
13.  Zematch Ashewyna   by   Tilaye Chewaka & The Army Band, PH-251
14.  Akale Wubie   by    Tefera Kassa & Lema Demissew '& his group,' PH-128
15.  Yewefe Ber Abeba   by   Ayalew Mesfin, KF-32
16.  Elil Bale Hoy   by   Solomon Shibeshi, PH-167
17.  Ishuru Belut   by  Muluken Melesse, PH-177



Thursday, April 16, 2015

AE 320 Alemayehu Eshete - [1971] - Addis Ababa Bete - Alteleyeshignim 7'' [wav] [ethiopia]



Dear readers,

         By now you have probably got used to the irregularities of the blog postings which reflect my personal interests in the different genres of Ethiopian music.  Working on this blog gives me immense pleasure.  I doubt that I would invest so much effort and care in collecting material for myself only. With you, my followers in mind, I aim to present the material concisely, clearly and informatively.

          In the blog posts I have tried to cover, as far as possible, a wide and diverse selection that I have come across. I have been quite busy lately with my everyday commitments, so I have not had enough time to update the blog with new postings, and there are quite a few of those. Their time will come, if you are patient.

        With this post I am starting a short series of rare and interesting singles released in Ethiopia during the 60s and 70s. It is very difficult to find information about the music of the time, which is why I would welcome your help. My job is made more difficult by the fact that I do not speak either Amharic, or any other of the Ethiopian languages. Therefore I apologise in advance for my frequent mistaken and sometimes plain incorrect, album titles.

        In terms of the next dozen posts or so, I owe a debt of gratitude to my online friend Richard (*Richardpoespoes) from Holland. He obtained, digitalised and cleaned up the cracklings and noise from the records.

     All the recordings have been transferred to the highest quality windows audio wave format [wav].

Enjoy and stay in touch.



      I would particularly welcome the links for the albums and authors you have that you feel belong on this blog. Some of you have sent me brilliant rare albums and recordings , some of which I have shared, and some are yet to be shared.

       My musical adventure is in its fourth year. I did not anticipate such a huge response and number of visits. I am happy that you like the posts and contact me with words of approval and support. I would not have lasted this long without your support.


     Contact me and I would welcome your suggestions. Each one of your comments means a lot. 


B.


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Alemayehu Eshete - Alteleyeshignim [Live at Jazzamba]





ALEMAYEHU ESHETE: Addis Ababa Bete / Alteleyeshignim

Amha AE 320 A

Alemayehu Eshete: Addis Ababa Bete 
Arranged by Girma Beyene 
Accompanied by the All Star Band
Produced by Amaha Eshete 
Reissued on 'éthiopiques-9: Alèmayèhu Eshèté 1969-1974', (Buda Musique, France) as "Addis Abèba bété".






Amha AE 320 B
Alemayehu Eshete: Alteleyeshignim
Arranged by Girma Beyene 
Accompanied by the All Star Band
Produced by Amaha Eshete
Reissued on 'éthiopiques-10: Ethiopian Blues & Ballads', (Buda Musique, France) as "Altèlèyèshegnem".











Year: 1971 
Record pressed in India

Note: Addis Ababa Bete is spelled 'Addis Abeba Bete' on the label.



Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Mahmoud Ahmed with Ibex Band - Jeguol Naw Betwa [1978, reissue 2011] [ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   







           Mississippi records continues their tradition of re-releasing obscure and out of print music from all around the world, this time tackling legendary Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed.  

       Apparently this album of blistering african pop had never been reissued since it's original pressing, so I'm quite thankful that Mississippi did the legwork and got this back out into the ears of everyone. 

       Mahmoud Ahmed is the greatest Ethiopian singer of all time. His recordings with the Ibex Band are proper sweet, even awesome. This album, first released in 1978, is a world music classic. Album has been remastered quite brilliantly by Tim Stollenwerk. 









      

       Recorded at the end of the 'golden age' of Ethiopian urban music, Mahmoud is in top form belting out transcendent intense vocals over the Ibex Bands' hypnotic soulful horns, organs, guitars, bass & percussion. As good as it gets & as close to universally perfect music as ever has been made.





1. Mahmoud Ahmed - Bemin Sebeb Litlash / (4:30)
2. Mahmoud Ahmed - Anwedim Tekatin / (5:21)
3. Mahmoud Ahmed - Gebtewat Yihon Fikrien (5:46)
4. Mahmoud Ahmed - Jeguol Naw Betwa (3:34)
5. Mahmoud Ahmed - Endet Lilakek (4:16)
6. Mahmoud Ahmed - Neshtie / (5:16)
7. Mahmoud Ahmed - Fetsum Dink Lij Nesh / (4:41)
8. Mahmoud Ahmed - Hoy Na-Na Jegnaw Na / (4:40)
9. Mahmoud Ahmed - Marie Gela / (4:37)














Monday, December 22, 2014

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - [2013] - Wax [swiss+ethiopia]







Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Le Le Le



       After two albums and a short but well-documented history, Imperial Tiger Orchestra (aka the Tigers) strikes back with a mighty new album, “Wax”, comprising nine killer tracks of tight funk and free-spirited trance wrapped in luscious arrangements. Still inspired by African masters – but not necessarily those you might have thought of – The Tigers have this time delved into the traditional azmari repertoire to uncover astonishing nuggets of synth- and horn-heavy grooviness. Get ready for a journey into the heart of Ethiopia.







          When Imperial Tiger Orchestra first started unravelling the yarn of Ethiopian Music from the Golden Age (1969 – 1975), no one expected the thread to be so long and no one knew where it might end.


          Inspired by original albums that the band found while shopping for rare musical gems on a first visit to Addis Ababa in 2009, Imperial Tiger Orchestra released a first record in 2010, the aptly-named Addis Abeba, which explored

          Ethiopian music from the 70s – when traditional Ethiopian brass bands began feeding off American soul. The second release, Mercato, veered towards a more pop-inspired repertoire from the 80s, and the latest release goes one step further, taking the listener deeper into Ethiopian culture, from the unique sounds of the azmari repertoire to the hypnotic groove of the major tribes.


       After three years touring Europe, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has acquired a solid reputation as a mighty groove machine. The band has also taken its acid riffs to the African continent, touring South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe back in 2010. Having been invited to Addis Ababa by the renowned producer of the Ethiopiques series, Francis Falceto, the Tigers were proud to meet many of the local musicians who work to reshape traditional Ethiopian music. Based in and around Geneva, Switzerland, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has also worked with musicians and dancers from the Ethiopian diaspora, receiving their rewarding approval and blessing for their own original take on Ethiopian music.





        Wax: 80s synths meet traditional kebero percussions and daring rhythms. Gorgeous horn arrangements enwrap powerful bass lines and saturated electronic beats. All of this in a room where the sun pierces through the walls, where spirits dance and bodies are entranced.


   tracklist   

1. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Konso    06:19 
2. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Lelele    04:55
3. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Yasheryshery   05:33 
4. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Bechereka moshete   05:15 
5. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Che Belew    04:01
6. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Shered    03:21
7. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Tgeregna   07:03
8. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - El Naas Elgiafa   04:38
9. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Sudani Tune   04:16 


   band members :  

Raphael Anker - trumpet, keyboard 
John Menoud - sax, electronics 
Alexandre Rodrigues - keyboards 
Cyril Moulas - bass, phin, krar, guitar 
Luc Detraz - kebero, pads, kayamb 
Julien Israelian - drums, wax machine 
Getu Tirfe - dance 
Emebet Tezazu - dance