Blogtrotters

Showing posts with label hip-hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hip-hop. Show all posts

Monday, October 17, 2016

Black Jesus Experience - Migration [2014] [aus+eth]











       BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE (BJX) is an eight piece band playing an irresistibly danceable blend of traditional Ethiopian song and 21st Century groove. With backgrounds as diverse as the 5 countries the members of BJX hail from, their music reflects the multicultural vibrancy of the band’s hometown, Melbourne, Australia.

       Singer Enushu Taye began entertaining her local community as a child in Addis Ababa. Forced to leave Ethiopia, Enushu migrated to Australia bringing hauntingly beautiful compositions inspired by her remarkable life story and the unique vocal traditions of Ethiopia. Enushu is joined on vocals by poetic giant and lyrical miracle Mr Monk, Zimbabwe born and Outback bred.





Black Jesus Experience - ETHIOBOP






        When not touring BJX run a weekly session at cultural hub The Horn creating new songs live on stage featuring guest artists from all walks of life. The comfort BJX has with this practice lies in the improvising traditions of that feed BJX including Hip Hop, Jazz, Azmari and Funk.

        They have recently released their 5th studio album, a collaboration with their long time mentor, the inventor of Ethio-Jazz: Mulatu Astatke. The album Cradle of Humanity was recorded and mixed across 3 continents and completed at the end of their East Africa tour in 2015, including performances at MTN Bushfire Festival (Swaziland), AZGO Festival (Mozambique) and African Union Expo (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia).

       The rhymes and chimes of Black Jesus Experience deliver the power and beauty of Africa through the vocal prism of Hip-Hop and freedom of Funk.



Black Jesus Experience - 01 - Smile (3:31)
Black Jesus Experience - 02 - Africa (4:43)
Black Jesus Experience - 03 - Bati (3:52)
Black Jesus Experience - 04 - Migration (6:12)
Black Jesus Experience - 05 - Ethio Bop (5:23)
Black Jesus Experience - 06 - Ichilalo (4:25)
Black Jesus Experience - 07 - Mother Earth (4:35)
Black Jesus Experience - 08 - Gimash Akarley (3:19)
Black Jesus Experience - 09 - After (4:47)
Black Jesus Experience - 10 - BB (5:09)



Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Abbush Zallaqaa - Jaala Jiloo [2013] [ethiopia]











Abbush Zallaqaa - Ee Malawwee




Abbush Zallaqaa - 01 - Jaala Jiloo (6:10)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 02 - Mappenzii (6:13)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 03 - Fullaanneey (6:01)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 04 - Na’baarsisin (4:53)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 05 - Ee Malawwee (6:57)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 06 - Na’baarbaadin (4:42)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 07 - Heellemmaa (6:07)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 08 - Sila Jiraattee (5:37)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 09 - Hinandaa (6:06)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 10 - Guyyaa Suni (6:23)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 11 - Mala-Mali (5:32)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 12 - Agarttaan (5:14)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 13 - Ashamitu (4:32)
Abbush Zallaqaa - 14 - Amoo Tee (5:16)



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Abdi Nuressa - [2009] - Irree Aadaa [usa+ethiopia]










             Another rising star is the Washington-based Oromo singer Abdi Nuressa. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter is a breath of fresh air, combining love, politics and empowerment. 

          Born in the Western part of Oromia region and brought up in Addis Ababa, Abdi emigrated to the US as a teenager. He was naturally influenced by the different cultures to which he was exposed but has remained true to his roots, as clearly seen in his music. He kicked off his singing career by performing cover versions of old Oromo classics such as those of Ali Birra. His debut album, Iree Adda, was released at the end of July 2009, marking his arrival on the music scene. The album, bearing an English subtitle The Power of Culture, can be seen as a political statement and an expression of the longing to return to his roots. The strong and energetic rhythms, taken from the Oromo tradition, are mingled in a subtle way with the sounds of reggae, funk, folk and hip-hop. 





Abdi Nuressa - Ayyaana Laalattuu



      One song in particular on that album, 'Ayyaana Laalattu' (Afan Oromo for 'opportunist'), put Abdi Nuressa on the map. Crossing the language barrier, the song was a big hit both in Ethiopia and abroad, among people who speak the language and those who don't. It proved the star's argument that "if we Oromo artists can deliver quality music, the language can never be a barrier, especially in our time."




Abdi Nuressa - 01 - Nutuu Laafe (4:50)
Abdi Nuressa - 02 - Ee Sobaan Wallolle (5:26)
Abdi Nuressa - 03 - Qotee Bulaa (4:32)
Abdi Nuressa - 04 - Utuman Sijaaladhuu (4:05)
Abdi Nuressa - 05 - Tokkummaatu Wayyaa (6:24)
Abdi Nuressa - 06 - Yaa Raahaa (6:05)
Abdi Nuressa - 07 - Sinbirree Ta'ee (3:58)
Abdi Nuressa - 08 - Wal-argaan Hinoolu (5:01)
Abdi Nuressa - 09 - Shaggoyee Xabanna (4:39)
Abdi Nuressa - 10 - Guyyaa Gammachuu (6:14)
Abdi Nuressa - 11 - Argee Laalee Laalee (5:58)
Abdi Nuressa - 12 - Ayyaana Laalattuu (4:48)
Abdi Nuressa - 13 - Bareeduu Baadiyaa (4:52)



Thursday, April 28, 2016

Dub Colossus - A town called Addis [2006] [ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   







       This project brings together an extraordinary but little known African musical heritage, a labour of love recording in a makeshift studio in down-town Addis Ababa and then a journey back to Real World to capture for the first time ever in the UK some of Ethiopia's finest performers.








       This project is the vision of Dub Colossus - Dubulah - aka Nick Page. Composer, guitarist, bass player and programmer Nick started his music career with Michael Riley (Steel Pulse) and in 1990 formed Transglobal Underground with Tim and Hammi, produced-wrote-played six albums before leaving in 1997 to form Temple of Sound with Neil Sparkes.








       Ethiopian music is the hidden gem of Africa. At the end of the Sixties and the early Seventies, Ethiopia was in the dying years of the imperial decline of Haile Selassie and the early years of a brutally repressive junta led by Mengistu. Within the confines of this stifling and constrictive environment there flowered some astonishing music. At times showing Fela Kuti's influences, in the big band sax flavour and other times a different take on regional music, this is a music that is accessible to all and has been championed by the likes of Robert Plant, Brian Eno and Elvis Costello. The style of contemporary Ethiopia music captured by Dub Colossus ranges from dreamy blues, hypnotic grooves, jazz piano and driving funk brass.





       "A Town Called Addis" was inspired by meeting , writing and working with singers and musicians in Addis Ababa in August 2006, and is a collaboration between Dub Colossus (Nick Page) and these amazing musicians covering Azmari and traditional styles as well as the popular singing styles of the 60s and 70s. It seeks to combine the golden years of ethiopique beats (popular again thanks to the release of the critically acclaimed 'Ethiopique' compliation ) and ethiojazz with the dub reggae styles of early 70s reggae groups like the Abyssinians, Mighty Diamonds and so on. along with a hint of Sun Ra..." (Dub Colossus/aka Nick Page)



       The first sessions took place in a breeze block hut under corrugated iron roof bombarded by the sounds of the rainy season high up on the mountain plateau where Addis is built. "...the sound of children playing, dogs barking and women washing all permeate the sessions and help the flavour of the record, albeit as ambient smoke.....Although a howling cat chasing a rat under the roof destroyed one vocal take completely...!"



       We brought these unique urban field recordings home to Real World to complete the picture. In March 2008 we invited a group of outstanding performers from Addis to travel to the UK. Some of these artists are unknown talents who have never traveled outside of their country before now, while others such as singer Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe (Addis Ababa night club owner and know as the Ethiopian Edith Piaf ) and master saxophonist Feleke Hailu (a classical composer, lecturer and head of music at the Yared Music School and part of a dynastic tradition that stretches back far beyond the classic hits his father arranged for Mahmoud Ahmad in the late 1960s) have a huge reputation. They are joined by Teremag Weretow who, with his plaintive voice, playing his messenqo ( one-string fiddle) is a youthful carrier of an ancient tradition; extraordinary pianist Samuel Yirga is an exciting new discovery - a young prodigy of classical and Ethiojazz and finally the glamourous star Tsedenia Gebremarkos, winner of a Kora award as the best female singer in East Africa in 2004,








       From the most primitive recording context to one of the best in the world, this project is an audio journey - and discovery of one of the most alluring, funky and seductive genres of African music.




01. Dub Colossus - Azmari Dub (5:05)
02. Dub Colossus - Entoto Dub (5:55)
03. Dub Colossus - Tazeb Kush (5:52)
04. Dub Colossus - Shegye Shegitu (Blue Nile Mix) (3:54)
05. Dub Colossus - Shegye Shegitu (One Drop mix) (4:49)
06. Dub Colossus - Yeka Sub City Rockers (5:04)
07. Dub Colossus - Shem City Steppers (5:28)
08. Dub Colossus - Tizita Dub (7:38)
09. Dub Colossus - Black Rose (4:06)
10. Dub Colossus - Neh Yelginete (5:40)
11. Dub Colossus - Ophir Dub (4:40)
12. Dub Colossus - Sima Edy (4:40)
13. Dub Colossus - Mercato Music (5:47)
14. Dub Colossus - Ambassel (4:40)
15. Dub Colossus - Ambassel In Box (5:47)



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)




Thursday, November 5, 2015

Teddy Yo - Demts Albaw Mesarya [2012] [ethiopia]









       Teddy Yo, a young, vibrant rapper, has been making the local magazine headlines for sometime now. The rapper’s innovation in blending the Gurage melody and beat with a contemporary hip-hop beat has been appreciated by many. His trademark music, Guragetone (including a track by that name), was a hit in 2012

          Teddy Yo (full name Tewodros Assefa) resides with Eden, his wife of two years. He sometimes wears inconspicuous clothes when he goes out that blend into society and a baseball cap down low over his eyes. He does this just so that he can get from Point A to Point B without having a dozen conversations along the way with fans and random people who recognise him. He is the epitome of an arada or an in-the-know Addis Abeban.




Teddy Yo - 6 Kilo




         People love him, and he gets the encouragement to do what he does from them, he said, but he had a bone to pick with views held by some regarding Amharic rap.

“Some people say rap is not good for our culture or that it is not part of our tradition,” Teddy Yo began.

      He begged to differ. There is more in common with Ethiopian tradition than some people think, he said.

For example, after kings of old, like Emperor Tewodros, gathered their troops for battle, they would basically freestyle rap to get the troops ready for war in what is known as kererto and shillella, he explained.

        His voice intensified as he described the connections of rap with the doo-rag (bandana) that Emperor Menelik wore under his hat, tilted like rapper R-Kelly does today, to the cornrow hairstyle of Emperor Tewodros and the combs stuck in the afros of the Afar and Kereyu. Even Negus T’ona of the Welayita wore an earring like most rappers, he said, as his own glistened in the evening light.

“I am not saying that American rappers took everything from Ethiopia, but there is a connection and many shared traditions,” he said.

         Most Amharic rappers only rap about partying and having fun, but Teddy Yo raps about life. To him, life is not only about the good times, but also the bad. He raps about the parties and he raps about the problems. He does this in a way that is often humorous, even to older generations that normally do not like or listen to rap.



Teddy Yo - 01 - Tew Tew (4:25)
Teddy Yo - 02 - Tega Bey (4:09)
Teddy Yo - 03 - Maringecha (4:15)
Teddy Yo - 04 - 904 (3:12)
Teddy Yo - 05 - Demts Albaw Mesarya (4:23)
Teddy Yo - 06 - Gurage Tone (4:26)
Teddy Yo - 07 - Ney Bey Bey (4:07)
Teddy Yo - 08 - Sugar Daddy (4:02)
Teddy Yo - 09 - Shake your Dread (3:52)
Teddy Yo - 10 - Sedest Kilo (5:29)
Teddy Yo - 11 - Party (4:15)
Teddy Yo - 12 - Enkoyalen (3:28)





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)









Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Arada Boyz - ARADA BOYZ CLUB [2012] [usa+eth]










             Arada Boyz include three members : Nate a.k.a Ethio Boy, Ermias Molla a.k.a. Ermi Mulla and Yaphet Dejazmach a.k.a. YT)








               This group holds a divers and distinct sound, influences from reggaeton to hip-hop.





ARADA BOYZ - Shisha (Produced by Haich)



Arada Boyz - 01 - Intro (1:43)
Arada Boyz - 02 - Hoya Hoye (2:00)
Arada Boyz - 03 - Ambesa (3:37)
Arada Boyz - 04 - Wudejin ft Mahi Mo & C&&B (4:18)
Arada Boyz - 05 - Aytenal (4:19)
Arada Boyz - 06 - Azmari Lijoch (3:02)
Arada Boyz - 07 - Ahead of Them (3:41)
Arada Boyz - 08 - Shisha (4:22)
Arada Boyz - 09 - Anchen New (4:14)
Arada Boyz - 10 - Et. Eri. (4:25)
Arada Boyz - 11 - Outro ft Ras Nebyu (3:11)



Wednesday, July 1, 2015

BIG SHAWN - Ethiopian Album [2011] [usa+eth]










       
Big Shawn is musician from San Francisco, California, USA. He makes hip-hop/ rap/ instrumental music. Here is his extraordinary work from 2011 based on old ethiopian tunes and hits. 

I realy love this stuff!


Enjoy it!








BIG SHAWN - 01 (3:21)
BIG SHAWN - 02 (3:26)
BIG SHAWN - 03 (3:36)
BIG SHAWN - 04 (4:03)
BIG SHAWN - 05 (3:51)
BIG SHAWN - 06 (3:11)
BIG SHAWN - 07 (4:15)
BIG SHAWN - 08 (3:41)
BIG SHAWN - 09 (3:38)
BIG SHAWN - 10 (3:48)
BIG SHAWN - 11 (3:50)
BIG SHAWN - 12 (3:33)
BIG SHAWN - 13 (3:42)



Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Nazarenes - Rock Firm [2008] [ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D  






       The Nazarenes sound is a fresh and vibrant blend of Roots-Reggae with an array of melodies and savvy arrangements that are complimented by haunting vocals. The music is both spiritual and inspirational and carries a much-needed message of love, hope, pride and respect for one another.






       Their debut album "Orit" was released in 2001 by Insteel Sounds and the much anticipated second album "SONGS OF LIFE"  was released in Europe (autumn  2004) by Heartbeat/Rounder Europe. The album is also released in USA & Canada (summer 2005) by Heartbeat label.  

     Their music is a unique and powerful addition to the ever expanding Diaspora of reggae music as well as a stunning tribute to the talent and dedication of this duo.  

       Since the release of, Orit, Nazarenes has built up a solid reputation throughout Europe and have consequently developed large and devoted followings of fans.  The duo is especially well known in Europe and their unique talent has also gained them recognition in England, Canada, U.S.A. and the world wide reggae scene.  After the release of their first album, Nazarenes have been touring and performing at many of the larger festivals in Europe, such as, Summer Jam (Germany), Roskilde festival (Denmark), Oslo world music festival (Norway), Rototom Sunsplash (Italy) and Uppsala reggae festival (Sweden), to name few. Their powerful stage presence and extraordinary musical arrangements has won them the title of being one of "The most excellent, hypnotic and unforgettable" live act of every festival and concert in which they perform.






        Growing up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the mid 70´s among a large close-knit family, the two brother’s love of reggae distinguished them from their peers. Reggae was considered underground, not mainstream, and was not featured on the radio or played in the cafés and clubs that dotted the city.  Despite the scarcity and the lack of due promotion, the hypnotic rhythms and conscious message of the music engulfed the heart and soul of the entire Tewolde family. It was around this time that 12-year-old Medhane received his first guitar and began to scratch. The course of the Nazarenes was set.
       Over the years many precious experiences have been gained. In the 80´s, Medhane and Noah played with various bands in Europe (mainly Sweden and Germany) with Medhane on guitars and lead vocals and Noah on bass and back vocal.
       In the 90´s, Medhane teamed up with some well known Jamaican Reggae bands including Iqulah, Culture Knox and Mamma Booker (Bob Marley´s Mother!) for a European and African tour. 





       At this time, Noah took up lead singing and in 1992 he was discovered in Gothenburg, Sweden.  A solo record deal with Virgin Records followed along with the release of three singles, one of which became a big hit in Sweden. In 1994 Noah´s debut album was released through Virgin Records under the name Anbessa.
       In 1996, Medhane and Noah reunited their forces and engaged on a new venture, which encompassed their own style and vibe as well as their spiritual and conscious views of life. 
      The culmination of this partnership is the phenomenal Nazarenes, musical pioneers that are going forward to blaze a trail for a music that they have made their own. 







01 - Solid As A Rock 
02 - Same Shit 
03 - Don't Let Me Down 
04 - Roots 
05 - Let's Chill Down 
06 - Walking In The Rain 
07 - Crash Dem Wid Love 
08 - I Wanna Shout Loud 
09 - Your Time Is Up 
10 - Marvellous 
11 - Our World 
12 - We Stand Firm 
13 - Jungle


Monday, March 16, 2015

Mister Ott - Live at Bohemian Grove [2012] [aus+eth]




       Mister Ott is the alter ego of Matt Ottignon, Sydney based Kiwi saxophonist. In particular, Matt has a keen interest and involvement with the very unique sounds of Ethiopian music. It’s that unique mixture of traditional music with jazz and soul from the 50's and 60's that is the inspiration for Mister Ott - music that washes away the dust of everyday life and gives the soul room to breathe.







MISTER OTT - Gonder [composed by Matthew Ottignon]
     Live at Venue 505, 15th June 2013




Recorded live on Sep 2nd, 2012, at Sydney's underground Sunday music series at Bohemian Grove. 

This was the band's first performance, and features all covers of Ethiopian music. The band name became Mister Ott some time after the artwork was created for this recording.

released 09 February 2012 


01 - Mister Ott - Akale Wube (Getatchew Mekuria) (5:32)
02 - Mister Ott - Yekermo Set (Mulatu Astatke) (7:27)
03 - Mister Ott - Ye Woyen Haregitu (Alemayehu Eshete) (6:13)
04 - Mister Ott - Chik Chikka (Mulatu Astatke) (7:22)
05 - Mister Ott - Kulun Mankwalesh (Mulatu Astatke) (3:53)
06 - Mister Ott - Yekatit (Mulatu Astatke) (8:40)
07 - Mister Ott - Eywat Sentenafegagn (Getatchew Mekuria) (5:12)
08 - Mister Ott - Muziqawi Silt (Wallias Band) (5:42)




Matt Ottignon - tenor sax, flute 
Ellen Kirkwood - trumpet 
Mick Stuart - guitar 
Luke Dubber - keys 
Eden Ottignon - bass 
Dan Kenedy - drums 

Engineer - Mick Stuart (on his portable recording rig)