Blogtrotters

Showing posts with label reggae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reggae. Show all posts

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)




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)


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Samson Kidane Band - [eritrea + germany]






Samson Kidane and Friends



       Samson Kidane, singer and songwriter from Eritrea, live in Cologne, Germany and  writes his songs on the krar, the national musical Instrument of Eritrea. This plucked instrument is similar to the ancient lyre European and West African kora harp. 

This rare instrument is played today only in the zones adjacent to the Nile countries of Africa, and the Arabian peninsula. 

With his music Samson Kidane miraculously combine his African roots with modern music styles such as hip-hop, reggae and rock. But still you can hear his songs with East African and Arabic influences. 







           Samson Kidane is as cosmopolitan who is looking for the unifying between cultures. He sings in Tigrinya, the outsider a melodious, musical language. The lyrics of his songs are influenced by his early life in a war-torn Eritrea, and deal critically with the situation of his homeland. 

       They also tell of depth and passion, love and religion. His band plays in a classic line: with guitar, bass, drums and percussion support the four musicians discreet and reserved the own music style.


01 - Samson Kidane Band - Celdi (3:24)
02 - Samson Kidane Band - Fithi (3:22)
03 - Samson Kidane Band - Mesiluni ich dachte (2:56)
04 - Samson Kidane Band - Natuju sein (3:56)



Samson Kidane - krar, singing 
Wolfgang Reinermann - guitar 
Peter Dickas - drums 
Miguel Diaz - bass



Monday, October 6, 2014

Yohaness Bekele a.k.a Jonny Raga - [2005] - Give Me The Key [ethiopia]




Jonny Ragga ‎– Give Me The Key


               The first home grown Reggae artist Jonny Ragga (Yohannes Bekele) was born in 1977 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a very young age Jonny was passionate about reading and writing poetry. His teachers, who spotted his talents very early on, would persuade him to read his poetry in front of the whole elementary school. His love affair with music began taking shape while Jonny was attending Bole high school. Initially, he loved all kinds of music, but what inflamed his passion started to become clear after some time. He fell in love with Reggae. Jonny got the opportunity to practice his reggae singing and Dj (sinje) style at a place called Ram Jam which was the most popular reggae club in Addis at the time. When he reached the age of 17, he decided to join Medina Band and start performing live.







          In 2005, Jonny released his and Ethiopia’s first critically acclaimed Reggae album ‘Kulfun Sechign’ (Give me the Key). This album was widely heard and received massive attention. It also introduced him to the international music scene.

           In 2005, Jonny won the ‘Best Music Video Award’ at the Ethiopian Music Awards. He was nominated in the ‘Best African Reggae Artist’ category, and brought home the first and only Channel O’s All African Music Award after winning the category ‘Best East African Artist’ in 2006 at a ceremony held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

         Jonny has collaborated with many well known local and international artists. Chachi Tadesse, Teddy Afro, Lafontain, Shewandagn Hailu, Haile Roots, Michael Belayneh , Nyomi Grey (Ny, a young talented artist from UK), Kenny Allen (an African American R&B artist) and Zola (a South African rapper and actor) are some of the artists that he has worked with so far.

             Jonny went on to co found, produce and host the popular weekly radio program ‘Jam Jam’ on Ethiopica Link on 98.1 FM, and was a guest host on DSTV’s ‘Urban Massive’ TV show. He also directed and produced music videos for many Ethiopian Artists.



                 Jonny has been touring the world and entertaining his fans for over 15 years. He has traveled to North America, Europe, Middle East and other parts of Africa performing his music to his fans abroad.


                 Jonny is involved in every aspect of his music, from writing his lyrics and melodies to musical arrangement. He is currently working on his new album project and has set up his own music production company called JR Music Production. He established JR Music Production in 2006, in an effort to create opportunities for upcoming talented artists. He also involves himself in many awareness creating projects alongside other international organizations, on issues affecting the youth and women.








01. Jonny Raga - Gimmy The Key 4:02
02. Jonny Raga - My Pocket And Your Purse 4:15
03. Jonny Raga - Hello Addis Ababa 4:44
04. Jonny Raga - Shuck And Tuss 4:08
05. Jonny Raga - One Way Ticket 4:32
06. Jonny Raga - Attractive Girl 4:31
07. Jonny Raga - Pick It Up 3:55
08. Jonny Raga - Shashamane 4:00
09. Jonny Raga - Abeshawy 4:09
10. Jonny Raga - You, Ethiopia 4:32
11. Jonny Raga - Get The Devil Out 4:29
12. Jonny Raga - Matured 4:59
13. Jonny Raga - Mama 4:49
14. Jonny Raga - Your Love Is Fire 4:10
15. Jonny Raga - Love Of Music 5:28
16. Jonny Raga - Your Love Is Fire (Remix) 1:29




Thursday, October 2, 2014

Jah Lude - [2012] - Yachin Neger [ethiopia]




Jah Lude - Dancé Dancé


       Jah Lude Awol, 38, is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter and musician. The reggae singer was born and raised in Addis Ababa. Jah Lude’s music is heavily influenced by the cultural and old plays which are almost forgotten by the new generation. The artist also celebrates his belongingness to his homeland in his music.

    Jah Lude wrote all of his songs and some of them took him six months while others only took him 10 minutes. The new artist, who is on the spotlight, spoke to Meiraef Berhane of The Reporter.





What does Jah Lude mean?

I cannot explain what Jah Lude means specifically. My name always has different meanings depending on the situations that I am in. However, my parents named me Jah Lude from the Qur’an. And people who know the historical meaning of the name have told me that people who are warriors used to be named Jah Lude.

When did you start your musical career?

I think I am an born musician. I was only eight years old when I wrote my first song.

What was your inspiration to become a musician?

I always listen to different rhythms made out of natural and artificial sounds in my surroundings. That’s what inspired me to be caught up in music. But one person to whom I should give credit in my life is Bob Marley. He has been a big inspiration and good role model to me to keep doing what I am doing regarding my musical career. I loved reggae because of him: and he always has a good place in my heart.

Is that why you have your dreadlocks?

Not really. I spend most of my time working on my music. I always wash my hair but never looked at it in the mirror. To that extent I just saw what my hair looks like recently, while pictures were taken for my album design. When I looked at my hair carefully, some of them are stuck together and look like a dread while some of them look fluffy. I have never been so concerned about my outer look; rather, I prefer spending much of my time talking with my inner self. I forgot to be concerned about my look and my focus was dedicated to cultivate my art potential and got impressed in a way. However, after seeing what my hair looks like in the pictures, I have started cutting my hair and my beard.







How long did it take you to finish your album?

It took me ten years. But ever since I was eight years old, I have always wanted to work on my album.

One of your songs, Fayamo, is mixed with Oromiffa. How did you come up with the idea of mixing Oromiffa with reggae?

People from the neighborhood where I grew up are Oromiffa speakers. My family speaks Oromiffa; but I can’t speak the language. However, an Oromiffa singer, Tadele Gemechu, brought up the idea and asked me if I can do it and I did it. But to sing the song I had to study the accent of Oromiffa and the language as well.

Most of your songs remind people about the cultural plays which are almost forgotten. And also there are songs that celebrate being an Ethiopian and the country itself. What made you do that?

I am not exactly sure. I have works that express my feelings which, of course, are beautiful pieces. I also have many other works that still express my feelings, which people might not easily understand. So I have selected the type of songs that people might easily understand and like. Renowned musicians like Ephrem Tamiru and Tadele Robba have helped me with my music selections. And we loved our choices as we listened to them again and again.

How much money did you spend on your album?

All I have spent is my knowledge and my musical work. My focus was on the art work. However, artist Tadele Roba has produced the album and he is the one who knows how much money was spent on the album. I am not into the financial details.

Which song do you prefer or like from your album?

I don’t know what to prefer and what not. But I think I like “Asha bel yaho” as it can represent all of the songs in the album and it is a song about freedom.

On your billboard, there is a term that shows where you are from. It says ‘I am a hillbilly’. Many try to hide where they are from or their origin but you put your background on the front. How did you do that?

All of us came from agrarian ancestors. Some 100 years ago Addis Ababa was a city center. So I am proud of the fact that I am from that background.

Your music is being played everywhere. Now you have come on the spotlight and are you ready for any criticism or admiration?

The inner peace that I have ordered me to do my songs. So I don’t think I will be facing that much criticism. What I know is I am doing my job right. What I did was just offering the type of music that I have.

Where have you spent your time abroad and how long has it been since you moved back here?

It has been almost five years since I moved back here. I have tried to settle here some six years ago but the country was not stable politically and there was no peace. Since I couldn’t live in that environment I went back to where I have been, Djibouti. It is impossible and difficult to work in an environment that is not peaceful. The songs that I have in my album are made in a peaceful environment. My songs literally preach identity and belongingness. For to that reason I am sure that children will be singing my songs five, six and seven years from now.

Though it is not literally mentioned in the music, one of your songs, which is titled “Yachin neger”, is about condom. The change of the title allowed people to listen and sing along. What made you change the title?

When I was eight years old I wanted to write a lyric about love. However, the first thing that came into my mind is the first person that will read the lyric – that is my father. So I used to change the subject to country issues. Whenever I write a lyric, I always follow what my feelings tell me. If I have to write a lyric I want to be comfortable and free from any other negative feelings. My parents, whom I respect the most, listened to the “Yachin neger” lyric and they liked it. The lyric reminds people that it is a great decision to abstain. If not, sex should be had after marriage. However, if the person finds it impossible to take it that far, it is preferable to use the condom. And the way I used the words makes people to be comfortable and listen to it without any hesitation.

What made you write about the issue?

It just came out of my feelings. I felt it and I wrote it.

People who listened to your songs say your voice is good and the music is not loud. They say that it just flows simply through the ears. What do you say about that?

I think I got the math right. I was able to link the words that are coming out of my mouth with the tempo, but nothing else.

What meaning does music give you?

I don’t think I can be able to answer this question, just like I can’t define my name. If I ask you to define love, I don’t think you can. Music is the same thing to me is.

How does it feel to work with Kamuzu Kassa, the person who mixed and arranged your music?

Honestly speaking, Kamuzu is a special person to me. He always understands me when I connect with music. Working on my music, both of us share a similar spirit. I admire his talent and I appreciate the way he understands what the singer has.

Who designed your billboard?

The designer is called Senay. I was impressed by his view. He made people see what I did not expect. The scarf on my head and the round hat together with my mustache made me look like Emperor Menilik II. The green, yellow and red color that dominates the graphics and the fact that may name is Jah Lude gives a unique vibe and impression to the design. I just gave him my picture. And everything is his own creativity. After I have seen what he has done to the graphics I was convinced that there are a lot of professionals out there who can do many things.

Your picture looked like Emperor Menilik II. Was that on purpose?

Frankly speaking it was not on purpose. It just happened to look like that and it is accidental.


Before publishing your album, how many songs did you make?

I have composed music with Joseph, which is entitled “Gobeze”. I have also worked a song with Teddy Yo under that titled “Regga Tigile”. Next, I am planning to work with Tadele Roba on the remix of some songs. I also have a plan to work on songs that are almost forgotten and on the verge of falling or being washed out.

Can you tell us about your song that you have worked with the renowned Jamaican reggae star Mikey General that is entitled “Ethiopia”?

I have worked a piece in Kenny Aalen’s studio some three years ago. I have used the lyric in one of the songs in my album called “Hager Bet”. Mickey General and Raga Lox listened to the piece that I had in Kenny studio and they have used it to remix in the song they have made. They have introduced the song in Jamaica and it has a big hit. I also loved what they have done to that song.

Have you been to music school?

I did not go to any music school. I have learned music with my personal and natural interest. I just listened to a lot of reggae music and that is how I have learned its style. As a new person to the industry I have started testing the flow of music and the impression that I had for it together with my interest made me to be what I am today.

Do you play any instrument?

I play Bongo and Djembe drums.

To conduct this interview with you, I had to talk to Tadele Roba. I fixed the appointment with him and that is how I got to you. Why don’t you have a cell phone?

Whenever I am working on my music I don’t want my mobile to disturb me. That is why I don’t want to have one. However, I spend most of my time with common people that I am currently working with and hang out with. So if anyone needs to get in touch with me I can be reached through them. But in the near future I will be subscribing to a landline and I will be assigning someone who takes care of it. I won’t be engaged in receiving calls.

What do you do to relax?

I usually relax in my house by composing some music. But if my feelings exceed that, I will go out to other towns and hang out there.

Do you read books?

Yes. During fasting season I don’t do musical works and that would be the best platform for me to read books.

What makes you happy in life?

I am always a happy person. But I don’t exactly know what makes me happy. What I know is I am happy and I am grateful for that.

Are you married?

No I am not. But I have a plan to get married and have children, just like everybody else.

You seem like a person who is relaxed. Moreover, you seem that you kind of live your own world. Is that right?

Yes I am relaxed. I have my own world that is called Ethiopia. When I merge my identity with my inner love for music, Ethiopia is my world. Wherever I am and wherever I go Ethiopia is always with me. Ethiopia is the country to which I give the most values in my life. I belong to Ethiopia and that is my world.


Source: ethiopianreporter



01 - Jah Lude - Dansé Dansé (4:26)
02 - Jah Lude - Guro Wesheba (4:22)
03 - Jah Lude - Ager Bet (3:52)
04 - Jah Lude - Yachin Neger (2:56)
05 - Jah Lude - Asho Bal Yaho (3:57)
06 - Jah Lude - Wegen Alegn (4:03)
07 - Jah Lude - Rege Dub Dub (3:32)
08 - Jah Lude - Metahu (4:28)
09 - Jah Lude - Asiyo Belema (3:39)
10 - Jah Lude - Zerafewa (4:15)
11 - Jah Lude - Yergib Amora (3:20)
12 - Jah Lude - Ende Ersachew (4:10)
13 - Jah Lude - Fayamo (4:10)
14 - Jah Lude - YeGeter Lij (2:57)
15 - Jah Lude - Godanaw (2:59)
16 - Jah Lude - Alehu (4:06)
17 - Jah Lude - Bati (bonus track) (3:49)


Monday, September 29, 2014

Haile Roots - [2012] - Chiggae [ethiopia]




Haile Roots - Melkam Yamarech



       Ethiopian singer Haile Roots released his first album of Amharic-language reggae called Chiggae (indicating a mix of the Ethiopian 6/8 time rhythm called “chikchika” and reggae). 






         Chiggae is the debut Amharic language album from Hailemichael Getnet, better known by his stage name as Haile Roots. The 33-year-old singer came up with a display of real roots, showcasing compelling, melodic riffs and interesting lyrics. The 13-track album, arranged and composed by Elias Melka, takes you on a journey of love, righteousness, empowerment, and is filled with rhythms that blend perfectly with his incredible voice.


       Haile first came to attention years ago when he was featured in Teddy Afro’s ‘Bob Marely’ and he later released a single track tilted ‘Yes I’ that he played live at Juvents Club and Millennium Hall. That single track is included in the newest album under a different title, Ethiopia. 





     Recorded in Addis Ababa’s Begena Studio, the new album is engaging and entertaining collection on issues of solidarity, unity, exile, loss of youth and transcending bitterness. Jamaican and Ethiopian stars ranging from Luciano to Mikey General and Eyob Mekonnen have been featured in the album. Continental drift has rarely sounded funkier.

     Album opener Woudnesh is an encouragement for women and affirmations of faith in the power of the human spirit. The singer appeals to young Ethiopian women to be strong in the face of sexual exploitation, and material obsession. Life’s challenges can be met, he says.

The title track Chiggae is a hybrid of the Ethiopian chikchika and Jamaica reggae, putting a distinctly local spin on the reggae form. The lyric goes :

Leave me alone sadness and sorrow
The sun will shine tomorrow
No more cry and sad life again
I will be stronger than my pain
  
       The relative manner provides the ample story telling for that particular thing that has happened to us all. This is particularly evident in the sixth track, Yetefa yigegnal, where the claps summon the urgency required to claw forth the truth for the prospective listener. Melkam Yamarech, showcases the singer’s romantic side.





         The twelfth track Harambee (which in Swahili means unity) also shows strength in arrangement. It has a very nice atmosphere and the instrumentation progresses enough underneath it to give you a sense of development.The message calls for creating the environment for African to move together as one people. “The more we realise what we can do together as a unit, the farther we will get as an African nation,” he says.

The lyrics go :

Weh need so much love inna Africa Land
Righteousness di way fi all human kind
No more tribal war no more confusion
One love my people one revelation


      Overall, Chiggae is one of the better contemporary reggae albums to be heard in a while, with its evocative songwriting and neat production. His homilies about peace, hope, love, unity are sincere, delivered with power, accurate time and pitch.


Haile Roots - Wedenesh (4:21)
Haile Roots - Bado Neber (3:28)
Haile Roots - Chiggae (3:03)
Haile Roots - Nisueh Quanquayie (4:10)
Haile Roots - Byemehalu (3:59)
Haile Roots - Yetefa Yigegnal (2:58)
Haile Roots - Melkam Yamarech (3:59)
Haile Roots - Ethiopia (4:45)
Haile Roots - Chew Lerasesh (3:51)
Haile Roots - Leman Biyie (4:05)
Haile Roots - Harambie (3:53)