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