Kibrom Birhane - Kibrom's Tizita [2014] [ethiopia]

visit his website here >  http://www.kibromusika.com/

             Kibrom Birhane is Ethiopian Pianist, Multi Instrumentalist / producer / songwriter / Record / Mix engineer, arranger and composer passionate about Ethiopian folk, world, pop, jazz and gospel music. 

                 Kibrom started his musical career in a very early stage of his life, and had the opportunity to work, perform and record with musicians from all over the world. While attending Los Angeles College of music, he was fortunate to learn under great musicians such as: Sean Halley (Vinnie Colaiuta, Jerry Marotta, Richard Marx), Andre Knecht, Andrew Murdock (Godsmack, Alice Cooper, Linkin Park), Dave Pozzi (Celine Dion, Diana Krall), Howie Shear (George Benson, Stevie Wonder), Tony Inzalaco (Oscar Peterson, Dexter Gordon) and many others.

Kibrom Birhane - Zelesegna  ዘለሰኛ

           Learning how to play the krar, a five stringed traditional Ethiopian lyre, at age 8, Kibrom Birhane found himself enthralled by Orthodox chanting. “Always it moves me when I hear music,” he says. And from that time on he knew he wanted to pursue a career in music. Kibrom eventually began teaching piano to other students for about three years before receiving a scholarship to attend the Los Angeles College of Music where he developed a passion beyond Ethiopian folk music, and became a songwriter and composer focusing on the fusion of Ethiopian folk with jazz and gospel sounds. His debut album entitled ‘Kibrom’s Tizita’ was recently released by Tsehai Records, a new division of Tsehai Publishers. Kibrom describes his new album as “an exploration of Ethiopian heritage through folk and pop music with a jazz backbone.”

           Kibrom is also a record and mixing engineer and says he “learned to play all of these different roles over time, and with that came new innovations” in his music and sound. His solo pieces are among his most personal works, and Kibrom shares that they are “an expression of what I feel at the moment. I don’t study or learn solos; I just play them.”

           Kibrom hopes to reach the younger generation with his music. He sees the power of fusion as a way to expose individuals to Ethiopian music while adopting a style that is already familiar to them (such as jazz). Kibrom has already garnered some success including writing the score for the documentary film ‘Sincerely Ethiopia,’ singing in the award-winning documentary ‘Get Together Girls,’ and composing music for the documentary on the African Union’s 50th year celebration.

     “The raw sincerity of Birhane’s music seeks to make strong connections with listeners as they are transported on a musical journey. And a journey it is – Kibrom uses Ethiopian scales, which are rarely heard in Western music. The distinct nature of these scales makes for hypnotic listening,” states Tsehai Records.

Kibrom Birhane - 01 - Pending Prayer (4:06)

Kibrom Birhane - 02 - Yonas Gorfe Tribute (5:10)

Kibrom Birhane - 03 - Simagne Hageree (4:25)

Kibrom Birhane - 04 - Wazema (5:26)

Kibrom Birhane - 05 - Broken but Beautiful (10:06)

Kibrom Birhane - 06 - Jiret (7:02)

Kibrom Birhane - 07 - Psalm 92 (4:47)

Kibrom Birhane - 08 - Kibrom's Tizita (feat. Etsegenet Mekonnen) (5:03)

Kibrom Birhane - 09 - Zelesegna (4:30)

Kibrom Birhane - 10 - Ambassel (feat. Etsegenet Mekonnen) (4:34)

Teshome Wolde - Achaye Melse [2003] [ethiopia]

             Teshome Wolde is born 8 September 1957, Shoa, Ethiopia. A soul singer in the style of Mahmoud Ahmed, Wolde first found success in the mid-70s with a series of acclaimed performances at the City Hall Theatre in Addis Ababa. In 1981 he released his first cassette in Ethiopia and he has subsequently released eight more for the local market. He has performed throughout Ethiopia and in neighbouring countries including Djibouti and Saudi Arabia. He has also toured in Europe and the USA. 

          His debut CD, The Ethiopian Soul Review, was recorded at a concert at the Rocket Hall in London in 1994, with backing supplied by the Ethio Stars. Released four years later it features a mixture of high-energy dance tunes and soulful ballads and resembles an intense North African version of the Memphis Soul Reviews of the 60s.

Teshome Wolde

            Teshome Wolde’s love of music took root at a very young age. Early on, he imitated popular artists such as Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed and Teshome Mitiku, singing their hits to his friends and family. A turning point came when the Soul Echos Band staged a live performance at his middle school; Teshome heard Alemayehu Eshete and Getachew Kassa sing and, at that moment, decided that music was his true calling. Against his parents’ advice, he left school to pursue his dream. After being tested by renowned music instructor and band conductor Nerses Nalbandian, Teshome was hired at the City Hall and has been performing there ever since. Eight years into his professional career, home entered the recording studio for the first time, along with the Dahlak Band, and has since recorded eight albums with a variety of bands, including the legendary Roha Band.

         Teshome’s career has afforded him the opportunity to travel worldwide, sharing his songs with music lovers across the globe. He participated in the 11th World Young Festival in Cuba and the 13th World Young Festival in North Korea and has performed concerts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. One of his fondest memories is sharing the stage with the Ethio-Stars Band during the AIT-sponsored 1991 North American Tour.

Teshome Wolde - 01 - Achaye Melse (4:54)
Teshome Wolde - 02 - Yinager Fikir (5:33)
Teshome Wolde - 03 - Ye-Shewa Alemena (5:18)
Teshome Wolde - 04 - Tingirt (5:15)
Teshome Wolde - 05 - Yamiral Dem-Gibatish (5:13)
Teshome Wolde - 06 - Litishegnegn New Fikire (4:31)
Teshome Wolde - 07 - Wanchaye (6:35)
Teshome Wolde - 08 - Fikiriye Atleyign (5:32)
Teshome Wolde - 09 - Gura-Maile Sendesh (5:16)
Teshome Wolde - 10 - Ye-Gile Nat Yalkush (4:56)
Teshome Wolde - 11 - Kanchi Wodia Lene (3:42)
Teshome Wolde - 12 - Shertet Aletch (5:44)
Teshome Wolde - 13 - Hagere (4:12)
Teshome Wolde - 14 - Engida Mekebel (3:58)

Aklilu Seyum - Yachew Megednga [2013] [ethiopia]

Aklilu Seyum 

1954-2010

        Aklilu Seyum was one of the most talented singers and songwriters from Ethiopia. He has born 1954 in Gonder and started music career at the age of 18, by joining Police Orchestra.

        Aklilu Seyum was not lonely among a list of artists who succeeded and reached the public consciousness of modern Ethiopian music. He published  9 solo albums  and 1 collaboration album

         Aklilu left Ethiopia in 1990 and went to Israel.

        He died on saturday, 04/12/2010. after a long struggle that lasted four years as a result of cancer.

Aklilu Seyum - 01 - Ese Ney (5:05)
Aklilu Seyum - 02 - Yanchw Mengedemga (6:09)
Aklilu Seyum - 03 - Shtish Kangete (4:46)
Aklilu Seyum - 04 - Hememe Nesh (5:37)
Aklilu Seyum - 05 - Gedamye (5:11)
Aklilu Seyum - 06 - Alebngi Woleta (4:55)
Aklilu Seyum - 07 - Zeb Nesh Lene (4:56)
Aklilu Seyum - 08 - Hod Alchil Alengi (5:28)
Aklilu Seyum - 09 - Tizita New Sinku (5:12)
Aklilu Seyum - 10 - Dehna Hungi (6:00)

Daniel Woldegabriel - Yenie Alem [2009] [ethiopia]

Daniel W-Gabriel - Awasa langano-Hirutye

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 01. Oouta Ayaskefam (5:31)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 02. Yebelay Negnna (7:24)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 03. Alamen Alena (6:30)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 04. Batty (4:06)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 05. Mot Adeladlogn (5:42)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 06. Amalealea (5:13)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 07. Kelealeh Yelehea (4:15)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 08. Fikren Atawat (4:03)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 09. Mengedegnanew Libesh (6:34)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 10. Jemayea (6:19)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 11. Hulum Awko Endenor (5:36)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 12. Agul Tekoragntogn (7:18)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 13. Musica (4:32)

Daniel WoldeGabriel - 14. Fikreahoy Temekeree (4:38)

Mary Armeday / Mary Armede - Satenaw [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

        Mary Armeday's love-folk songs and her unique krar playing style have become a classic in the history of ethiopian music and she will forever be remembered for her talent and her love for entertaining.

01. Mary Armede - Track 01 (5:28)

02. Mary Armede - Track 02 (5:51)

03. Mary Armede - Track 03 (4:24)

04. Mary Armede - Track 04 (2:19)

05. Mary Armede - Track 05 (6:14)

06. Mary Armede - Track 06 (5:48)

  07. Mary Armede - Track 07 (10:53)

08. Mary Armede - Track 08 (6:27)

09. Mary Armede - Track 09 (5:42)

10. Mary Armede - Track 10 (3:06)

Sileshi Demissie [aka Gash Abera Molla] [erhiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

      Seleshe Damessae (also known as Sileshi Demissie and Gashe Abera Molla) is an extraordinary singer and musician from Ethiopia. He uses a complex vocal styling, sung in Amharic, his native language. He accompanies himself on the krar, a 6-string lyre which dates back to the ancient civilizations of the Nile.

Sileshi Demissie (aka Gash Abera Molla) - The Master of Kirar

     Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Seleshe Damessae began studying the krar at an early age with his father, and later attended the Yared School of Music. He spent nearly four years studying traditional Ethiopian culture in northern rural areas, and today is highly respected for his knowledge of the vocal and instrumental music of his native land. 

     Seleshe is also a skilled instrument maker who builds and plays a variety of folk instruments such as krars, fiddles, harps and drums. He has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Africa.

       Seleshe Damessae founded the Gash Abera Molla Association, upon returning to Addis Ababa after 20 years as a successful singer in the United States and decided to address the social and environmental problems that plagued his home city. He set up the new organization and named it after a character in his songs - Gashe Abera, the old man who takes care of his local community. 

       Sileshi Demisse is a master of his craft. He is a legend. What actually sets Sileshi apart from other artists is what is mainly lacking in the industry these days... An authenticity! 

       He is nothing like any artist you know. You can't compare his works to no one or say I've heard that somewhere. He is totally in a league of his own. Often accompanied by his kirar (a traditional string instrument), Sileshi plays melodious songs with lyrics that leave you astonished. In his live sets, he incorporates folk tales and stories that inspired the specific song. And as he start strumming his self made custom kirar, the audience is already all on board to take the journey with him and get lost in his music. This special way of interaction he has with his audience often leads to a sing along. You can't help it but to chant, clap or snap along even if you don't know the words. 

      Gash Abera is also one of the very rare artists who made an album for kids. 'Dankira', one of his children's song.

       Sileshi is not only known for his outstandingly unmatchable creativity but also for the positive impact he made in everyday lives of Ethiopians around the country. He does a phenomenal job in motivating the youth to keep their environment clean and helping tackle related health issues. In Ethiopia, the name 'Gash Abera Molla' is a synonym for 'Clean your neighborhood'. He has done almost the unthinkable in helping change the image of cities around Ethiopia. He inspired the youth around the country not only by teaching them the importance of a clean environment but also by participating in action. 

    Sileshi and his army of young Ethiopians were out picking up trash, cleaning up streets and setting up public parks where children and adults enjoy themselves. Places where people use as dumpster were turned into a green zone. Eventually, the mission grew from  being 'Gash Abera and the youth' to inspiring the entire community get involved. He had accomplished what the city municipals around the country couldn't even attempt. His mission of creating a cleaner and healthier environment is still an ongoing effort that every Ethiopian should support.  

   Although it has been a minute since he has released a new album, Sileshi has recorded several albums and collaborated with the big names in African music scene. Currently, he resides in Addis Abeba  where he performs and does features  occasionally.

  Sileshi Demissie / Gash Abera Molla - 16 tracks (69 minutes)  

Teshome Mitiku - Yegna Neger [2005] [ethiopia]

           Teshome Mitiku's career stretches back to Addis Ababa, where he began performing at local schools and nightclubs when he was just a teenager.

             In the late 60's, Teshome (singer/keyboard), Theodros "Teddy" Mitiku (alto saxophone), Tamrat Ferendji (trumpet), Fekade Amde-Meskel (bass), Tesfaye Mekonnen (drums), Alula Yohannes (guitar) and Seifu Yohannes (singer) joined to form the influential Soul Ekos Band. The band released numerous songs, including 4 tracks written by Teshome like Gara Ser New Betesh, Yezemed Yebada, Mot Adeladlogn and Hasabe.

Teshome Mitiku - Yegna Neger

             Teshome fled to Sweden at the peak of his musical career in 1969 after the government endorsed a strict, mandatory night curfew, which prevented him from performing at local venues. A few years later, Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown in a coup d'etat by the Dergue regime.

                Teshome permanently moved to Sweden in 1970 and enrolled at the Music Conservatory in Malmo. He started performing with a 12-piece, jazz band, called Tolvan. He then switched gears and enrolled at Lund University, where he received his Masters of Arts in Sociology.

              During a brief visit in the 80's to the United States, Teshome collaborated with the Admas Band and released "Teshome Mitiku and His Experience," an album full of jazzy tracks like Mengezem Hulgezem and Almazeye.

                 In 1995, Teshome relocated to the United States and released the critically acclaimed album "Yegna Neger" with favorite tracks like Photoyen Ayechew and Che Belew.

              In 1994, Mitiku also collaborated with Mulatu Astatke. Mitiku wrote the Wello Song (Pearl of Ethiopia) on Mulatu Astatke's "Assiyo Bellama" album.

           In 1996, he coordinated with various Ethiopian artists and formed the first Ethiopian Music Association, where they teamed up and performed at various fundraisers to raise money for orphanages in Ethiopia.

             His third album "Gara Ser New Betish" was released in 1997 with splendid tracks like Satenow and Bechegnaw.

              In 1998, four of the songs that were originally recorded with the Soul Ekos Band and Teshome were released on "Ethiopiques Vol. 1".

          In 1999, Teshome released his fourth album, "Yesterday & Today" with saxophonist and brother, Teddy Mitiku with remastered hits like Alemazeye and Che Belew .

            In 2002, Either/Orchestra released "Afro-Cubism," a six track album that contained Teshome Mitiku's Yezemed Yebada.

             Teshome's fifth album, Topia's Deluge was released on May 9th, 2006.

01 - Teshome Mitiku - Ethiopiawe Net (5:38)

02 - Teshome Mitiku - Yegna Neger (8:13)

03 - Teshome Mitiku - Susegnash (5:50)

04 - Teshome Mitiku - Betachen Andnew (6:50)

05 - Teshome Mitiku - Photoyen Ayechew (4:52)

06 - Teshome Mitiku - Che Belew (8:45)

07 - Teshome Mitiku - Gabechachen (8:06)

08 - Teshome Mitiku - Semot Ataleksu (7:46)

09 - Teshome Mitiku - Tariku Bacheru (8:31)

10 - Teshome Mitiku - Wahuye (7:15)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - Leul Aswededegn [2004] [ethiopia]

             Singer Fekereaddis Nekatebeb was born and raised in Gonder, in a place/town called Dembia Koladeba. She started her music career at a young age in Gonder employed in the military. At the time, her parents didn’t have the clear knowledge of the importance of a music career; their choice for their daughter was for her to pursue work just like the ordinary, to become a doctor or to get educated to turn into a better person. As life’s path is a mystery, Fekereaddis stayed firm in her music profession.

        The famous musician Tesfaye Lemesa, went to Gondar, and arranged Fekereaddis ’s first album, which became bestselling album of the time.

         Fekereaddis in speaking about her successful profession as dancer, she gives the utmost gratitude to choreographer Ejigayehu Abdisa, for the matter the fact Fekereaddis still raises her as the person who showed her the path to her singing profession.

           In her music profession, she got recognized for her amazing voice and songs, to raise some of her works. Fekereaddis have worked with different melody and lyric composers including artists such as Tsegaye Deboch, Abebe Birehane, Adugna Bogale, Sirak Tadese, Elias Melka, Habtamu Bogale, and music arangers, including Tesfaye Lemesa, Roha Band, Elias Melka and Abegaz Kibrework.

            She proudly speaks of the great respect and adoration she has for her countries great musicians Aster Aweke. Another great singer address’s her adoration to Fekereaddis in person and in the public media. In addition to the numerous successful albums Fekereaddis released as a single artist, the single she worked with cooperation of singer Dereje Degefaw, which focus on HIV, are one of the few songs which gave her adoration from the audience. Fekereaddis proclaims music as her life, and the way she makes a living, she adds that she support her family of seven by her profession. Fekereaddis is a valuable artist who cooperates in countless career wise issues, making her a person who values her peers first hand.

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 01 - Yengat Wef (6:07)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 02 - Bagerachn (7:04)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 03 - Yamu Yamu (5:16)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 04 - Yanekal (6:37)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 05 - Leul Aswededegn (5:41)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 06 - Mergan Yzo (5:41)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 07 - Tesmagn Terunba (6:14)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 08 - And Sew (7:59)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 09 - Sbebu (6:19)

Fekereaddis Nekatebeb - 10 - Blo Blo (4:46)

v.a. - The Ethiopian Millennium Collection [CD 4 - Traditional] [2007] [ethiopia]

     The golden age of Ethiopian popular music (as heard on the fabled ETHIOPIQUES series) is famous in part for the sparsity of material that it yielded: The state-owned recording industry was largely a ramshackle government vanity, and while music of the music it captured was strikingly haunting, only a few dozen tracks were recorded in the 1960s and '70s... 

Shambel Belayneh - Yezenaye

       Since then, the floodgates have opened as Ethiopia has more or less entered the modern world -- more artists are making and recording more music than was dreamed possible back in the politically repressive "good old days," and the fruits of this renaissance are heard on this 6-CD set. 

      The tracks are from the late 1990s and early '00s -- the artists are generally younger, more modern musicians, although a few old-timers like Mahmoud Ahmed are still alive and kicking, and sound as cool as ever. Although this collection doesn't have the same eerie power as the '70s-era recordings, anyone who got into the ETHIOPIQUES discs will want to check this out as well, to see where the music has gone since then.

01 - Shambel Belayneh - Kalem Alemnew (7:47)

02 - Rahel Yohannes - Menelik (5:37)

03 - Woretaw Wubet - Tey Minew (7:30)

04 - Setegn Atanaw - Dejish Teselife (6:36)

05 - Berhane Haile - Ferait Weyni (3:38)

06 - Shambel Belayneh - Endennesh Endennesh (5:49)

07 - Woretaw Wubet - Ethiopia (5:50)

08 - Rahel Yohannes - Yiwedes Gonder (5:47)

09 - Setegn Atanaw - Gonder (7:40)

10 - Shambel Belayneh - Arheebu (6:17)

11 - Rahel Yohannes - Arada (6:24)

12 - Woretaw Wubet - Woy Dire (7:52)

Mohammed Ibraahim [Xawiil] - Galaana [2008] [ethiopia]

01 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Jaalala Dhugaa (6:26)
02 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Intaley (5:30)
03 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Jaalalaan (5:47)
04 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Jeedo (4:30)
05 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Jimmitti (5:28)
06 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Habiibi (Sudaan) (5:45)
07 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Hin Yaadini (5:17)
08 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Naf Jacel Halelay (7:04)
09 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Mee Yomiin Si'arka (6:52)
10 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Shirgigaate (8:22)
11 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Yoomuma (5:52)
12 - Mohammed Ibraahim - Galaana (9:59)

Chalachew Ashenafi & Birtukan Dubale - Yebachl Mezekir [2011] [ethiopia]

Chalachew Ashenafi - Yabay Darwa

01 - Birtukan Dubale - Aynama (5:40)
02 - Chalachew Ashenafi - Akale (6:37)
03 - Chalachew Ashenafi & Birtukan Dubale - Tey Manesh (9:45)
04 - Birtukan Dubale - Anteye (5:25)
05 - Chalachew Ashenafi - Hyle Abeba (6:47)
06 - Birtukan Dubale - Dera New (4:14)
07 - Chalachew Ashenafi & Birtukan Dubale - Endet Neh (7:12)
08 - Chalachew Ashenafi - Ehehe (5:38)
09 - Chalachew Ashenafi - Shilela (8:25)