Chalachew Ashenafi - unknown album [1992] [ethiopia]

Chalachew Ashenafi ቻላቸው አሸናፊ - Temonamona Alu [ተሞናሞነ አሉ]

Chalachew Ashenafi - 01 - Temonamona Alu [ተሞናሞነ አሉ] (6:13)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 02 - GumGum [ጉምጉም] (5:16)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 03 - Keberet Alem [ክብረት አለም] (4:34)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 04 - Gojam Lem Ager [ጎጃም ለም አገር] (8:18)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 05 - Endenesh [እንዴነሽ] (6:46)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 06 - Sedet [ሰደት] (8:01)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 07 - Teymeleshu Gela ]ተይመልሺው ገላ] (4:00)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 08 - Etu Gela [እቱ ገላ] (3:43)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 09 - Shemunmun [ሸሙንሙን] (5:16)

Chalachew Ashenafi - 10 - Selela [ሽለላ] (9:22)

Aster Aweke - Ewedihalehu [2013] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Aster Aweke - Ewedihalehu 

01. Aster Aweke - Che Ferese (4:41)
02. Aster Aweke - Aye Sew (6:08)
03. Aster Aweke - Sendelela (5:12)
04. Aster Aweke - Zakera (4:48)
05. Aster Aweke - Wuha (3:00)
06. Aster Aweke - Selam (6:15)
07. Aster Aweke - New Year Awdamet (6:34)
08. Aster Aweke - Hulun Yemitiwed (4:39)
09. Aster Aweke - Hid Demo (7:03)
10. Aster Aweke - Enen Yaye (6:50)
11. Aster Aweke - Fiker Fiker (4:51)
12. Aster Aweke - Ayaya (6:24)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia [2008] [ethiopia]

      Between 2003 and 2006, Bastien Lagatta, musician and ethnomusicologist, undertook musical researches among the agro-pastoral societies of the Omo valley, thanks to the support of the CNRS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNESCO. For months, he has shared the everyday life of the semi-nomads tribes Nyangatom, Mursi and Bodi, and has taken up the study of their musical repertories. The trek, of several hundred kilometres along the Omo river, in such an amazing natural environment, led him to the heart of Humanity with its peculiar mores, customs and habits. 

              Greatly endearing, these men and women live in a world whose balance is precarious. These recordings reveal the importance of this patrimonial, cultural and artistic heritage.

Benjamin Goldenstein & Patrick Frémeaux

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 01 - Introduction: Troupeaux De Zébus Aux Paturages (1:01)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 02 - Loniyang: Monodie (2:36)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 03 - Loutouleniyang: Monodie (1:49)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 04 - Lopelouk, Suivi De Lobokhiniyang (6:11)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 05 - Lokengkori (1:48)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 06 - Chants Des Vieux Bergers De La Génération Des Élephants (3:35)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 07 - Loumougoulmoye: Chant Collectif Mixte (3:07)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 08 - Chant De Travail: Duo Féminin (2:53)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 09 - Niameley Ye Loporiang (4:40)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 10 - Rienga Rienga Loporiang (6:08)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 11 - Aleke Lokholoya (4:50)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 12 - Flûte Mursi Morou (1:50)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 13 - Oletchay (1:04)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 14 - Naboula Nadongulu (1:44)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 15 - Nangwayna Kara (1:25)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 16 - Badio Laute (1:45)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 17 - Kalalalibosso (1:13)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 18 - Flûtes Morou (2:26)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 19 - Kaenaniye (1:01)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 20 - Komdaye (1:01)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 21 - Ayolo Deguelaye (1:08)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 22 - Noukouregnanineye (1:11)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 23 - ADJenoloynetch (0:35)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 24 - Flûtes Morou (1:02)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 25 - Ambiance De Fête Au Village De Gui Ha (1:14)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 26 - Trompe Trounotey (1:22)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 27 - Danse Et Chant Collectif Mixte Pour Les Troupeaux (1:27)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 28 - Duo Vocal Féminin (5:02)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 29 - Epilogue: À Ce Voyage Musical… (1:05)

Genet Masresha - Yaz Yaz [ethiopia]

Genet Masresha - Yaz Yaz 

Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 01 - Yesasa ይሳሳ (6:35)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 02 - Yata Melam Yesew ያጣ መላም የሰው (7:15)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 03 - Yashbelu ያሽበሉ (6:23)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 04 - Yenesew የኔሰው (5:21)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 05 - Nesana ንሳና (5:39)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 06 - Yaz yaz ያዝያዝ (6:26)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 07 - Aynamaye አይናማዬ (4:49)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 08 - Endemennat Gonder እንደምናት ጐንደር (6:20)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 09 - Munaw Belay ሙናው በላይ (7:33)
Genet Masresha ገነት ማስረሻ - 10 - Wubatu ውበቱ (5:55)

Netsanet Melesse - Liben [2013] [ethiopia]

Netsanet Melesse - Liben

Netsanet Melesse - 01 - Atidewulilign (5:20)

Netsanet Melesse - 02 - Karamelaye (5:11)

Netsanet Melesse - 03 - Fikre Belegn (6:14)

Netsanet Melesse - 04 - Feker (4:45)

Netsanet Melesse - 05 - Laferede Ayemachem (4:24)

Netsanet Melesse - 06 - Nega Lelaqane (4:37)

Netsanet Melesse - 07 - Shamasari (5:11)

Netsanet Melesse - 08 - Eruqe (5:06)

Netsanet Melesse - 09 - Lela Lela (5:49)

Netsanet Melesse - 10 - Amata Meherate (5:15)

Netsanet Melesse - 11 - Liben (5:57)

Netsanet Melesse - 12 - Mushirit Ethiopia (5:03)

Netsanet Melesse - 13 - Amoniale (4:22)

Netsanet Melesse - 14 - Tamane Eneji (4:55)

Netsanet Melesse - 15 - Bay Bay (6:09)

Anbessa Orchestra - [2015] - Anbessa Orchestra [EP] [usa+eth]

       Anbessa Orchestra is a 7 piece group from NYC that draws it's inspiration from the beautiful music of Ethiopia. Playing arrangements of Ethiopian funk tunes from the 60's-70's as well as original music with Ethiopian influences.

Wayne Tucker - Trumpet

Eyal Vilner - Alto Sax

Eden Bareket - Baritone Sax

Nadav Peled - Guitar

Dor Heled - Keyboards

Tamir Shmerling - Bass

Eran Fink - Drums

Anbessa Orchestra - 01 - Aynotche Terabu (4:40)

Anbessa Orchestra - 02 - Yematibela Wef (5:20)

Anbessa Orchestra - 03 - Lions  (4:51)

Anbessa Orchestra - 04 - Nagatti Si Jedha (4:19)

Anbessa Orchestra - 05 - Le'b (6:08)

Anbessa Orchestra - 06 - Zelel Zelel (3:20)

Anbessa Orchestra - 07 - Antchi Qondjo (3:17)

Anbessa Orchestra - 08 - Gurage (8:34)

Tilahun Gessesse - Wegen alegn [1987] [ethiopia]

Tilahun Gessesse - Ayikedashim libe

Tilahun Gessesse - 01 - Wegen alegn (10:01)

Tilahun Gessesse - 02 - Ayikedashim libe (5:29)

Tilahun Gessesse - 03 - Fikirsh new yegodagn (6:11)

Tilahun Gessesse - 04 - Baletela (3:46)

Tilahun Gessesse - 05 - Akamnaguma feyuma (7:39)

Tilahun Gessesse - 06 - Behwala (5:15)

Tilahun Gessesse - 07 - Ethiopia (7:04)

Tilahun Gessesse - 08 - Zenbo (6:14)

Tilahun Gessesse - 09 - Siko menor (4:16)

Tilahun Gessesse - 10 - Ene alamaregnem (3:41)

Tilahun Gessesse - Tilahun Gessesse [1975] [ethiopia]

      Tilahun Gessesse (Amharic: ጥላሁን ገሠሠ) (also spelled Telahun Gesesse or Tlahoun Gèssèssè) was an Ethiopian singer. He was born on September 29, 1940, in Addis Ababa and died on April 19, 2009.

Tilahun was born to Woizero Gete Gurmu and Ato Gessesse Negusse. When he was fourteen years old, he was taken by his grandfather to Waliso where he began attending Ras Gobena Elementary School.

As time went by, his interest in music became increasingly clear, although his grandfather urged him to concentrate on his academic studies. The Ras Gobena School Principal Mr. Shedad (who was from Sudan), encouraged Tilahun's interest in music and urged him to go to Sudan to pursue his music career. Although Tilahun did not go to Sudan, he took Mr. Shedad's advice very seriously. When Woizro Negatwa Kelkai, Ato Eyoel Yohanes and others artists from the Hager Fikir Theatre came to his school to perform, Tilahun took the opportunity to discuss his interest in music with Ato Eyoel. He was told to go to Addis Ababa if he wanted to pursue a career in the field.

Tilahun Gessesse - Agul New

Tilahun left school to go to Addis Ababa, a journey he began on foot without his grandfather's consent. When his grandfather realized that Tilahun was no longer in Woliso, he informed Tilahun's great-aunt in Tulu Bolo. After Tilahun traveled fifteen kilometers on foot, he was caught in Tulu Bolo and stayed overnight with his great-aunt Woizero Temene Bantu. The next day, he was forced to return back to his grandfather in Woliso. Since his interest in music lay deep in his heart, Gessesse chose not to stay at his grandfather's house in Woliso. After staying only one night at his grandfather’s house, he again began his journey to Addis Ababa, this time hiding himself in the back of a loaded truck.

In Addis Ababa, Tilahun was first hired by the Hager Fikir Association, which is now known as Hager Fikir Theater. After a few years at the Hager Fikir Theater, he joined the Imperial Bodyguard Band where he became a leading star singer. During his time with the band, Gessesse ran afoul of the government after the attempted coup d'état of December 1960 by the Imperial Bodyguard. He was arrested and put in prison for a time.

Tilahun moved to the National Theater where his success continued. He was so famous that he appeared three times in front of Emperor Haile Selassie I. During a visit, the Emperor advised him not to abuse his talent.

The majority of Tilahun's recordings are in Amharic, and some are in Oromiffa.

He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University, in appreciation of his contribution to Ethiopian music. He has also received an award for his lifetime achievements from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust.

Tilahun Gessesse died on April 19, 2009. He had been in poor health for several years due to diabetes.

Tilahun Gessesse - A1 - Hebret (2:50)

Tilahun Gessesse - A2 - Bezu Gizie Alefe (2:50)

Tilahun Gessesse - A3 - Agul New (2:56)

Tilahun Gessesse - A4 - Megnot Eko Helme New (2:48)

Tilahun Gessesse - B1 - Derese (4:30)

Tilahun Gessesse - B2 - Feker Betwan Serta (2:35)

Tilahun Gessesse - B3 - Kasegnesh (3:03)

Tilahun Gessesse - B4 - Kanchi Gar Kalhone (2:50)

Chachi Tadesse - Hoya Hoye [1999] [ethiopia]

          Most Rastafarians consider Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland and identify with that country to some extent-some even incorporate Amharic phrases into their songs, the classic example being the Abyssinians' repatriation classic "Satta Massa Gana." 

Chachi Tadesse - Enkuan Des Yalachu

        Chachi Tadesse does this tradition one step better-she actually is Ethiopian, and sings primarily in Amharic. 

       And while reggae is the foundation of her art, there's more to it than that; "Musica," with its swaggering beat and turntable work, shows a marked hip-hop influence, while her singing on the dancehall-flavored "Unity" seems to draw at least as much on North African vocal traditions as on the Memphis-by-way-of-Kingston sound that characterizes most reggae singing. Her muttered toasting on "Gorraw" is quietly compelling. She gets help from guests both famous (Stephen Marley, Sizzla) and obscure (Lisa Danger, Billy Mystic), but her shimmering voice is always at the core of each song's sound. This is a remarkable album.

Chachi Tadesse - 01 - Musica (ft. Stephen Marley) (4:45)

Chachi Tadesse - 02 - Hoya Hoye (with Garnett Silk's children) (4:13)

Chachi Tadesse - 03 - Rambosa (ft. Sizzla) (4:15)

Chachi Tadesse - 04 - Fiker Band Menged (One Way Street) (5:09)

Chachi Tadesse - 05 - Hibret (Unity) (ft. Gaddiel & Daweh Congo) (4:17)

Chachi Tadesse - 06 - Ye Africa Negest (African Queen) (ft. Prezident Brown) (4:20)

Chachi Tadesse - 07 - Gorraw (ft. Doniki & Lisa Danger) (4:18)

Chachi Tadesse - 08 - Atresa (Warning) (ft. Billy Mystic, Iqulah Rastafari, Doniki & Steady Ranks) (4:57)

Chachi Tadesse - 09 - Natty Dread (ft. Sister Carol) (3:55)

Chachi Tadesse - 10 - Mesgana (Give Thanks) (ft. Kulcha Knox) (5:43)

Hirut Bekele - 10th album [poor rip] [1978] [ethiopia]

The very last album of Hirut Bekele, legendary ethiopian singer.

Hirut Bekele ሂሩት በቀለ - I am not meant for you  [ባልታደልህ ነው]

Hirut Bekele - 01 - I am not meant for you [ባልታደልህ ነው] (3:22)
Hirut Bekele - 02 - Lend me your name [ስምህን አውስኝ] (6:53)
Hirut Bekele - 03 - Remembering you [ከዓይኔ ውል እያለ] (5:57)
Hirut Bekele - 04 - It is love [ፍቅር ነው] (6:35)
Hirut Bekele - 05 - My darling [ነፍስ ነገር] (6:43)
Hirut Bekele - 06 - I will come today [ዛሬስ እኔው መጣሁ] (6:11)
Hirut Bekele - 07 - My heart like the river Abay [ልቤ እንደ አባይ ውሃ] (5:49)
Hirut Bekele - 08 - The hill [አቀበቱን] (5:18)
Hirut Bekele - 09 - Hidden love [ስውሩ መውደድ] (6:25)
Hirut Bekele - 10 - My defiant heart [ልቤ አብሮ] (5:23)

v.a. - Beyond Addis [Contemporary Jazz & Funk of Ethiopian sound from 70s] [2014]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       Beyond Addis is a collection of contemporary bands (compiled by J. J. Whitefield) inspired by Ethiopian music from the 70′s and features the likes of Akale Wube, Budos Band, Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra, The Heliocentrics and more.

    The music of “Swinging Addis” of the 70′s was a clash of opposite elements: western instruments (drums, bass, guitar, horns) and the stylistic influence of Jazz, Soul, R&B and Rock’n’Roll bumping into traditional techniques of singing and composing, a legacy of Ethiopian popular music. 

    Mastermind of this revolutionary mix was Mulatu Astatke. Now, this compilation gives an overview of the work of young bands around the world inspired by Ethiopian music.

01. Akalé Wubé - Jawa Jawa (Alternate Take) (4:48)
02. The Heliiocentrics - Phantom of the Panther (2:21)
03. Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Yefikir Woha Timu (4:52)
04. Budos Band - Origin of Man (4:54)
05. Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra - Ethio (3:43)
06. Woima Collective - Woima (3:16)
07. Les Frères Smith - La Marche Des Smith (5:55)
08. Karl Hector & the Malcouns - Girma's Lament (2:55)
09. Zafari - Addis Ababa (3:39)
10. Whitefield Brothers - Sem Yelesh (3:22)
11. Transgressors - Beyond Addis (4:03)
12. Tezeta Band - Drop It! (4:53)
13. The Shaolin Afronauts - The Scarab (4:55)
14. Debo Band - Trek from Ethiopia (Part 1) (4:59)

bonus track - vinyl edition
15. International Ducks - The Green Cow (3:27)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - [1985] - [ethiopia]

              Hailu Mergia was born in Debre Birhan, Showa Province, Ethiopia in 1938 (1946 in the European calendar) to parents Tewabech Ezineh and Mergia Lulessa, who were of Amhara and Oromo ancestry, respectively. His mother took him to Aynemisa, close to Addis, where he grew up from age 3 until he was 10 when they moved to the capital Addis Ababa.

                Hailu went to Shimelis Habte high school but dropped out before graduating. In 1952 (1960 in European calendar), he joined the army music department as a boy scout to support his mother. Mergia stayed in the army almost two years, learning how to read and write music.

                After Hailu left the army, he started singing in small bars as a freelance musician. He joined various pick-up bands, touring across the Ethiopian provinces as a singer and accordion player for almost a year. After the group broke up, he started performing in nightclubs like Addis Ababa, Patrice Lumumba, Asegedech Alamrew, Sombrero, Zula Club and others. At Zula Club he and his mates formed Walias Band and did something no other band in Ethiopian nightclub history had done: they started buying their own musical instruments. Until then the club owners were supplying the instruments and had the power to fire musicians at will.

Zula Band 

             For the first time ever Walias Band signed a contract with the owner of Venus Club as a group thereby protecting themselves from club owners. Mergia and Walias Band went on to do gigs at hotels like Wabi Shebele and the Hilton.

             After playing almost eight years at the Hilton Hotel, Mergia and Walias Band came to the United States and toured widely in 1982-1983. Afterwards, some of of the band stayed in America while others went back to Addis. That was a heartbreaking time for the band. They considered themselves a family, and they knew they had broken new ground in the history of Addis nightclub musicians. They had helped make the Ashantis Band from Kenya famous in Addis.

         They were the first private band who played for state dinners at the palace for the Derg government (twice). And, they were the first private band to tour the USA. After the break-up of Walias Band, Mergia settled in the States and formed Zula Band with Moges Habte and Tamiru Ayele, playing in different restaurants and touring in the States and Europe.

             At that time, Mergia made a one-man band recording with accordion for the first time, mixing in Rhodes electric piano, Moog synthesizer and a rhythm machine. That was 1985. This recording was inspired by the early memories of his first instrument, the accordion. After the break-up of Zula Band in 1992, he quit performing and ran Soukous Club for seven years with his partners Moges and Tamiru.

          Hailu Mergia weaves Moog DX7 synthesizer, Rhodes electric piano and rhythm machine into the rich harmonic layering of his accordion, creating hauntingly psychedelic, elegantly arranged instrumentals. These tunes draw from famous traditional and modern Ethiopian songs, as Hailu brilliantly matches lush Amhara, Tigrinya and Oromo melodies with otherworldly flavors soaked in jazz and blues, synthesizing a futuristic landscape. He balances Ethiopian music's signature melodic shape with beautiful analog synth touches, floating upon clouds of hypnotically minimal rhythm tracks.

       Nowadays he's making his living as a self-employed taxi driver at Dulles International Airport while continuing to record his music and practice as often as possible. 

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 01 - Akal Aynish (7:46)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 02 - Kotume (7:00)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 03 - Ere Min Yishalegnal (6:54)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 04 - Ayaskefam (7:15)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 05 - Alamnim (8:39)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 06 - Wusheten New (5:58)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 07 - Hallo Hallo (6:33)

Hailu Mergia and Zula Band - 08 - Engidaye Nesh (7:44)

Hirut Bekele - Gelawa [feat.Tadele Bekele] [ethiopia]

           Step by step, piece by piece, bit by bit ... and the big puzzle of ethiopian oldies is slowly but steadily completing.

          Here is the almost unavailable Hirut Bekele's CD Gelawa. I got it from one of my ethiopian friends. 

Hirut Bekele - Endiaw Zim

          At the conclusion of her music career, the one thing that remained as intact as it has always been is that Artist Hirut Bekele is still the love of her fans and millions of admirers around the world, even myself now I can openly say that, I don’t think if I will ever love any artist as much as I have loved this stunningly gifted vocalist, who is simply as remarkable as a lone “ጽጌረዳ” in the garden.

              You can trace the journey of Hirut Bekele in the music field all the way down to five decades or more and still find her as one of the most dynamically famous artist of all time and surprisingly her songs remained as fresh as they were back in the days, and it appears that, nothing has ever changed since then, except she is no longer in the crowd.

          Off course, like most Ethiopian public figures of her time, even Hirut Bekele herself has taken a long road to fame which was full of unexpected setbacks and missteps along the way but manged to be counted among the greatest contributors in Ethiopian history,

           Plus the countless unforgettable songs that she left behind in the care of her fans across the continent, will forever keep her in the heart of millions.

May God bless the remaining journey of the legendary vocalist.

                                                                                       

          by Eduardo Byrono

Hirut Bekele - 01 - Endiaw Zim (6:12)

Hirut Bekele - 02 - Ere Endet Neh (5:22)

Hirut Bekele - 03 - Shebelaye (6:33)

Hirut Bekele - 04 - Tadele Gelawa (6:06)

Hirut Bekele - 05 - Lib Asataw (4:18)

Hirut Bekele - 06 - Essu Lij Yene Newu (4:21)

Hirut Bekele - 07 - Libe Abro (5:23)

Hirut Bekele - 08 - Anten Bemalete (4:03)

Hirut Bekele - 09 - Demam Konjo (5:25)

Hirut Bekele - 10 - Atiubegn (5:37)

Hirut Bekele - 11 - Endemin Aleh (7:14)