Mehari Brothers - Ethiopian Music(s) Festival [2010] [ethiopia]

        Mehari Brothers is musical phenomenon, with music that defy borders and a performance that speaks to people in all walks of life and nations. The band has always followed a solitary and distinctive path with a group of educated as well as talented musicians gifted with a perfect pitch.

        The band members include Henock Mehari on keys and vocals, Robel Mehari on guitar, lwam Mehari on bass, Halal Mehari on drums, Tesfamariam Elias on keys and Zelalem Nigatu on drums.

        Ethiopian music history witnessed several short lived, but in one way or another extraordinary bands. After the military orchestra at the end of 1950s and the beginning of 1960s, introduced modern musical sounds for, several privately owned bands started to emerge here and there. Especially during the golden era of the Ethiopian music, the 1970s have seen bands that transformed the sound to a timeless melody.

        Among these bands, many still remember Roha band. This band, for many, is answerable for shaping the entire Ethiopian modern music in its own rhythm. Considering its significant role in the over all Ethiopian modern music history, there are contradictory opinions about the band. Some blame Roha band for controlling the Ethiopian music industry in its golden era, monopolizing and limiting the sound only to its own. The 1970s Ethiopian music, one way or another was fashioned to the Roha band style and sound only.

        Others differ by arguing that Roha band is the best thing that ever happened to Ethiopian music. Though several bands at the time existed in Ethiopia, none of them could compete with Roha band whether in style, sound and discipline. Roha band gained a monopoly status at the time because the members were talented young and passionate professionals who understood not only music but also the music business.

       When we come to the era we are currently in, bands seem to lose their touch in the contemporary Ethiopian music. However, some bands are struggling to bring the real sound back to the audience tired of repeated computer sounds. One of these bands is Mehari Brother’s. Established six years back by four brothers, the band is unique for the Ethiopian music industry for incorporating members of the same family. Though this kind of band composition is common in other countries, Mehari Brothers are one of a kind for Ethiopia.

                Mehari Brothers answered several questions in their interview with Kalkidan Magazine, an Amharic magazine that publishes twice a month. They explained several questions including the history of their establishment, the vicissitudes of their six years music togetherness, and the recent rumor that says they no longer together.

            Mahari Brothers was established with the first name of their father Mehari about six years a go Henok, Luwam, Robele and Helal. Before the establishment of the band, the four brothers were musicians in their own individual paths. For example, Henok was a member of some of famous bands in Ethiopia at one particular time like Express and Afro Sound bands. The rest of the brothers were also engaged in music.

Mehari Brothers - Konjiye ቆንጂዬ

         Finally, they got together and established Mehari Brother. Compare to its short-term life, the band has been a success so far. In addition to a nation wide fame, they traveled to several parts of the world and performed their music. They toured to Canada, USA, Sweden, Israel, and UAE and in Africa Tanzania, Djibouti and Kenya.

               Mehari brothers say that they never had a failed concert. Every concert gave them its own success story. However, they value one particular concert more.That is the time when they performed with their childhood idol Tewodros Tadesse. With 10,000 audiences at Millennium hall, Mehari Brothers say that they saw their dream come true by having Teddy with them on the stage. They remember the concert as a monument when they realized hard work will eventually pays off.

           The other concert that changed Mehari Brothers view of music business is the tour with Zeritu Kebede. The tour that covered several cities of Ethiopia and titled “Yezeritu Guzo” was one of the few times when musicians tried uninterrupted tour all over the country. Mehari Brothers say that the tour was not only enjoyable for them and for the fans but also showed them how hungry Ethiopian towns are for music.

       Mehari Brothers agree that the replacement of sounds with computer technology, instead of using a real talent is actually hurting Ethiopian music. The computer makes music by different musicians sound similar, which results fed up, by the audience in a short period. They believe that the responsibility of bringing back the real creative and timeless sound relies on the current musicians including them. One of the few regrets they have so far in their six years band history is that they did not make an album with a full band. However, they say it is not late and they are working on it currently.

The brothers address the rumor that they do not exist as a band any more. Accordingly, the gossip is not true and the band is in a stronger shape as always. They say Mhari Brothers is not owned only be blood related family members but also by many musicians which made it create its own line of family. So far, except one of the brothers Helal who is no longer in the band because he is in school, the band is tact and the members have a smooth relationship. The brothers believe that the band established it self strongly and it will continue even if they are no longer members for whatever reason.

The brothers dream of contributing their share to Ethiopian music by making true, creative and timeless sounds. Currently they are planning to work with the new music sensation Haile Rutes and Abenet Agonafer. In addition, they say they have different albums that will be released when the timing is rights.

Mehari Brothers - 01 - Mic Mac a Mekele (8:11)

Mehari Brothers - 02 - Antchi Nane Hoye (7:58)

Mehari Brothers - 03 - Eskista (7:19)

Mehari Brothers - 04 - Gamo (6:23)

Mehari Brothers - 05 - Maga Bo (5:34)

Mehari Brothers - 06 - Ahahaha (4:55)

Mehari Brothers - 07 - Bonus (4:49)