The Kafa Beanz - Andromeda: The Chronicles Of Blackopia, Volume 1 [2008] [usa+eth]

        The Kafa Beanz is a collective of solo artists who blend their Ethiopian culture and music with hip hop, soul, and alternative musical textures. The name “Kafa Beanz” is a play on words.  If one looks at a map of Ethiopia, there is the Kafa region where coffee is known to originate. Coffee was “discovered” by the Portuguese in Ethiopia in the middle ages.  Coffee is the primary export of Ethiopia to this day and considered the country’s most valuable export. This group of young artists, primarily of Ethiopian origin, wanted to express that the true value of Ethiopia is in the people, thus the name Kafa Beanz. 

        The Kafa Beanz formed in 2007 when a group of accomplished Ethiopian-American musicians, producers and vocalist who have been longtime fans of each other’s respective work decided to join forces. Their first project as a collective is entitled “Andromeda: The Chronicles of Blackopia  Vol. 1.”  The project’s title pays homage to Princess Andromeda who, according to Greek Mythology, was the daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus, the king of Ethiopia.

Gabriel Teodros - "Tizita"

          The Kafa Beanz consists of lead vocalists B Sheba(rapper /singer) and Burntface (rapper/producer) and is rounded out by Wayna (singer/songwriter), Gabriel Teodros (rapper), AP (rapper/singer) and various Special Guest Appearances including Hermela Mulatu (singer), daughter of Ethiopian Jazz Musician Mulatu Astatke.

        The Kafa Beanz is a group of solo artists who share a passion for Africa and a desire to expose their music to the world. Four of the five members are of Ethiopian origin, and the exotic sounds of East Africa are evident in their music.

        Despite having a sonic texture heavily influenced by 60s and 70s era Ethiopian Jazz music, The Kafa Beanz have a universal sound that has often been compared to The Fugees, Black Eyed Peas and Outkast. The Kafa Beanz effortlessly blends soulful vocal harmonies and poignant lyrics over an eclectic mixture of classic hip hop and futuristic world music. 

       Each member is an accomplished artist in their own right with their own respective fan bases. Their collective professional experience and talents make for a powerful and versatile combination that can rock a party crowd or tantalize a jazzy lounge or café. In a time when the traditional music industry paradigm is crashing in on itself, and genres are being disregarded, The Kafa Beanz are poised to be the future of world music.

The Kafa Beanz - 01 - Andromeda (1:45)

Wayna, Burntface - 02 - Let It Go (5:04)

Burntface, AP, B Sheba, Wayna - 03 - IRock (2:53)

Burntface, B Sheba, AP - 04 - AA++ (2:28)

B Sheba, Burntface, AP - 05 - Arada  (4:15)

AP, Wayna - 06 - Rebel (2:58)

B Sheba - 07 - Babylon Blues (4:35)

Burntface, B Sheba - 08 - History (3:05)

Wayna, Burntface - 09 - Love's Fool (3:24)

B Sheba, Hermela Mulatu, Burntface, Gabriel Teodros - 10 - Hope (4:43)

Burntface - 11 - Fly Away (3:45)

Burntface, B Sheba, Malik (30), Texx - 12 - Diaspora (3:41)

Gabriel Teodros, B Sheba - 13 - Tizita (4:07)

Wayna - 14 - Final Transmition (3:44)

Black Jesus Experience - Migration [2014] [aus+eth]

       BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE (BJX) is an eight piece band playing an irresistibly danceable blend of traditional Ethiopian song and 21st Century groove. With backgrounds as diverse as the 5 countries the members of BJX hail from, their music reflects the multicultural vibrancy of the band’s hometown, Melbourne, Australia.

       Singer Enushu Taye began entertaining her local community as a child in Addis Ababa. Forced to leave Ethiopia, Enushu migrated to Australia bringing hauntingly beautiful compositions inspired by her remarkable life story and the unique vocal traditions of Ethiopia. Enushu is joined on vocals by poetic giant and lyrical miracle Mr Monk, Zimbabwe born and Outback bred.

Black Jesus Experience - ETHIOBOP

        When not touring BJX run a weekly session at cultural hub The Horn creating new songs live on stage featuring guest artists from all walks of life. The comfort BJX has with this practice lies in the improvising traditions of that feed BJX including Hip Hop, Jazz, Azmari and Funk.

        They have recently released their 5th studio album, a collaboration with their long time mentor, the inventor of Ethio-Jazz: Mulatu Astatke. The album Cradle of Humanity was recorded and mixed across 3 continents and completed at the end of their East Africa tour in 2015, including performances at MTN Bushfire Festival (Swaziland), AZGO Festival (Mozambique) and African Union Expo (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia).

       The rhymes and chimes of Black Jesus Experience deliver the power and beauty of Africa through the vocal prism of Hip-Hop and freedom of Funk.

Black Jesus Experience - 01 - Smile (3:31)

Black Jesus Experience - 02 - Africa (4:43)

Black Jesus Experience - 03 - Bati (3:52)

Black Jesus Experience - 04 - Migration (6:12)

Black Jesus Experience - 05 - Ethio Bop (5:23)

Black Jesus Experience - 06 - Ichilalo (4:25)

Black Jesus Experience - 07 - Mother Earth (4:35)

Black Jesus Experience - 08 - Gimash Akarley (3:19)

Black Jesus Experience - 09 - After (4:47)

Black Jesus Experience - 10 - BB (5:09)

Aster Aweke - Fikir [2006] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       Aster Aweke is often called “Africa’s Aretha Franklin” and has in the past few years been based in America. She was born in Ethiopia into the family of a well-to-do government official. In the mid 1970s the young Aster began to orientate herself with the music of her homeland, and sang with several local groups until 1977. 

       She was backed by one of the leading figures in the world of Ethiopian music, Ali Tango, not least financially. 

      Aster Aweke began to sing with the established group, Roha Band, but broke up with them after a short time when Ethiopia was thrown into political and economic chaos at the time of the revolution. After a few years of traveling around she settled down in Washington, USA. Aster Aweke is a very competent vocalist who sings in an American-influenced style but who nevertheless has preserved an undiscovered core of Africa.

    Aster Aweke must be heard! 

01. Aster Aweke - Fikir (6:08)

02. Aster Aweke - And Adirgen (6:52)

03. Aster Aweke - Netsa Negn (5:16)

04. Aster Aweke - Sewenatae (5:52)

05. Aster Aweke - Ayzoh (5:21)

06. Aster Aweke - Emyae (4:17)

07. Aster Aweke - Lishelimew (5:01)

08. Aster Aweke - Yesew-sew (6:17)

09. Aster Aweke - Azezo (5:51)

10. Aster Aweke - Chal-Chal (4:53)

11. Aster Aweke - Yikirta (5:07)

12. Aster Aweke - Yeamral (6:06)

13. Aster Aweke - Nefsae (6:21)

14. Aster Aweke - Murit (5:21)

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)

Ester Rada - Life Happens ЕP [2012] [israel / ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Ester Rada - Life Happens (Official Video)

       Ester Rada is an Israeli actress and singer.

      Ester Rada’s cross-cultural sound is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian’s heritage. Growing up in a highly religious Jewish family in more than modest conditions in Israel, gave Rada the drive to change her way of life and fulfill her dream of creating music.

      Ester recently released her debut album "Ester Rada", after releasing her acclaimed first self-written and composed solo EP called "Life Happens", which was produced by Israeli producers Kuti (Kutiman/Thru-You) and Sabbo (Soulico), at the beginning of 2013. 

      Rada gained worldwide popularity on a tour across Europe, the United States and Canada. She has recently performed at the Glastonbury Festival. She performed at the opening act of Alicia Keys' concert in Israel. Rada's music video "Life Happens" has been broadcast on MTV France, East Europe, and Israel, as well as on VH1 UK. Rada credits Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin as her musical influences, alongside Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott.

         Rada started her acting career in musical theater, and won an award for her role in Habima Theatre's The Troupe. In 2007 she played a major role in the TV serial "Deus". In the same year she also acted in Habima's play Sdakim bebeton. Filmography and TV Appearances: Still Walking Zrubavel Kirot The Special. Yes's series New York.

    In the end of 2012 Ester Rada released an EP entitled "Life Happens" with four of her songs. The album was positively received by critics, who describe her music as "cross-cultural sound that is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian's heritage" and "graceful composition of Ethio-Jazz, funk, soul and r&b, with mixed undertones of black grooves"

1. Ester Rada - Life Happens (3:56)

2. Ester Rada - Monsters (4:53)

3. Ester Rada - Anything from you (4:52)

4. Ester Rada - Could it be (3:17)

         + BONUS TRACK   

5. Ester Rada - Life Happens (Shimi Sonic remix) (4:17)

interview with Ester Rada : read here >

Arada Boyz - ARADA BOYZ CLUB [2012] [usa+eth]

             Arada Boyz include three members : Nate a.k.a Ethio Boy, Ermias Molla a.k.a. Ermi Mulla and Yaphet Dejazmach a.k.a. YT)

               This group holds a divers and distinct sound, influences from reggaeton to hip-hop.

ARADA BOYZ - Shisha (Produced by Haich)

Arada Boyz - 01 - Intro (1:43)

Arada Boyz - 02 - Hoya Hoye (2:00)

Arada Boyz - 03 - Ambesa (3:37)

Arada Boyz - 04 - Wudejin ft Mahi Mo & C&&B (4:18)

Arada Boyz - 05 - Aytenal (4:19)

Arada Boyz - 06 - Azmari Lijoch (3:02)

Arada Boyz - 07 - Ahead of Them (3:41)

Arada Boyz - 08 - Shisha (4:22)

Arada Boyz - 09 - Anchen New (4:14)

Arada Boyz - 10 - Et. Eri. (4:25)

Arada Boyz - 11 - Outro ft Ras Nebyu (3:11)

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)

Elias Negash Orchestra - Best of Elias Negash [2014] [ethiopia]

Elias Negash - Piano Solo

01 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Zemen (Era) (6:10)
02 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Meskerem (Spring Time) (6:20)
03 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Ewrdish Neber (Lost Love) (5:26)
04 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Kemdelaye (My Way) (6:12)
05 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Tsegereda (Rose) (4:31)
06 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Enken Yelelebesh (Perfect Ten) (6:01)
07 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Tizeta (Memories) (8:07)
08 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Washeches Neber (I Lied to You) (7:08)
09 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Yemyaslekis Fiker (Tears of Love) (7:07)
10 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Ououta (Cry) (4:37)
11 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Tizeta Garedew (Memories Overwhelmed Him) (5:01)
12 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Aynoche Terabu (My Eyes Are Hungry) (6:53)
13 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Wegene (Comrades Joining Forces) (6:02)
14 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Ene Negn Baye Manesh (Ethiopian Beauty) (5:41)
15 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Sethagibne Aznalehu (Ain't No Sunshine) (5:36)
16 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Zerafewa (I Dare You) (5:27)
17 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Be Bega (Summer Time) (6:13)
18 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Menew Teleyeshine (Why Leave Me) (5:31)
19 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Malaika (My Angel) (6:21)
20 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Bertukane - Shegitu (4:32)
21 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Ye Ethiopia Mishet (Ethiopian Nights) (5:24)
22 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Ye Aynoche Tesfa (Hope of My Eyes) (5:24)
23 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Harambe (Let's Pull Together) (6:51)
24 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Addis Ababa Bete (My Home Addis Ababa) (6:38)
25 - Elias Negash Orchestra - Sitihed Siketelat (Persistence)