Chachi Tadesse - [1994] - Global Rhythm [ethiopia]

Chachi Tadesse - I am African

         Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Chachi Tadesse has used her roots to grow an international music career. At the age of sixteen Chachi joined a well known Ethiopian cover-band, touring extensively while building her musical skills and fan base. In 1982 Chachi moved to the USA, taking classes in Music, acting and modeling and touring extensively with reggae artists. 

       Chachi is most known for her musical career as one of the first Ethiopian artists to blend the sounds of reggae with Amharic. After releasing her first album, in Washington D.C., she traveled extensively and got involved in acting, modeling, voice lessons, and fashion design. Chachi returned to Ethiopia in 1992 with her first album selling over 90,000 copies worldwide, but her focus was honed in on the plight of street children rather than on her musical success.

Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 01 (5:19)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 02 (4:30)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 03 (3:34)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 04 (4:21)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 05 (5:07)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 06 (6:11)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 07 (5:51)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 08 (5:31)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 09 (4:38)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 10 (5:14)
Chachi Taddesse - Chachi Taddesse 11 (7:45)

Haile Roots - [2012] - Chiggae [ethiopia]

Haile Roots - Melkam Yamarech

       Ethiopian singer Haile Roots released his first album of Amharic-language reggae called Chiggae (indicating a mix of the Ethiopian 6/8 time rhythm called “chikchika” and reggae). 

         Chiggae is the debut Amharic language album from Hailemichael Getnet, better known by his stage name as Haile Roots. The 33-year-old singer came up with a display of real roots, showcasing compelling, melodic riffs and interesting lyrics. The 13-track album, arranged and composed by Elias Melka, takes you on a journey of love, righteousness, empowerment, and is filled with rhythms that blend perfectly with his incredible voice.

       Haile first came to attention years ago when he was featured in Teddy Afro’s ‘Bob Marely’ and he later released a single track tilted ‘Yes I’ that he played live at Juvents Club and Millennium Hall. That single track is included in the newest album under a different title, Ethiopia. 

     Recorded in Addis Ababa’s Begena Studio, the new album is engaging and entertaining collection on issues of solidarity, unity, exile, loss of youth and transcending bitterness. Jamaican and Ethiopian stars ranging from Luciano to Mikey General and Eyob Mekonnen have been featured in the album. Continental drift has rarely sounded funkier.

     Album opener Woudnesh is an encouragement for women and affirmations of faith in the power of the human spirit. The singer appeals to young Ethiopian women to be strong in the face of sexual exploitation, and material obsession. Life’s challenges can be met, he says.

The title track Chiggae is a hybrid of the Ethiopian chikchika and Jamaica reggae, putting a distinctly local spin on the reggae form. The lyric goes :

Leave me alone sadness and sorrow

The sun will shine tomorrow

No more cry and sad life again

I will be stronger than my pain

  

       The relative manner provides the ample story telling for that particular thing that has happened to us all. This is particularly evident in the sixth track, Yetefa yigegnal, where the claps summon the urgency required to claw forth the truth for the prospective listener. Melkam Yamarech, showcases the singer’s romantic side.

         The twelfth track Harambee (which in Swahili means unity) also shows strength in arrangement. It has a very nice atmosphere and the instrumentation progresses enough underneath it to give you a sense of development.The message calls for creating the environment for African to move together as one people. “The more we realise what we can do together as a unit, the farther we will get as an African nation,” he says.

The lyrics go :

Weh need so much love inna Africa Land

Righteousness di way fi all human kind

No more tribal war no more confusion

One love my people one revelation

      Overall, Chiggae is one of the better contemporary reggae albums to be heard in a while, with its evocative songwriting and neat production. His homilies about peace, hope, love, unity are sincere, delivered with power, accurate time and pitch.

Haile Roots - Wedenesh (4:21)

Haile Roots - Bado Neber (3:28)

Haile Roots - Chiggae (3:03)

Haile Roots - Nisueh Quanquayie (4:10)

Haile Roots - Byemehalu (3:59)

Haile Roots - Yetefa Yigegnal (2:58)

Haile Roots - Melkam Yamarech (3:59)

Haile Roots - Ethiopia (4:45)

Haile Roots - Chew Lerasesh (3:51)

Haile Roots - Leman Biyie (4:05)

Haile Roots - Harambie (3:53)

Abdu Kiar - Merkato Sefere [2003] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       Born and raised in Merkato, the largest open market in Africa, where the primary merchandise passing through is locally-grown agricltural products such as Coffee and chat. Merkato also happened to be home to the biggest hustlers in Addis Ababa, the shottest slang and new fashion. Reggae and Hip Hop arrives in Merkato first, then it hits the other parts of the city. When the entire Addis Ababa city goes to sleep, Merkato is always up. 

       Abdu Kiar grew up listening to music, he fell in love with Roots Reggae, Hip Hop, Tilahun Gessesse and Mahmoud Ahmed. He was always listening and imitating his favorite Reggae's singers and Hip Hop artist such as Biggie Smalls, Mase, and others. He was doing the imitations while adding his own Amharic lyrics to them. He began performing in night clubs around Addis Ababa, audiences loved his style of mixing these different generes of music. He was approached by many producers to record and release an album. However, Abdu Kiar wanted to finish his school and get a degree. He never thought of music as away to make a living, he was doing music for the love of it and he continues to do so to this date. He began attending College and doing music on the side as a hobby. However, the Ethiopian and Eritrean war broke out in 1998. Many Eritreans were deported from Addis Ababa including some of Abdu Kiar's family members. He escaped and went to Saudia Arabia where he became a salesman. It was hard for him, being away from the people he loved and his neighborhood. He was feeling like a motherless child, because Merkato was his home and Ethiopia was the only mother he knew. That war left some scars and deep on wounds on his soul. When the war settled down, he managed to go back home and the first thing he did was write down all his pain and expressed all of his emotions the best way he knew how through music. Accompanied by his producer Dagmawi Ali, he wrote and entire album at one of his favorite stores in Merkato. Twenty days later, the entire album was recorded and released. 

      Afterward, Abdu Kiar Had to go back to Saudia Arabia and report to his job. The album included the track "Merkato Sefere" meaning merkato my home, dedicated to Merkato, Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. The song opens with a Reggae skank and Abdu begins to sing asking Addis Ababa, "Did stop looking after the ones whom you raised and got lost, did you stop wondering where did they go? Your humble and great children are scattered all over the world suffering, missing you and everything about you, please call them back and and unite them again, when they get together you are their biggest topic and favorite subject. He goes on and says "I don't have any mother beside you, you are my everything, My beloved home, which I don't have any other one". The song became an instant classic and biggest Ethiopian hit of the new century. The most requested song in radios, clubs, and everywhere Ethiopians reside. It became a national anthem, Ethiopians outside of their country related to his words so much. Abdu Kiar himself didn't expect that kind of respond from the song, when the news reached him, he quitted his day job and decided to make music as his full time occupation. He began an extensive world tour for the next three years. Fans declared him the unofficial mayor of Merkato and the proud son of Addis Ababa. He put Merkato on the map and gave it a new face: State of mind. Before the song, Merkato had a negative image and bad reputation. It's a place where find stick-up kids roaming the streets non stop looking for something to rob and hardcore thugs ruled the street. Abdu Kiar showed the softer side of his neighborhood, the caring, sharing and how they take good care of each others; One of them was equal all of them. 

       Abdu Kiar began working on his second album, writing full time and co/producing it with Dawit Tilahun. Fiker Be Amarigna which means love in Amaharic was one of the top selling albums of 2006. Each song was a huge hit in there, his fan base grew and he came to the USA in 2007. He's constantly pushing the envelope in his music, trying new ideas and playing by his own rules. Ethiopian's live shows in America used to be a singer accompanied by a keyboard player and sometimes a bass player. Live drummers were no longer needed to cut the cost for the promoters and generate huge pay day for the singers. Abdu didn't agree with that, he brought in Tefferi one of the best Ethiopian drummers on the scene, Yohannes Tona "bass", and Behailu Agonafir "keyboard" with him. His message was clear "take the entire band or leave it. That cost him some gigs and beef with promoters, but he stood his ground and said "Music is not about paying my bills and making huge amount of money, it's a message and one must do the best he or she can to delivered it, we need to bring our Ethiopian sound to its highest form". 

      Abdu Kiar's live shows are considered to be some of the best Ethiopian shows. The energy between him and his band is incredible. "Basically you get your money worth" as one critic noted. 

01. Abdu Kiar - Merkato Sefere (5:05)
02. Abdu Kiar - And Alegn (5:19)
03. Abdu Kiar - Min Yilenal (5:44)
04. Abdu Kiar - Zoro Zoro Adam (4:53)
05. Abdu Kiar - Manim Aytamenim (5:08)
06. Abdu Kiar - Deegeet (5:01)
07. Abdu Kiar - Mata Mata (5:25)
08. Abdu Kiar - Lucy (4:09)
09. Abdu Kiar - Alfual (5:28)
10. Abdu Kiar - Yetal Yetal (5:04)
11. Abdu Kiar - Let Teken (4:52)

Zeleke Gessesse - [2010] - Come to me [ethiopia]

       A political refugee, Zeleke Gessesse, was forced to leave his beloved homeland of Ethiopia 30 years ago after the nation fell into a crippling state of political suppression and economic strife. His personal eventually led Zeleke to the United States, where he persued studies studies at the university level, and focused intently on developing his burgeoning musical career. Eventually, Zeleke was joined by his brothers and fellow musicians from Ethiopia. As a musical collective, they formed a band called Dallol. Zeleke’s band was signed in the early eighties to Bob Marley’s TUFF GONG label. In 1984, Zeleke’s musical innovations and talents earned him an invitation to join Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. For nine years, Zeleke served as a integral member of the band, touring the world, and echoing Jah’s message to the masses.

       Throughout his tenure with The Meloday Makers, Zeleke was a key contributor to the albums Conscious Party and One Bright Day. In particular, his musical input was critical in the development of the tracks “Tomorrow People,” and “Black My Story,” two of the bands most popular and widely adored songs.

       During his successful musical career Zeleke was able to, eventually, accumulate enough capital to purusue a dream he had long harbored. He had always dreamed of owning and operating a world class, live music venue. His vision was to create a venue where the best Reggae and World Music artists could showcase their talents in a positive environment.

       In 1986, Zeleke became a partial owner of The Wild Hare, which is located in Chicago, Illinois, and he has spent the last 24 years investing his heart and soul in to crafting it into something truly special. The results of Zeleke’s hard work are evidenced by the celebrated reputation The Wild Hare now enjoys on an international scale. In 2007, major interior renovations were completed; the most dramatic to date. These enhancements serve to enforce the visitor’s perception that they’ve entered into a dynamic and exciting cultural oasis. The beauty of the new interior, combined with highly sought after artists routinely stalking the stage, has created a common perception amongst music lovers that The Wild Hare in the same pantheon as Chicago’s most regal musical landmarks. 

       In addition to The Wild Hare into the respected venue it is today, Zeleke has never stopped recording, producing and performing his own transcendent music. His critically acclaimed albums include Come to Me, Out of Africa and Selam. The eclectic musical infusion one hears in Zeleke’s music is truly unique. He often employs Ethiopian and reggae rhythms. Lyrics are sang in both Amharic and English - with a spattering of Jamaican patois mixed in as well. This unique music results in a pleasing, signature sound which has gathered him a fiercely loyal following. As most critics agree: Zeleke’s music is truly a rarity in its universal ability to inspire, enlighten and entertain.

       Though very much a musical icon in Chicago, Zeleke’s heart belongs to his motherland. In fact, his ultimate dream is to build another Wild Hare, along with a recording studio, back home in Ethiopia. In doing so he will come full circle and complete the journey he began decades ago as a refugee fleeing his homeland with only a dream.

01. Come On Down 3:27

02. Don't Let Me Down 3:57

03. I Don't Want To Lose You 4:24

04. Shivering Me 4:48

05. Ahun Ahun 4:33

06. Slippin' Into Darkness 4:07

07. Universal Children 4:41

08. Kotumae 4:49

09. Ethio Melody 4:01

10. Inner City Blues 3:52

11. Ashkaroo 4:18

Nazarenes - Songs of life [2005] [ethiopia]

Nazarenes - Song Of Righteous Life

01. Nazarenes - Song of Judgement day (5:11)
02. Nazarenes - Song of love (4:10)
03. Nazarenes - Song of creation (feat. t-root) (4:27)
04. Nazarenes - Song of righteous life (5:08)
05. Nazarenes - Song of liberation (3:49)
06. Nazarenes - Song of Mary Jane (4:56)
07. Nazarenes - Song of war mongers (3:34)
08. Nazarenes - Song of consoling (4:37)
09. Nazarenes - Song of mother Earth (4:37)
10. Nazarenes - Song of unity (5:21)
11. Nazarenes - Song of sharing (4:48)
12. Nazarenes - Song of mission (3:38)
13. Nazarenes - Song of memories (4:52)

Adib Kadir - Harari Love + Harar Hop [ethiopia]

        Adib Kadir - Harari Love [2006]   

      

    Harari cultural music in a language that originated deep in the mountains of Ethiopia.

1. Adib Kadir - Gizmaanay (3:21)
2. Adib Kadir - Kamen Darar (4:55)
3. Adib Kadir - Ayanana (3:30)
4. Adib Kadir - Oreetay (5:03)
5. Adib Kadir - Ifatcheshakh (4:57)
6. Adib Kadir - Subti Orti (4:35)

      Adib Kadir - Harar Hop [2009]   

       A beautiful blend of Ethiopian Hip Hop & Reggae music. Album features Harari, Amharic, and English language vocals.

1. Adib Kadir - Yehunzal Yehunal (3:41)
2. Adib Kadir - Aruzay Aruzay (3:14)
3. Adib Kadir - Kahatay (3:48)
4. Adib Kadir - Iferkumaykh (3:59)
5. Adib Kadir - Baday (2:54)
6. Adib Kadir - Eye Lay (4:05)
7. Adib Kadir - Shungo (4:08)
8. Adib Kadir - Nay Nay Nay (4:32)
9. Adib Kadir - Atundoqing (5:35)

La Fontaine - [2001] - Ij Ansetem [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

01. La Fontaine - Ij Ansetem (6:12)

02. La Fontaine - Enat Ethiopia (5:07)

03. La Fontaine - YeHagere Sew (7:33)

04. La Fontaine - Meleyetsh Kefa (4:43)

05. La Fontaine - Dinbushe Gela (3:15)

06. La Fontaine - Hare Endet (4:09)

07. La Fontaine - Lijenete (5:42)

08. La Fontaine - Babahulesh (4:26)

09. La Fontaine - Selame (4:23)

10. La Fontaine - Abetu (4:49)

11. La Fontaine - Bekabu Tizita (4:31)

12. La Fontaine - Nafekwat Diren (6:48)

13. La Fontaine - Sew Benafkot Tam (4:59)

Nazarenes - Meditation [2012] [ethiopia-eritrea]

                Steeped in Rastafarian grooves, produced by a St. Croix native, and two brothers as singers, Noah and Medhane Tewolde, come from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

          The European-based brothers incorporate pan-African elements, island grooves, Jamaican jive, and pop-funk creations. 

           The reggae-inspired album contains jazzy influences, funky beats, and vivid vocals with meaningful lyrics and spiritual connotations. The lyrical worldplay and dancehall sound showcases Nazarenes diverse song repertoire with a laid-back, funky feel that is anything but boring. 

            Fourteen Jah-inspired musical tracks showcase the great amount of creativity and soulful inspiration that give Meditation a shining element that succeeds without a doubt.

01. Nazarenes - Meditation (4:42)
02. Nazarenes - Food (4:18)
03. Nazarenes - It's Too Late feat. Lutan Fyah (4:05)
04. Nazarenes - Mother (3:47)
05. Nazarenes - On My Way (4:11)
06. Nazarenes - The Lord Said feat. Midnite (4:56)
07. Nazarenes - Mamy Blues (4:31)
08. Nazarenes - Alive (4:03)
09. Nazarenes - Everlasting (4:26)
10. Nazarenes - Politrickcians (4:18)
11. Nazarenes - Get Together (3:35)
12. Nazarenes - Destiny (4:50)
13. Nazarenes - Lonesome Lady (3:41)
14. Nazarenes - Love Jah (4:13)

Nati Haile - Beka [2010] [ethiopia]

      Nati Haile is an Ethiopian artist who presides in Toronto, and is a famous and upcoming Ethiopian singer. His first single 'Ken Saymesh' was one of Ethiopian classic favourite songs by Tewodros Taddesse. 

     Nati gave it a new groove and made it even popular. His second single is the one that has made Nati a super star. The song was originally sang by Muluken Mellesse and Nati titled it 'Legenetuwa' and showed his amazing talent.

     His first album 'Let yinegal' was released in 2005 and has sold hunders of thousands of cds world wide. Before he released this album, he released two amazing songs. 

    His second album ' Beka' was released on July 31, 2010. The critics have given it good ratings and it is one of the "must have amharic cds of 2010". 

      Nati Haile is known to have a magnificent voice that has been compared to very popular artist like Muluken Mellesse and Tewodros Taddesse. His current album, according to Nati and his producers at Nahom Records, will have popular Ethiopian beats, Reggae, Blues and Hip-hop. 

     Nati has been working on his new album 'BEQA' for three years. He has been perfecting his skills as a singer and song-writer. As a tastement to his potential, all the songs in his new album have been written by himself. All the songs in his new album have been composed by talented artists from Ethiopia and abroad. 

     Nati Haile currently resides in Canada studying different types of music from across the world. 

    This what's said about he's up coming 3rd CD "I'm actually working on my 3rd CD Nati 

                 “now I’m in a very, very, very, very different place than I’ve     ever been It’s going to be a very interesting album, conceptually one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on, just cause there’s so many new things going on in my life. I work hard trying to build my singing, and musical skills and I feel like I owe it to my fans and supporters to deliver the best music I ...  I'm ready and willing to work hard to bring you good music and take it to the next level all I can do is leave it in God's hands and I know he will help me he stated. ... I hope that my fans feel where I'm coming from. God Bless All…!!!" 

01. Nati Haile - Beka (5:49)
02. Nati Haile - Aselamaliku (5:32)
03. Nati Haile - Endet nesh (4:53)
04. Nati Haile - Enetarek (5:53)
05. Nati Haile - Be edel fanta (6:38)
06. Nati Haile - Asekatalehu (5:04)
07. Nati Haile - Telemegni (5:26)
08. Nati Haile - Konjo lej (3:41)
09. Nati Haile - Atamnem (5:28)
10. Nati Haile - Wub nat ye key dama (4:20)
11. Nati Haile - Belata (5:31)
12. Nati Haile - Temesgen malet new (5:04)
13. Nati Haile - Balawekush (6:31)

Eyob Mekonnen - Ende Kal [2010]

   R.I.P.   

 Popular Ethiopian reggae singer 

Eyob Mekonnen has died.

    Eyob Mekonnen (12 October 1975 - 18 August 2013) was an Ethiopian reggae singer. His songs were well known for their themes of "love, understanding, and respect".

     Eyob was born in Jijiga in 1975, during the start of the Ethiopian Civil War. His father, Mekonnen Yalem, was an officer in the Ethiopian Army during the war in Eritrea, which was credited with inspiring him to impart peaceful messages in songs such as "Nekchalehu" and "Negen Layew".

He moved to Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, when he was young, and attended school whilst maintaining an interest in music.

       He joined a five-person band called the Zion Band, which was described as having a "reggae beat with a distinctive Ethiopian cast".The band became a fixture at popular clubs in Addis Ababa, performing opening acts for popular singers like Haileye Tadesse, who sung songs like "Song of the Dominions" and "Anthem of the Movement". His musical style was unique, not only mixing popular Amharic music with reggae, but also Oromo popular music, counting Ali Birra as one of his major influences, alongside Bob Marley. 

       In 2010, he released his first album, Ende Kal. Although lukewarmly received by audiences at first, as it differed from the often synthesized, electronic music that had prevailed since the era of the Derg and the demise of the big bands of the Haile Selassie era. Slowly, however, the album gained a following and "great national acclaim".

       His songs dealt with issues of and promoted "morality, love, peace and social consciousness", themes that made them popular and hard-hitting. In 2010 he embarked on a campaign called "Finding Peace" to help heal rifts caused by the disputes in the parliamentary elections.

     In 2012 he released two singles; "Beyemehalu" and "Negen Layew". He was beginning to tour abroad, particularly in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.

       On 13 August 2013 Eyob suffered a ischemic stroke brought on by atrial fibrillation and entered a coma, however he was in otherwise good health. His fans and his promoter, Yisakal Entertainment, took to Facebook to post updates on his conditions and raise funds for his treatment on a page called "Let Us Pray for Eyob Mekonnen". Due to these efforts, Eyob was moved to Nairobi on 17 August, however he died on 18 August due to complications. He was credited with sparking a movement towards live music and away from so called "one man bands" and furthering the popularity of reggae and roots music in Ethiopia.

01. Eyob Mekonnen - Nekchalehu (3:44)

02. Eyob Mekonnen - Negen Layew (5:35)

03. Eyob Mekonnen - Yene Konjo duet with Zeritu Kebede (3:51)

04. Eyob Mekonnen - Yemeder Dershaya (6:09)

05. Eyob Mekonnen - Endatefash (4:02)

06. Eyob Mekonnen - Debezezesh (6:26)

07. Eyob Mekonnen - Yezebarekalu (5:04)

08. Eyob Mekonnen - Ye Ewenetuan New (4:45)

09. Eyob Mekonnen - Yekunkua Felasefa (4:45)

10. Eyob Mekonnen - Wekil Nesh (3:07)

11. Eyob Mekonnen - Rekeda (5:06)

12. Eyob Mekonnen - Man ende kal (Nothing like a promise) (4:16)