Abraham Afewerki - Kozli Gaba [1991] [eritrea]

Abraham Afewerki (1966–2006)

Abraham Afewerki (1966–2006) was an Eritrean singer, songwriter and music producer. Noted for his unique Tigrinya-based compositions and lyrics, he was one of the most recognized figures among Eritrean musicians and celebrities.

Abraham was born in Asmara, Eritrea. From an early age Abraham was fascinated with musical instruments and by age nine had learned to play a musical instrument independently. Due to the Eritrean War of Independence, Abraham, with his family, fled to Sudan and soon after to Italy, where he further pursued his dream to be a professional musician. While studying in Rome, Abraham continued to expand his musical skills by working with internationally known musical celebrities in live performances as well as recordings.

Abraham’s first CD, Kozli Gaba was released in 1991, which was produced and distributed by Virgin Records in Europe. The album was the first by an Eritrean artist that was produced by an International recording company and made available to the global audience. Abraham’s music, in due course, was covered by a number of International media outlets. All his songs are legally distributed and protected by Ella Records currently.

During the following 15 years, Abraham released two more albums which further propelled his popularity among Eritreans. His songs were popular because his lyrics expressed strong and poetic images of Eritrea’s culture. His socially conscious words were evocative and his fans often described his music as inspiring. Abraham is also credited with being one of Eritrea’s master live entertainers.

In his newest CD titled Semai ("Sky" in Tigrinya), Abraham collaborates with several Eritrean musicians, the result of which was an exquisite sound. Abraham continued to blend his music with jazz, R&B, and Reggae rhythms at the same time maintaining his music’s originality and authenticity.

In 2006, Abraham drowned while swimming in Massawa during the filming of his next music video.

Abraham was described as an Eritrean musical tour-de-force. Held in high regard by his fellow Eritrean artists, his work garnered appreciation and admiration from his peers. His musical influence also crossed borders to Eritrea's neighboring countries where his music is reproduced by other musicians singing in a different language other than his native Tigrinya.

Abraham Afewerki - Kozli Gaba (4:48)

Abraham Afewerki - Wegahta (6:36)

Abraham Afewerki - Meley (7:50)

Abraham Afewerki - Aygodelen (5:55)

Abraham Afewerki - Hisebilu (6:54)

Abraham Afewerki - Misay (6:11)

Teshome Mitiku - Gara Ser New Betish [1997] [ethiopia]

         This post has been longer in the making than I intended. Instead of a rare Hirut Bekele album, which I am saving for next time, i present to you a rare edition of the third album by Teshome Mitiku, Gara Ser New Betish released in 1997. 

         As usual, when it comes to rarely available albums from Ethiopia, I cannot offer you lots of information. I have searched the relevant internet pages to find any information about this release of legendary singer, but without success. Not only is the cover missing, but the song titles as well. I have found the rip of the album under a wrong name and without song titles, but I have managed to reconstruct some of them. Thanks to Yonas for this finding!

       I need your help again. Please email me the cover pictures and song titles.

Teshome Mitiku by Teshome Mitiku

            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 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 and enrolled at the Music Conservatory in Malmo and later received his Masters of Arts in Sociology, and later pursued a PhD in Sociology from Lund University. 

     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.

Teshome Mitiku - 01 - Gara Sir New Betish (4:23)

Teshome Mitiku - 02 - Shagiye (6:00)

Teshome Mitiku - 03 - track 3 - (6:53)

Teshome Mitiku - 04 - track 4 - (5:19)

Teshome Mitiku - 05 - Hasabe (5:54)

Teshome Mitiku - 06 - Shemanmane (4:55)

Teshome Mitiku - 07 - track 7 - (3:19)

Teshome Mitiku - 08 - track 8 - (5:02)

Teshome Mitiku - 09 - track 9 - (5:24)

Teshome Mitiku - 10 - Bechegnaw (5:00)

Teshome Mitiku - 11 - track 11 - (4:50)

Teshome Mitiku - 12 - track 12 - (5:38)

Teshome Mitiku - 13 - Satenow (5:53)

Marta Ashagari - Era Bakeheh [1993] [ethiopia]

Original post from Likembe blogspot :

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       If you're a fan of Aster Aweke or Kuku Sebsebe, you'll no doubt enjoy this cassette by Ethiopian vocalist Martha Ashagari.

       Ärä Bakeh (Ambassel Music Shop) was released in 1993 shortly after the fall of the Derg, but Ashagari has been singing professionally since 1988 with the Abyssinia and Roha Bands, and during the '90s had her own nightclub in Addis Ababa. In 1996 she recorded the CD Child's Love/Ye-Lij Fiker, which is available online from AIT Records (I included a tune from it on my compilation African Divas Vol. 2).

         Ashagari is notable for her unique vocal tone, somewhere between a sob and a wail. Side 1 of Ärä Bakeh typifies the '80s-'90s Ethiopian style, but Martha really hits her stride with side 2 of the cassette, especially the emotional ballads "Zoma" and "Ende Näh" and the Tigrinya song "Sälam Bäluläy."

01. Martha Ashagari - Wara Bakeheh (5:43)
02. Martha Ashagari - Fekreh Naweh (6:30)
03. Martha Ashagari - Alecalekutemeh (9:22)
04. Martha Ashagari - Bameneh Yedaoaleh (4:38)
05. Martha Ashagari - Guredadeh (5:00)
06. Martha Ashagari - Damayele (5:00)
07. Martha Ashagari - Zoma (Yabati Lejeh) (6:53)
08. Martha Ashagari - Enedaziheshemeh Ala (6:59)
09. Martha Ashagari - Enedenaheh (6:24)
10. Martha Ashagari - Shalame Balulayeh (Temareoa) (5:08)

Tilahun Gessesse - [2000] - The Greatest Hits [ethiopia]

 R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Tilahun Gessesse - Selamtaye Yidres

      Tilahun Gessesse was born on 29 September 1940, in Addis Ababa and died on 19 April 2009.

      Tilahun was born to Woizero Gete Gurmu and Ato Gessesse Negussee. When he was fourteen years old, he was taken by his grandfather to Waliso Oromia 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 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.

     Tilahun's recordings are in Amharic and Oromo.

   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. 

01. Tilahun Gessesse - Yene Filagote (4:09)

02. Tilahun Gessesse - Bedehna Iskigetimen (4:28)

03. Tilahun Gessesse - Ine Negn Way Antchi (4:33)

04. Tilahun Gessesse - Ketero Yikeber (3:32)

05. Tilahun Gessesse - Alinkugn (4:30)

06. Tilahun Gessesse - Rasihin Bitcha (3:27)

07. Tilahun Gessesse - Harkafune (3:25)

08. Tilahun Gessesse - Mesak Isikalehu (4:34)

09. Tilahun Gessesse - Wedo Yetela Sew (4:09)

10. Tilahun Gessesse - Wey Min Tilik (3:24)

11. Tilahun Gessesse - Sew New Yetchekene (4:12)

12. Tilahun Gessesse - Tchuheten Bitsemu (3:32)

13. Tilahun Gessesse - Sigibgib Joroye (3:29)

14. Tilahun Gessesse - Ewnet Marign (3:30)

15. Tilahun Gessesse - Kunenie (4:24)

Abinet Agonafir - [2004] - Debek Webet [ethiopia]

   R  E  U  P  L  O  A  D   

Abinet Agonafir - “Ewedeshailu" (እወድሻለሁ)

01. Abinet Agonafir - Habesha (5:08)
02. Abinet Agonafir - Setalekshi Des Alegne (5:07)
03. Abinet Agonafir - Atiregemat (5:00)
04. Abinet Agonafir - Lene Kaleshe (6:34)
05. Abinet Agonafir - Ages Mehas (6:28)
06. Abinet Agonafir - Wond Lij (5:13)
07. Abinet Agonafir - Atenafekegne (4:08)
08. Abinet Agonafir - Kezkaza Welafen (4:51)
09. Abinet Agonafir - Tey Tey (4:36)
10. Abinet Agonafir - Telahushe (5:56)
11. Abinet Agonafir - Emamye (5:09)
12. Abinet Agonafir - Ewodishalehu (5:20)
13. Abinet Agonafir - Miskin Zemen (7:44)

Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - Fiker Yazat (Vol 1) [1997] [ethiopia]

Axumite Band - Gedamay Gedamay

Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 01 - Aydelem Endie (4:13)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 02 - Hij Yilatal (4:35)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 03 - Yeteyim Konjo Nat (3:57)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 04 - Ensifsif Alebign Hodie (4:13)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 05 - Fekir Yazat (4:21)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 06 - Adjeb Hone Ekoberafish (5:15)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 07 - Endanchi Yeminafek Ketom Alayehugn (3:21)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 08 - Tizitama Baynor (6:02)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 09 - Fikir Yelem Woy Keto (3:54)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 10 - She Geleshal Alu (4:28)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 11 - Atnekakagne Fikir (4:59)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 12 - Be-Ethiopia Ekoralehu (5:28)
Dawit Tsige & The Axumite Band - 13 - Ale Gena (4:59)

Ejigayehu 'Gigi' Shibabaw - Gold & Wax [2006] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

01. Gigi - Semena-Worck (6:29)
02. Gigi - Anten (5:47)
03. Gigi - Jerusalem (8:56)
04. Gigi - Salam (5:42)
05. Gigi - Gomelaleye (7:44)
06. Gigi - Ambasale (7:22)
07. Gigi - Hulu-Dane (4:52)
08. Gigi - Utopia (4:52)
09. Gigi - Acha (5:04)
10. Gigi - Marena-Wotetea (5:26)
11. Gigi - Enoralehu (3:56)

Bruktawit Getahun aka Betty G. - Manew Fitsum [2015] [ethiopia]

Betty G - Asebehalew

Betty G. - 01 - Manew Fitsum (3:53)
Betty G. - 02 - Asebehalehu (3:45)
Betty G. - 03 - Yekelekelal (4:17)
Betty G. - 04 - Nana Demaye (5:14)
Betty G. - 05 - Tawekaleh (4:14)
Betty G. - 06 - Ye Zenbabaw Kelebete (4:39)
Betty G. - 07 - Meshenef Siyansegn (4:14)
Betty G. - 08 - Kant Aybeltim (4:01)
Betty G. - 09 - Sew Alegn (5:54)
Betty G. - 10 - Minew (3:55)
Betty G. - 11 - Aye Set (3:46)
Betty G. - 12 - Fikir Aybeltim Wey (4:16)
Betty G. - 13 - Super Star (4:08)

Judy Teffera - Queen of the Nile [2010] [ethiopia]

                  Judith Teffera was born and raised in Arsi Asela, a city located in central Ethiopia. Bitten by the performing bug at a young age, Teffera performed with classmates at the Ras Dargie School. With her regular flashy attire and outgoing demeanor, she quickly acquired the nickname "Picture". Teffera received inspiration and encouragement from a well-respected musician in the Ethiopian National Guard, Zewdu Legese. Legese was also responsible for starting and leading the Ras Dargie School music band.

Judy Teffera - Wodaje

            With the support of her father, Teffera moved to Sweden to receive her high school education. A few years after, Teffera moved to the United States, continuing her college education in Boston. Then she moved to Washington D.C., becoming a member of the international community of the nation's capital. Music had not been taken out of the picture, as she continued to perform and sell her music in the U.S.A and Toronto, Canada. By the end of the 1990's, Teffera had drawn away from the Ethiopian music scene, concentrating on her career and furthering her education. She received her Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in Technology from Southeastern University. Soon after her graduation, she was offered a position in the United States Federal Government in Washington D.C.

        Teffera writes and sings her own compositions in the Ethiopian language, while creating a unique style that still stays true to Ethiopian music. 

          With her return to music, Teffera wants to make her focus clear. Through the message in her music, she wants to raise educational awareness and boost the morale of youth in Ethiopia. 

        While spurring emotions for change and consciousness, Teffera wants Ethiopians to be proud of their heritage and culture. Proceeds from her music sales will finance the dream to empower Ethiopian youth.

Judy Teffera - 01 - Shamo (5:16)
Judy Teffera - 02 - Wodaje (5:51)
Judy Teffera - 03 - Atrakegn (6:16)
Judy Teffera - 04 - Degifegn (5:41)
Judy Teffera - 05 - Simagn (5:31)
Judy Teffera - 06 - Woubye (6:01)
Judy Teffera - 07 - Weretegna (6:07)
Judy Teffera - 08 - Lalebola (3:55)
Judy Teffera - 09 - Fikre (5:59)
Judy Teffera - 10 - Semonun (6:28)

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)

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)