Tadesse Alemu (Amharic: ታደሠ ዓለሙ) was an Ethiopian singer from Wollega who sang traditional Ethiopian songs, sometimes Christian-based, in an upbeat pop-music style with the modern-day electronic instrumentation that is characteristic of today's Ethiopian popular music. His sound, comprised primarily of traditional songs, made liberal use of electronic instrumentation.
Tadesse Alemu - Arada
Active since 1997, nothing was known about his origins. However, an interview with Alemu's wife on Voice of Ethiopia radio during fall 2007 confirmed that he had become sick and died that July in Addis Ababa of a short disease, which resulted from an infection that was caused by a stabbing wound from several years previously that had not healed properly, just before he was set to leave the country on a concert tour.
In a dramatic departure from the Ethiopian music of the 1980s and 90s, the daring Express Band is credited with changing the sound of Ethiopian music. Drawing on their extensive experience with some of the most renowned bands in Ethiopia, these four innovative musicians have pioneered their own unique sound. As a result, they are currently the #1 band in Ethiopia. Introduction is the bands debut album.
Express Band - Interview with the Band Founders - Part 1
The Express Band has toured extensively and performed with many legendary singers, including Ephrem Tamiru and Jamaican singer, Tony Rebel. Talented musicians, composers and lyricists, they were instrumental in the arrangement of Dawit Mellesses Lottery. AIT Records is excited to be working with these creative musicians as we help introduce their unique sound to listeners worldwide, and we look forward to producing future albums with the Express Band.
Founded in 1994 with three musicians - Dereje Tefera(bass),Kibret Zekiwos(guitar) andFeleke Hailu(keyboards and saxophone) - the daring Express Band is credited with changing the landscape of Ethiopian music. Performing in clubs throughout Addis Ababa, the Express Band has been joined onstage by the likes of Dawit Mellesse, Theodros "Afro" Kassahun, Shewandagn Hailu, Zeritu Kebede, Tigist Bekele and Abdu Kiar, and they have performed on recordings by a number of Ethiopia 's leading singers. Drawing on these experiences, they have pioneered their own unique sound and remain one of the busiest and most sought-after bands in Ethiopia .
Express Band - 01 - Set Alamnim (3:32) Express Band - 02 - Sira (4:27) Express Band - 03 - Chinkim Mekeraye (6:26) Express Band - 04 - Ye-Hiywote Hiywet (5:53) Express Band - 05 - Hallo Hallo (4:56) Express Band - 06 - Ye-Har Shererit (5:00) Express Band - 07 - Innate Nesh (4:29) Express Band - 08 - Alchalkum (6:20) Express Band - 09 - Libesh Kabashin (4:16) Express Band - 10 - Mignote (4:08) Express Band - 11 - Kurtun Nigerign (4:25) Express Band - 12 - Ye-Fikir Migib (4:15)
Samuel Berhanu popularly known as Sami Dan is a reggae artist. He attended Addis Ababa University where he graduated with a degree in Construction Technology and Management. His music career began while in high school. At the time he played with the Eldan band for five years. He took a break to focus on his education and after he graduated he joined Hasset Acoustic Band and played for three years. With Hasset, he had the opportunity to be part of Sydney Solomon and Imperial Majestic Band and played there for a year.
In 2014 Sami Dan started his own band, Zewd Acoustic. That year Sami also released a four-song promotional CD. His singles ‘Anchi Yene’ and ‘Shegitu’ got overwhelmingly positive feedback on radio and online.
He released his debut album Keras Gar Negeger in 2016.
Sami Dan - Kalesh Anchi [Lyrics] (ካለሽ አንቺ)
Now with an intention to approach the entertainment world with a unique sound and style, Sami Dan has written all 13 tracks on the new album, songs that address critical social issues in Ethiopia like legislation and work ethics. Keras Gar Negeger (Speaking with oneself) is released by Blue Media PLC, the company better known for organising the Taste of Addis Food Festival and the Addis Beer Fest.
An energetic live performer, Sami says his new album contains his own deep ideas and life experiences. He believes that artists are leaders in society and therefore need to address issues that affect the society, while also pointing out problems in the society with a view of encouraging positive change. “The ideas and the experiences I have acquired over the years in my career are interpreted in the album. I hope they will help someone learn from my challenges and successes,” he says.
Reggae is the dominant genre on the album but Sami says that as a versatile artist he has also included other genres. He reckons that reggae in Ethiopia is growing, but based on the history of the genre it has not yet attained the status it deserves. He is hopeful that a new crop of artists will take Ethiopian reggae to greater heights, and that his new album will contribute to the growth of reggae in the country.
The Mehari Brothers started off backing artists like Zeritu Kebede and have also worked with other leading Ethiopian acts, including Teddy Afro, Johnny Ragga and Eyob Mekonnen.
Before the Mehari Brothers emerged on the Ethiopian scene, singers usually received the most attention at live shows, with bands relegated to a back-up role.
Henok & Mehari Brothers - Yenenesh (Lyrics)
In 2016 the band released a fifteen track album "790". The bands front-man Henok Mehari was also selected to participate at the Coke Studio Africa in Kenya that same year.
One of the most successful musicians of the 1970s and 80s Colonel Lemma Demissew has died at the age of 68 on Saturday, August 24th 2009. A pianist, composer, singer and arranger, Lemma was the leading musician of Armed Forces band, a band that has entertained the army and visiting heads of states for decades. Among his appreciative audiences were Fidel Castro of Cuba, Libya’s Muammar al-Qaddafi and the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.
His songs such as “Astawesalehu”“Adrashas Tefabegn” and “Des Balagnalech” are still popular hits. Lemma also maintains reputation for arranging many of Mahmoud Ahmed’s and Alemayehu Eshete anthological vinyl records.
Lemma Demissew - አስታዉሳለሁ ( Astawsalehu )
Born in Welisso in 1940, Lemma studied high school at Hailemaryam Mamo Secondary High School in Debre Birhan town and at the age of 15 joined the music section of the Armed Forces. There among other things he taught himself to play clarinet. Lemma impressed his superiors with his unique vocal style, demonstrating both outstanding range and the influences of western music. During his time in the Armed Forces, he has taken many musical courses, including a six-year-training in conducting in Soviet Union.
Lemma has composed a number of official army songs by frequently abandoning the traditional rules and disciplines. He created new harmonies and pioneered new musical forms in which to present his musical ideas. Part of his success was the result of his mastery of the pleasant, tuneful style of piano. The single “Astawesalehu Mech Eresalehu” was his first hit and his talent for melodious, sentimental ballads became his most distinguishing feature. This music remains Lemma signature work and a favorite hit on local radio stations.
Starting as simple soldier in 1974 he became an army commander and conductor of the roving marshal band. His advancement was rapid. His personal charm and his artistic abilities were partly responsible for his rapid advancement in the army.
When Lemma resigned in 1993 after the army was disbanded, he was colonel. Even after that, he was much sought as a piano teacher by many, and his long list of students was a roster of the young and the old.
In May 2009 when the Alliance Ethio-Francise organized the 8th Ethiopian Music Festival has chosen to honor Lemma and Sahle Dagago, another notable arranger and composer who is at present in poor health. Comparing it with Sahel Degago, Francis Falsetto described Lemma’s music as a feverish modernist, deeply inspired by the electric wave born on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Getachew Debalqe, a renowned stage personality, described Lemma as a hardworking and diligent musician. Getachew told Addis Journal that he was able visit Lemma two days before his demise. “I was lucky to be able to see him on Thursday. He didn’t say much but was able to utter some words.” Lemma had a stroke few years ago that has left him paralyzed.
Bahata Gebrehiwot, a musician of Lemma‘s era, said Lemma was a great musician. “He has had a tremendous musical achievement yet remained very modest and reserved.” Bahta remarked though Lemma was able to lead his family autonomously, he hasn’t much of financial fortunes. “Like many other musicians, he hasn’t made much use of his music and hasn’t got the recognition he deserved,” says Bahta.
