Yegna (pronounced Yen-ya, meaning "Ours" in Amharic) is an all-girl Ethiopian acting and pop group with the stated aim of reaching out to empower the young women of Ethiopia.
The 5-member group was formed in April, 2013 as part of the internationally funded Girl Hub scheme, which also operates in Nigeria and Rwanda.
The group members are Teref Kassahun (nicknamed Melat, aged 26), Lemlem Haile Michael (Mimi, 26), Zebiba Girma (Emuye, 22), Eyerusalem Kelemework (Sara, 27) and Rahel Getu (Lemlem, 22). Each member of the group has a different stage persona and nickname. Melat's character is that of the city girly princess, Mimi's that of the tough swaggering streetwise girl, Emuye is the vivacious music-lover, Sara the quiet studious one and Lemlem the steady maternal type.
Yegna Band - Halenga - Abet
They produce videos and perform on Ethiopian radio in a weekly drama and talk show for young women, addressing issues such as forced marriage, isolation and teen pregnancies, broadcasting on Sheger FM in Addis Ababa to a population of some 20 million. Their first live performance was at the Addis Ababa National Theatre in May 2013.
After the success of their debut video Abet in 2013 they released a second video,Taitu, later in the year, in collaboration with singer Aster Aweke. Taitu was an Ethiopian queen consort in the early 20th century.
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.
When she arrived in her homeland in 1997 for the first time since she'd left in 1981, Ethiopian-born and Washington, D.C.-based songstress Aster Aweke was greeted by thousands of loyal followers awaiting her plane. During the month-long tour that followed, Aweke performed before more than 80,000 people and showed that she remains one of Ethiopia's best-loved performers.
Aweke has been equally successful throughout the world. Her second album, Kabu, spent four weeks in the top position on the CMJ New Music Charts, and was in the Top Ten of Billboard's World Music Charts for ten weeks in 1990.
A native of Gandor, a small town near Lake Tara, Aweke was raised in the capital city of Addis Ababa. The daughter of senior civil servant in the Imperial government, Aweke was determined to become a musician by the age of 13. By her late teens, she was singing in Addis Ababa clubs and hotels with such bands as the Continental Band, Hotel D'Afrique Band, Shebele Band, and the Ibex Band (before they became the internationally known Roha Band). Launching a solo career, Aweke was encouraged by musical entrepreneur Ali Tango, who financed and released five cassettes and two singles of her music.
By 1981, Aweke had become disillusioned by Ethiopia's oppressive political climate and relocated to the United States. Temporarily settling in the Bay Area of California with plans to pursue an education; within two years, Aweke continued on to Washington, D.C., the site of the largest Ethiopian population in the U.S. After building a following with her performances in local Ethiopian restaurants, Aweke toured the U.S. and Europe in 1985.
Aster Aweke with The Walias Band - 01 - Hiywot New [ሕይወት ነው] (4:58) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band - 02 - Menew Kere [ምነው ቀረ] (4:57) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band - 03 - Shemonmana [ሸሞንሟና] (4:51) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band- 04 - Kelem Eshet [ቀለም እሽት] (5:34) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band- 05 - Ante Gela [አንተ ገላ] (7:33) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band- 06 - Awko Yedelelenal [አውቆ ይደልለኛል] (4:58) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band - 07 - Yeleben Abeba [የልቤን አበባ] (8:46) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band - 08 - Yanen Yene Shega [ያንን የኔን ሸጋ] (5:00) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band- 09 - Derbabaye [ደርባባዬ] (5:57) Aster Aweke with The Walias Band - 10 - Gedamay [ገዳማይ] (6:43)
Yeshi Demelash has been called “arguably the most talented contemporary female Ethiopian jazz singer.”
Musicians like Theodros Tadesse, Aster Aweke, and Gigi inspired Yeshi in her teens which later led her join Yared, Addis Ababa University school of music in 2004, where she majored in flute and minored in piano.
Apart from her music work Yeshi has also worked on a movie, worked as a radio host and as a music teacher. But she is highly known for her strong and constructive criticisims have let her establish a reputation in the field.
In 2012 Yeshi has released album titled "Qene" an ode to Ethiopia’s ancient literary and oral traditions, which has taken more than a year to prepare. Her new album has taken the Ethiopian music industry by storm with her pop and jazz amharic fusion styled musics.
Now Yeshi’s voice has captured the attention of New York-based producer Bill Laswell — the person behind the records of Jano and Gigi — and he is currently remixing one of her songs entitled Fano.
Yeshi plans to work on a new album with Laswell when she begin her first American tour.
Sayat Demissie was the 2004 Miss Ethiopia and the almost 2005 Miss World. Something for the high school drop-out who subsequently found herself in the front pages of local papers and magazines. Her petite frame and youthful face and her occasionally gaffe made her a target for the tabloids.
Two years ago, the slender girl emerged as the lead character in the Amharic movie, Sara. Nothing to write home about, it was all an amateur and second-rate performance. But she has got a look. It has given her recognition and probably an inflated ego, too. Her ego trip took her to think of developing her own talk show on ETV. For that, she came on Ethiopia Link and talked about her difficult childhood and sexual abuse, relating her experience to that of American talk-show host, Opra Winfrey.
But that radio appearance has gotten her in trouble for a supposedly unkind remark she made about disabled people. When asked how she survived the trauma, Sayat responded saying that even the disabled keep on living, let alone her. It triggered many comments voicing displeasure. The talk-show-thing never came into reality, at least upto now and her claim of being raped on Bole Street in her teen years was thought by many as an invented story intended to get sympathy from those allocating air times.
Sayat Demissie - Enie Meretku
Now Sayat has unraveled yet another skill as musical performer. She has released her debut musical effort, a single song, “Tew Maneh”. Actually before the release, she was performing on stage at clubs, playing her rendition of Christinia Aguilera’s “Save me from myself.”
Looking at the reception, Sayat’s debut work seem to be working right. Radio programmers are finding it hard to ignore it and some even talked about the birth of a new star. The lively clip of the song has made it to many Ethiopian websites and blogs. It definitely serves as a sneak preview for her upcoming studio album, which she says will arrive this year.
But even judging from this song, performing doesn’t appear to come naturally to Sayat. For one thing, the material she chose is a recognized, well-known old hit, “Tew Maneh”.
She never took the trouble to write her own material and it didn’t demand much of her as singer. And even, her voice is not strongly projected enough and her inhibitions make it difficult for her to let go.
Although Sayat didn’t write her own music, too shy to perform solo in front of a big crowd, she has the charisma, drive, and determination- things important for a young performer. But of course, she has a long way to go to develop into mature female vocalist along the lines of Aster Awoke.
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.
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.
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."
