Layne Tadesse - Everybody Get Up [EP] [2012] [eritrea+usa]

        Layne was born in Eritrea, located in East Africa just North of Ethiopia near the Red Sea to Neghesty Kiros and Tadesse Iassu, Layne Tadesse is no stranger to war and a desire for freedom. On his debut album a song titled “NEGESHAY” is a tribute to his mother who passed away. In Tigrinya, the African language that is LT’S native tongue, the meaning of his mothers name is Queen, and LT refers to Neghesty as the “Queen of all Queens”.

        With war between Eritrea and Ethiopia beginning shortly after Layne was born, his mother and father fled to Sudan and lived in a refugee camp for three and half years. During that time Layne was able to learn Arabic and the study of Quran religion. Shortly after that Layne, and all his siblings and parents were picked to go to America. Three days prior to flying to America Layne’s older brother Dawit decided to go back to Eritrea and joined the Armed struggle EPLF to fight the Ethiopian communist army. Without his brother Layne along with his siblings and parents landed in Philadelphia and lived there for four years before moving to Southern California. With a diploma from Colton High School and an associate degree from Chaffey Collage. Layne is a positive example turning adversity into opportunity and credits his family for his early musical interests. He grew up around many musicians and most of them family members.

         Throughout High school and collage Layne performed in plays and competed in talent shows and came across many genres of music. First group he was a member of was called Black Fugitives. Black Fugitives were a mixture of Hip-Hop and R&B. However, because he was introduced to Reggae by his family at an early age Layne soon recognized his true calling in music . By taking a piece of his experience with other genres, Layne has created a unique sound that touches the masses. Traditionally it has been a type of music suited for adults only. Many of his loyal fans believed Layne has reinvented Reggae by helping this genre of music cross the barriers that separates our youth and adults.

Layne Tadesse - Ghetto Corner

      Versatile, multitalented, flexible, diverse, are just a few words to describe Layne as an artist and a person. If you have not yet seen one of his live performance then you have missed something great. As a live performer, Layne’s presence is electric, from his trademark Acappella Intros to the last note of the show, he keeps the eyes and ears of the audience glued to the stage. Now with a loyal and always growing fan base, Layne Tadesse plans to spread positive vibes and souls stirring music to the rest of the world.

Layne Tadesse - 01 - Fly Away (3:48)

Layne Tadesse - 02 - Dance (3:49)

Layne Tadesse - 03 - The Best of Me (4:05)

Layne Tadesse - 04 - Dance Floor (4:21)

Layne Tadesse - 05 - Fly Away (DJ Spair Remix) (3:42)

Layne Tadesse - 06 - Dance Floor (DJ Mutt Aka Dr Klaw Remix) (3:08)

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)