v.a. - [2013] - Mystic Soundz From Afrika (Lost Field Recordings 1960-1973) [LP]

MYSTIC SOUNDZ FROM AFRIKA - Bagana

Tracklist

A1 – Drum Dirge               Ethiopia, 1971

A2 – Misengu                    Zaïre, 1973

A3 – Guji Men Chorus       Ethiopia, 1965

A4 – Bagana                      Ethiopia, 1971

A5 – Forked-Harp             Ivory Coast, 1965

A6 – Landa Orchestra       Togo, 1972

A7 – Flute Ensemble         Ethiopia, 1967

B1 – Tiger Recitative         Ethiopia, 1967

B2 – Amharic Love Song   Ethiopia, 1971

B3 – Somba Tipenti           Dahomey, 1965

B4 – Berba Music               Dahomey, 1965

B5 – Kondana                    Togo, 1960

v.a. - Oromo Guitar Songs [ethiopia]

Abitew Kebede - Ijaan Nalaalte [በአይኗ አይታኝ]

        Poor rip of 7 folders containing some of the famous Oromo guitar players and singers, such as Abitew Kebede, Adem Harun, Kedir Said, Abdullahi Jirma, Abdi Qophee and many other.

Abitew Kebede

Adem Harun and  Kedir Said 

Mesele Asmamaw - Ethiopian Traditional Songs (vol. 2) [ethiopia]

Mesele Asmamaw is one of the best ethiopian krar players. He has been playing in the Mohammed Jimmy Mohammed Trio touring Europe since 2004.  He is also member of Qwanqwa band.

Mesele Asmamaw - Minew ene, Sekota

Mesele Asmamaw - 01 - Minew ene, Sekota (8:29)
Mesele Asmamaw - 02 - Yehager fikir, Zeraf (7:27)
Mesele Asmamaw - 03 - Lele (4:53)
Mesele Asmamaw - 04 - Woin abeba, Tiz alegn (7:37)
Mesele Asmamaw - 05 - Damaye (4:49)
Mesele Asmamaw - 06 - Shegeye, Kemekem (11:02)
Mesele Asmamaw - 07 - Hailaloye (5:30)
Mesele Asmamaw - 08 - Yagere lij (6:43)
Mesele Asmamaw - 09 - Yashirishire (5:17)
Mesele Asmamaw - 10 - Yalew gelel (4:39)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohanes Afework ‎– Traditionelle Musik Aus Äthiopien [1994] [ethiopia]

One of the best album of traditional ethiopian music.

Alemayehu Fanta, Aklilu Gebretsadik and Yohannes Afework @ Fendika

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 01 - Selamta (4:18)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 02 - Sengo Megin - Zerafewa (5:14)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 03 - Ambassel (3:53)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 04 - Fanno Fanno (3:39)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 05 - Medina Zelesenya (5:28)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 06 - Bati (5:18)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 07 - Ethiopia Hagere (3:56)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 08 - Keto Aikerim Motu (3:48)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 09 - Gojam Gonder (5:43)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 10 - Abebayehoi (3:57)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 11 - Bati Bati (4:40)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 12 - Shemonmwane (4:56)

Ali Shebbo - unknown cassette [ethiopia]

   many thanks goes to Eric !!!

       Ali Shebbo origins from Dire Dawa. He is playing guitar and was along with Ali Birra, Abetew Kebede singing in Afaan Oromo when the government was trying to prohibit it. He also made some performances in Addis Abeba, gave out a 7’’ with Philips, and was an active performer and song-writer and popular amongst the Oromos in the 70s and early 80s.

Ali Shebbo - Dumbushie Ghela

Ali Shebbo - 01 - Garaan Soba Beeka (1:18)
Ali Shebbo - 02 - Ashitaa Hararii (4:46)
Ali Shebbo - 03 - Egnumtiin Dhaamsa Siidhaama (6:28)
Ali Shebbo - 04 - Koo Yaabareedu (6:20)
Ali Shebbo - 05 - Yaani kee Yoom Nadhiise (6:01)
Ali Shebbo - 06 - Asiyoobe (4:51)
Ali Shebbo - 07 - Askootu Assin Jira (5:33)
Ali Shebbo - 08 - Shagar Ba'huuree (6:01)
Ali Shebbo - 09 - Haaroon Haaramaayaa (6:01)
Ali Shebbo - 10 - Ija Lameen Kula (5:12)
Ali Shebbo - 11 - Bariidana Kee ti (6:25)

Mahmoud Ahmed - Classical Kirar [Traditional Tunes] [ethiopia]

        In recent months I got some interesting albums from my Ethiopian friends.  This Mahmoud Ahmed release is one of almost forgotten treasures. As usual, this came to me without any info, besides the names of the tracks. 

      Mahmoud's voice accompanied by the krar, a really unique album of the great Ethiopian singer.  Enjoy it!

Mahmoud Ahmed - 01 - Konjitiye (5:11)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 02 - Wogeney (3:52)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 03 - Tizita (8:13)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 04 - Ere Mela Mela (3:40)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 05 - Birtukaney (4:38)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 06 - Ambassel (6:00)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 07 - Gubiliye or Iyew Dimamu (5:24)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 08 - Fikir Indegena (5:07)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 09 - Bakish Tarekign (3:47)

Mahmoud Ahmed - 10 - Anchiye Hodiye (4:30)

v.a. - Ambassel [ethiopia]

originally posted on The Spear blog : here

                Ethiopian music is primarily based on a five tone scale system. This is known as a pentatonic scale (‘penta’ means five, and ‘tonic’ means note). While most of the music uses a pentatonic scale, some melodies may be based on scales with as few as two or three notes. This is common in Ethiopian folk music, as well as children’s songs. On the other hand, some music in Ethiopia may even be diatonic. Diatonic scales contain 7 notes.

          The Ethiopian word for “scale” is “kiñit”. The word “kiñit” describes both the scale being used, and sometimes the tuning of the instrument. This is because some instruments have strings with no frets, so the strings need to be tuned to the scale. These instruments include the krar, begena, and masinko.

           There are four main kiñits that are used in Ethiopian music. These are the Tizita, Batti, Ambassel, and Anchihoye kiñits. Some of these have different versions or other modifications.

           The Ambassel scale is a pentatonic scale widely used in the Gonder and Wollo regions of Ethiopia.

              The notes of the scale (in the key of C) are C, Db, F, G and Ab. The intervals in the scale are a minor second, a major third, a major second, a minor second and a major third.

           The scale is used in Ethiopian music for songs with historical themes. 

             A scale is a related set of pitches (not necessarily exact) that can be used as a compositional unit. It differs from a tuning or temperament since the latter is a system for tuning an instrument.

       The chromatic scale can be played in Pythagorean tuning, meantone temperament, or 12-tone equal temperament, or indeed many different types of irregular musical temperament.

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 01 - Ambassel (3:53)

Tigist Assefa - 02 - Ambassel (7:08)

Unknown Amhara Musician Recorded In Dessie - 03 - Ambassel (3:24)

Admassou Abate - 04 - Ambassel (7:08)

Esubalew Adugna - 05 - Ambassel (4:37)

Betsat Seyoum & Abbebe Fekade - 06 - Ambassel (5:27)

Alemayehu Fantaye & Yohannes Afework - 07 - Ambassel (4:52)

Endeshaw Kelemwork & Etenesh Wassie - 08 - Ambassel (5:15)

Alemayehu Eshete-Alèm Girma Band-Amha Eshete-Girma Béyéné - 09 - Ambassel (5:31)

Gétatchèw Mèkurya - 10 - Ambassel (5:41)

Maritu Legesse - 11 - Ambassel (7:24)

Girma Yifrashewa - 12 - Ambassel (8:51)

Etenesh Wassie - 13 - Ambassel (9:43)

Genet Masresha - 14 - Ambassel (6:10)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia [2008] [ethiopia]

      Between 2003 and 2006, Bastien Lagatta, musician and ethnomusicologist, undertook musical researches among the agro-pastoral societies of the Omo valley, thanks to the support of the CNRS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNESCO. For months, he has shared the everyday life of the semi-nomads tribes Nyangatom, Mursi and Bodi, and has taken up the study of their musical repertories. The trek, of several hundred kilometres along the Omo river, in such an amazing natural environment, led him to the heart of Humanity with its peculiar mores, customs and habits. 

              Greatly endearing, these men and women live in a world whose balance is precarious. These recordings reveal the importance of this patrimonial, cultural and artistic heritage.

Benjamin Goldenstein & Patrick Frémeaux

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 01 - Introduction: Troupeaux De Zébus Aux Paturages (1:01)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 02 - Loniyang: Monodie (2:36)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 03 - Loutouleniyang: Monodie (1:49)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 04 - Lopelouk, Suivi De Lobokhiniyang (6:11)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 05 - Lokengkori (1:48)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 06 - Chants Des Vieux Bergers De La Génération Des Élephants (3:35)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 07 - Loumougoulmoye: Chant Collectif Mixte (3:07)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 08 - Chant De Travail: Duo Féminin (2:53)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 09 - Niameley Ye Loporiang (4:40)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 10 - Rienga Rienga Loporiang (6:08)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 11 - Aleke Lokholoya (4:50)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 12 - Flûte Mursi Morou (1:50)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 13 - Oletchay (1:04)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 14 - Naboula Nadongulu (1:44)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 15 - Nangwayna Kara (1:25)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 16 - Badio Laute (1:45)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 17 - Kalalalibosso (1:13)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 18 - Flûtes Morou (2:26)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 19 - Kaenaniye (1:01)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 20 - Komdaye (1:01)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 21 - Ayolo Deguelaye (1:08)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 22 - Noukouregnanineye (1:11)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 23 - ADJenoloynetch (0:35)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 24 - Flûtes Morou (1:02)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 25 - Ambiance De Fête Au Village De Gui Ha (1:14)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 26 - Trompe Trounotey (1:22)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 27 - Danse Et Chant Collectif Mixte Pour Les Troupeaux (1:27)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 28 - Duo Vocal Féminin (5:02)

The Warrior-Shepherds From The Omo Valley - Ethiopia - 29 - Epilogue: À Ce Voyage Musical… (1:05)

Anemut Kinde - Tizeta (Best of Ethiopian Traditional Instrument) [2001] [ethiopia]

            The washint is an end-blown wooden flute originally used by the Amhara people in Ethiopia. The washint is common in the highlands. Traditionally, Amharic musicians would pass on their oral history through song accompanied by the washint as well as the krar, a six stringed lyre, and the masenqo, a one string fiddle.

Anemut Kinde - Washint

         The washint can be constructed using wood, bamboo, or other cane. Varieties exists in different lengths and relative fingerhole placement, and a performer might use several different flutes over the course of a performance to accommodate different song types. It generally has four finger-holes, which allows the player to create a pentatonic scale.

         The washint is widely used traditional musical instrument. It is typically played by Ethiopian shepherds while herding cattle. The bamboo flute usually has four to six holes. Ethiopian youth learn to play this instrument at a very early age. 

           Yohannes Afework, a member of the famous Orchestra Ethiopia of the 1960s, and Animut Kinde are among the most popular players of this instrument.

Anemut Kinde - 01. Balageru (6:03)

Anemut Kinde - 02. Kesemayu Belay (6:48)

Anemut Kinde - 03. Ayine Hulgeze (4:44)

Anemut Kinde - 04. Yetosa Terara (6:49)

Anemut Kinde - 05. Ehehe (6:54)

Anemut Kinde - 06. Tew Erese Gebere (4:56)

Anemut Kinde - 07. Meniew Teleyechgne (6:28)

Anemut Kinde - 08. Welo Gerageru (6:48)

Anemut Kinde - 09. Belew (4:41)

Anemut Kinde - 10. Alteweyayenem (4:07)

Anemut Kinde - 11. Etete Beredegne (5:21)

Anemut Kinde - 12. Amesgnoshale (4:30)

Zerfu Demissie - Akotet: Songs of the Begena [2008] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

      In March 2001, Andy (also guitarist in The Ex) and I (Terrie Ex) were in Addis Abeba, checking out possibilities for The Ex to play some concerts in Ethiopia. But also to check out other music. There is so much amazing stuff there. One day, in the middle of the Mercato, we were struck by something that we had never heard before. Out of the street speaker of a little cassette shop, flowed a sound that was dark, heavy and serious, but also light, fragile and spiritual. We couldn't quite pin it down. We knew the great Ethiopiques 11 of Alemu Aga, but this was different. Slightly embarrassed at the fact that the shopkeeper had had to take the cassette out of the machine and that the street was suddenly silent, we bought the tape. It turned out to be Zerfu Demissie. 

        In March 2004, we organized a series of concerts in Holland called "An Ethiopian music night". The programme consisted of The Ex + Han Bennink, nine of the greatest Azmaris from Addis and Alemu Aga on the begena. Quite a contrasting line-up! In Ethiopia, the Azmaris and Alemu are from completely opposite sides of the musical spectrum. 

     The Azmaris' music is about drinking, politics, sex, dancing, jokes. Playing the begena, on the other hand, is rooted in meditation, concentration and prayer. Deeply devoted to the Orthodox Christian tradition, Alemu was in his fasting period during the tour, which for him meant an even stronger spiritual commitment and no meat and alcohol. He played his songs and right after, The Ex performed. A very different music from a very different background. But when we were finished, Alemu was there standing at the side of the stage, offering us some cold beers. This is not a rigid religion and culture. This is about people.

     We became more and more intrigued by Ethiopian music and culture. We were also intrigued by the begena, an instrument that dates back thousands of years; with its mesmerizing buzzing sound and its special role in the musical, sociological palette. There are the fascinating lyrics, sometimes hundreds of years old and occasionally very contemporary. At times biblical, at other times tapped from different sources. But all including this typical Ethiopian phenomenon known as "Wax 'n' Gold", the subtle poetry with double meaning, which is deciphered as an abstract art form.

     This music is unique to this worid. We had to find out more. August 2006, and we were back in Ethiopia. Jeroen took his mobile studio and Emma her camera. We were hoping to find Zerfu to make a recording with him. And we did find him. He agreed to the project, and a few days later, we recorded him in his empty bedroom at home. Beautiful! Enjoy the sounds within!

Terrie Ex - Wormer, November 2007

01. Zerfu Demissie - Alayenem Belu, Alsemanem Belu (5:42)
02. Zerfu Demissie - Degwawen Kitetut (5:41)
03. Zerfu Demissie - Arb Yetaredewn (8:05)
04. Zerfu Demissie - Ahadu Belo K'idus (8:32)
05. Zerfu Demissie - Arb, Rob, Inegedef (5:10)
06. Zerfu Demissie - Ne'i, Ne'i Kidane Mehret (6:29)
07. Zerfu Demissie - Efoy Ta'ageseke (4:48)
08. Zerfu Demissie - Sek'let (3:27)
09. Zerfu Demissie - Dingelim (4:01)
10. Zerfu Demissie - Esme Ante (2:46)
11. Zerfu Demissie - Godana (7:06)

Ketema Makonnen - Ketema Makonnen [PH131] [1972] [ethiopia]

originally posted here : A Tertiary Source

           An incredibly skilled player of the Kirar, or the 6-string bowled lyre, Ketema Makonnen's style is comparable to that of Kassa Tessema (who was recently documented on Buda's Ethiopiques). Deeply sorrowful and forlorn, these strings kick up a dusty trail of longing, intuitively navigated by his warm, rustic voice. I find his style much more penetrating than that of Kassa's, where Tessema has a gentler pluck of his krar and a softer vocal leverage, Ketema has a higher degree of ferocity.

Ketema Makonnen - Tizita 1974-5

            Although digging up information on Mekonnen has proven to be difficult, partially due to the varied spellings of his last name (Amharic to English translations are, indeed, fickle), he does have at least one other album recorded for Phillips documented from 1974.

       On this album, many recognizable Tizita classics are heard, including Tizita itself, as well as a personal favorite, Mela Mela (any Ethiopian artist who sings this heart-wrenching ballad tends to leave an impression on me). Mekonnen's rendition is gorgeous, and some of the more obscure titles on the B side match the quality of it. Whirling with delirious melodic shifts, Mekonnen's style is unique and compelling. While basic details of his life are difficult to extract from the labyrinthine depths of the internet, his mark is made on the traditional side of 1970s Ethiopia with this deeply emotional recording.

Ketema Makonnen - 01 - Tizita (5:23)

Ketema Makonnen - 02 - Fano-Che Belew (4:23)

Ketema Makonnen - 03 - Bati (4:25)

Ketema Makonnen - 04 - Mela Mela (6:26)

Ketema Makonnen - 05 - Antchi Hoye (6:07)

Ketema Makonnen - 06 - Gele Beyi (2:47)

Ketema Makonnen - 07 - Endegena (4:29)

Ketema Makonnen - 08 - Ainama Konjo (4:14)

Ketema Makonnen - 09 - Negireshalehu (3:51)

Ketema Makonnen - 10 - Kibret Alem (2:52)

Ketema Makonnen - 11 - Gussumaye (4:17)

Ketema Makonnen - 12 - Amognegn (4:19)

Ethiocolor - Ethiocolor [2014] [ethiopia]

         Ethiocolor is a cultural traditional band consisting of Kirar (a kind of lyre), Bass Kirar, Washint (flute), Kebero (traditional drums) and Massinqo. This band, led by traditional dancer Melaku Belay, is the cream of the crop of cultural musicians and dancers of the country. All of them share the common priority to represent the traditional styles in an accurate, lively and new way, as well as to spread their music all over the world.

      Since its inception in 2009, word has spread fast for this young group. They have already won a wide audience in Addis Abeba and through the country. Moreover, each member of Ethiocolor possesses extensive national and international experience. Musicians and dancers have collaborated with traditional music projects, but also with jazz, rock, fusion and hip-hop artists. All these experiences separate Ethiocolor from other traditional groups by giving their music a special “color”.

     “Our goal is not just to assemble the best traditional musicians and create another folk ensemble. Our unique vision is to demonstrate that the immense musical heritage of Ethiopia can be performed with a great degree of creativity while still maintaining its identity”, says Melaku Belay, leader and founder of the cultural group.

Ethiocolor Band at Festival EtnoSur (Spain)

Members of the band are: 

Yohannes Aferworq (flute), 

Anteneh Teklemariam (bass kirar), 

Nardos Tasfaw (chant/vocals), 

Dagim (dance), 

Endres Hassen (mesenqo), 

Fasika Hailu (kirar), 

Frehiwot (dance), 

Hawa (chant/vocals), 

Selamnesh Zemene (chant/vocals),

Tesfaye Taye (chant/vocals), 

Melaku Belay (dance), 

Misale Legesse (kebero), 

Zinash Tsegaye (dance).

Ethiocolor - 01 - Ante Gongarie [Selemnesh Zemene] (5:23)

Ethiocolor - 02 - Otai Ma na [Tokato Mena] (6:20)

Ethiocolor - 03 - Helle Loyo Helle loha [Hawa Talen] (4:32)

Ethiocolor - 04 - Mindjarie [Tesfaye Taye] (6:08)

Ethiocolor - 05 - Sekota [Wudie Tesfaw] (3:52)

Ethiocolor - 06 - Keremiela [Tesfaye Taye] (6:13)

Ethiocolor - 07 - Shimunmun [Selemnesh Zemene] (7:30)

Ethiocolor - 08 - Selel Abliyom [Mizan Tesfaye] (7:00)

Ethiocolor - 09 - Ayana Woga [Dereje Zemedu] (6:11)

Ethiocolor - 10 - Mali Malonayie [Tesfaye Taye & Kidane Haile] (5:26)