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)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba [project by Girum Mezmur] [2012] [ethiopia]

       Comprised of some of Addis Ababas finest acoustic musicians, the Addis Acoustic Project brings forth Ethiopias popular tunes from the 1950s and 1960s in a new light. Directed and arranged by guitarist Girum Mezmur, the Addis Acoustic Project unfolds vintage Ethiopian music in a fresh and contemporary way. The groups musical style has influences of traditional East-African, Jazz, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms among other styles.

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba

August, 2012 - "Meche Dereshe"

    The band, composed of veteran musicians such as Ayele Mamo (Mandolin), as well as contemporary musicians such as Girum Mezmur (Guitars, Accordion), Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Nathaniel Tesemma (Drums, Percussions), Aklilu Wolde Yohannes (Clarinet, Flute), and Misale Legesse (Kebero, Percussions), produces unique sounds dear to most Ethiopians and that undoubtedly appeal to a greater world music audience.

      Addis Acoustic Project presents its performance with an attempt to stay true and authentic to the styles as well as instrumentations of the 1950s Ethiopian popular music, yet introducing fresh and contemporary musical elements with ample room for spontaneity and improvisation.

    Addis Acoustic Projects founder/ musical director, Girum Mezmur, has performed with the whos who of Ethiopian music including Aster Awoke, Ali Birra, Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Teddy Afro. His musical relationship with Mahmoud Ahmed has provided him the opportunity to tour several countries worldwide including Africa, Europe, and Canada, playing at major international music festivals such as the WOMAD, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Roskilde Festival, etc. Girum has also had the honor of participating in U.Ks 2007 BBC Radio World Music Award, appearing as Mahmoud Ahmeds guitarist. It was here where Mahmoud Ahmed won the nomination for Best Artist under the category Africa. Girum has also performed / recorded with other renown African artists such as Angelique Kidjo, Ray Lema, and Ali Keita. Girum Mezmur is also a co-founder of Jazzamba Music School and Jazzamba Lounge, as well as the yearly Acacia Jazz & World Music Festival in Addis Ababa.

     Since its premiere at the 7th Ethiopian Music Festival (May 2008), the Addis Acoustic Project has been enjoying great success. The group currently performs on a weekly basis at one of Addis Ababas hip jazz spots..."Jazzamba Lounge".  

    The band has also performed internationally at renowned festivals and venues such as WOMEX09 in Copenhagen, Selam Festival in Stockholm, TFF Rudolstadt Festival in Germany, Tree House in Nairobi, Sauti za Busara Festival in Zanzibar, and MASA in Ivory Coast among others.

     The band released its debut album "Tewesta"- Remembrance" on the world music label, Harmonia Mundi/World Village in August 2011.

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 01 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:57)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 02 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (3:58)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 03 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (0:35)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 04 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (3:24)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 05 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:54)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 06 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (5:42)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 07 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:13)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 08 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (5:57)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 09 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (6:31)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 10 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (5:11)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 11 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (9:53)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 12 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:41)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 13 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (11:29)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 14 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (4:25)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 15 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (9:01)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 16 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (6:50)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 17 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (7:57)

Addis Acoustic Project - Live at Jazzamba 18 [Ethiopia](Addis Abeba) (7:23)

1:47:01  -  147 mb @ 192 kbps
bootleg quality

Qwanqwa - Qwanqwa Demo [2013] [ethiopia]

   Qwanqwa - ቋንቋ   

          Qwanqwa, from the Amharic word for language, plays beloved and rare Ethiopian tunes with a unique twist. The band, based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, is named for this concept. The members vary in age and background, but have come together for a unique and powerful sound with an equally meaningful message. At it’s core, this band is instrumental, since they believe that to reach the widest audience, a single singer can limit the effect. 

           However, the list of guests and collaborations is long, including both beloved and famous singers such as Fikraddis, Habte Michael, Amelmal Abate, as well as beloved Azmari singers Selamnesh Zemene and Etenesh Wassie. Not limited to only singers, Qwanqwa also has invited the virtuoso masinqo player Endris Hassen, the father of washint Johannes Aferwork, Ethiopia’s foremost clarinetist Dawit Frew, and many other treasures of traditional instrumentalists to join them.

         The vision of Qwanqwa is to reach as many people as possible with their music. Where many groups play at clubs, Qwanqwa strives to organize concerts in remote places and unique situations. They know that there are many people who would enjoy their music but would not be able to attend a concert at a club because they can’t afford a taxi, that can’t get a babysitter, they are too young, they don’t drink, or other infinite limiting factors. But music is for all, Qwanqwa seeks opportunities to play to as many demographics as possible. Oftentimes, the members have found, the outreach concerts are even more memorable and rewarding than regular club shows.

Qwanqwa are : 

Mesele Asmamaw - lead krar 
Elias Wolde Mikael - kebero/percussion 
Dawit Seyoum - bass krar 
Kaethe Hostetter - 5 string violin 

Qwanqwa -  Gubliye at Selam Fetival

Qwanqwa's homage to Asnaketch Werqu

Mesele Asmamaw is Qwanqwa’s lead electric krar player. (Krar is a traditional harp, relative to the lyre). Mesele is known as a composer and arranger, active in Ethiopia for over twenty years. He has released many albums of his compositions as well as traveled extensively throughout Europe and Africa performing the traditional music of Ethiopia. Since the mid-2000s, Mesele has been a favorite guest of the extremely influential punk and “The EX”, has recorded several albums with the experimental Norwegian drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, and has toured and recorded with his experimental rock group Trio Kazanches. He uses several interesting techniques in Qwanqwa, including a wah pedal, a distortion pedal, a coke bottle and a plastic tube!

Dawit Seyoum, master of the bass krar, plays extensively in traditional groups around Addis, including Ethiocolor and Hager Fikr. He also is a member of the Nile Project, a much-acclaimed American based project which tours internationally with traditional musicians from all Nile countries.

Elias Wolde Mikael is Qwanqwa’s percussionist. He uses the traditional kebero, goat skin drums played with sticks, as well as a variety of other homemade percussion instruments. He can be seen regularly in several groups around Addis Ababa as well as on popular TV music programs in Ethiopia, including Ethiopian Idol and Balageru.

Kaethe Hostetter, 5-string electric violin, has been playing Ethiopian music for many years now. A founding member of the critically acclaimed Debo Band (signed to Sub Pop), the first Ethiopian band in the US to top many charts including iTunes and CMJ, and who has played many stages from Lincoln Center to Kennedy Center, from Chicago World Music Festival and GlobalFest to Bumbershoot and Bonarroo. She also has had an active performing life in the experimental scene, including tours with Fred Frith, Butch Morris and Jim Hobbs.

Qwanqwa - 01 - Rhumba / Ethiopia Hagere (8:01)

Qwanqwa - 02 - Gubliye (10:55)

Qwanqwa - 03 - Yayne Abeba (12:24)

Qwanqwa - 04 - Hamalele (8:00)

Qwanqwa - 05 - Mejemmeria Fikray (6:35)

Qwanqwa - 06 - Nanu Nanu Nay (8:11)

follow link to  Qwanqwa - Volume One [2014]

follow link to  Qwanqwa - Volume Two [2015]

Tadesse Alemu - Mishamisho [2001] [ethiopia]

       Tadesse Alemu 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. 

         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.

Tadesse Alemu - Mishamisho

Tadesse Alemu - 01 - Sherbela (9:04)
Tadesse Alemu - 02 - Mishamisho (6:08)
Tadesse Alemu - 03 - Gojea Melegnaw (7:12)
Tadesse Alemu - 04 - Ye-Ethiopia Lijoch (7:26)
Tadesse Alemu - 05 - Minjar, Mignar (6:15)
Tadesse Alemu - 06 - Guragea (5:23)
Tadesse Alemu - 07 - Merea (5:20)
Tadesse Alemu - 08 - Selamlegki (6:38)
Tadesse Alemu - 09 - Oromigna (6:10)
Tadesse Alemu - 10 - Guajla [bonus track] (5:07)
Tadesse Alemu - 11 - Track 11 [bonus track] (5:20)




Vocal – Tadesse Alemu 

Keyboards – Mitiku Tefera

Kirar – Mesele Asmamaw

Masinko – Dejene Manchilot

Backing Vocals – Aschalew Ayele, Elasbeth Meshesla, Sileshi Tsegaye, Teshome Mekonen, Tilahun Auimut, Wase Dires, Yodit Zeleka

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)

Adib Kadir - Harari Love [2006] [ethiopia]

Adib Kadir - Oreetay

Adib Kadir - 01 - Intro (0:55)

Adib Kadir - 02 - Zamal (4:25)

Adib Kadir - 03 - Gizmaanay (3:21)

Adib Kadir - 04 - Ethiopia (3:52)

Adib Kadir - 05 - Kamen Darar (4:55)

Adib Kadir - 06 - Ayanana (3:30)

Adib Kadir - 07 - Mawordi (3:13)

Adib Kadir - 08 - Interlude (0:45)

Adib Kadir - 09 - Oreetay (5:02)

Adib Kadir - 10 - Akhash Zeltah (4:05)

Adib Kadir - 11 - Nayling (3:34)

Adib Kadir - 12 - Ifatcheshakh (4:57)

Adib Kadir - 13 - Subti Orti (4:35)

Adib Kadir - 14 - Huffbalu (4:43)

Adib Kadir - 15 - Ethiopia (remix) (4:15)

Adib Kadir - 16 - Outro (0:51)

Munit and Jorg - ፪ - Munit + Jorg [2013 [ethiopia] [ger+eth]

       Munit and Jörg have been creating a most unique and energized blend of Ethio-Acoustic Soul music in Addis Abeba, around Ethiopia and the world! This Ethio-German duet has been entertaining thousands of people with their exciting and engaging live shows, sharing their love for funk, soul and Ethiopian flavors with audiences everywhere.

      Since the duet formed in 2007, Munit and Jörg have had a great journey performing in all the best jazz and world clubs in Addis Abeba. With just one voice and one guitar, they create sounds that are larger than life while bringing an intimacy that makes their audience feel as though they are sitting with old friends in their living room. They believe in creating a positive and uplifting vibration where the audience becomes part of ‘the band, clapping, singing and moving to the music even if it’s in a language they don’t understand!

      Munit’s voice soars in perfect harmony and beat with the rhythmic strumming and drumming of Jörg’s playing as they infuse new energy into old song and tell their own personal stories with joy and play at the heart of it all.

Munit and Jorg - Yekermo Sew

       Munit + Jorg second album, a studio production entitled “፪ ። 2”, was released in March 2013. The title represents the fact that it is the two of them that were the executive producers and artistic directors this project. It is also their second album and the blend of two cultures that has created their unique music! 

       The long-awaited album contains 14 songs, of which 9 are originals and 5 are well-loved familiar tunes ranging from an updated classic by 

legendary krar player, vocalist and actress Asnakech Worku, to children’s songs and an Ethio-jazz standard originally arranged by Ethiopian musical icon Mulatu Astatke. The combination of the new and old provides something for everybody, for those who crave to remember the good old days to those who crave new visions, styles and sounds in Ethiopian music. 

     The album includes many styles and the songs tell personal stories and universal truths with layers of guitar and voice and a few touches of percussion by guest drummers Natnael Tessema and Teferi Assefa. 

Munit and Jorg - 01 - Hagere (4:10)

Munit and Jorg - 02 - Abet Abet (4:14)

Munit and Jorg - 03 - I Remember (4:39)

Munit and Jorg - 04 - Yekermo Sew (3:52)

Munit and Jorg - 05 - Kraro (2:33)

Munit and Jorg - 06 - Bale Gari (3:31)

Munit and Jorg - 07 - Trans-Africa Highway (4:32)

Munit and Jorg - 08 - Fana Wogi (3:29)

Munit and Jorg - 09 - Yegize Te-Amer (4:04)

Munit and Jorg - 10 - Vanity (4:38)

Munit and Jorg - 11 - Ete Mete (4:35)

Munit and Jorg - 12 - Sister (3:49)

Munit and Jorg - 13 - Abaye (4:43)

Munit and Jorg - 14 - Selam (3:14)

Melkamu Meaza - Deep Abyssinia Mixtape - l [2015] [ethiopia]

         Melkamu Meaza is born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Fan of music since childhood and wanted to be a professional musician but joined a medical school in Addis Ababa University , Gondar college of medical sciences (AAU-GCMS). Then department of surgery in AAU- MF (medical faculty), then public health in ACIPH (Addis coninental institute of public health). Currently he is working as a consultant surgeon. 

        Despite lack of time to make music, he kept in touch by listening to music of all genres. He plays (very little) kirar, guitar and keyboards. Almost since 2 years and 6 months, he set up a small home studio first with only a laptop (9 of Mixtape tracks done only with a laptop) and now is better  (laptop + keyboard + headphones) plus lots of  passion. 

       He became a self thought hobby musician. Melkamu spent almost all spare time on it.  He is inspired by Eric Mouquet, the co-founder of the band Deep Forest. He also like compositions by Mulatu Astatke, Abegasu Shiota and Elias Melka from Ethiopia. Melkamu is planning to work to promote music therapy in Ethiopia and also produce a world class album.

Melkamu Meaza - 01 - Aba Geda - feat. The late Laurete poet Tsegaye Gebremedhin (5:56)

Melkamu Meaza - 02 - Aba alem lemene - feat. GiGi  (10:26)

Melkamu Meaza - 03 - Adwa - feat. GiGi, Kassa T. (5:45)

Melkamu Meaza - 04 - Konso Vibe - feat. various artists (4:21)

Melkamu Meaza - 05 - Mercato - feat. Laurete Tsegaye Gebremedhin. - (5:33)

Melkamu Meaza - 06 - Wengel -  - feat. various artists (3:34)

Melkamu Meaza - 07 - Yigodal - feat. Gossaye Tesfaye, Haile Roots, v.a. (5:20)

Melkamu Meaza - 08 - Tenanekegn - feat. Tewodros Kassahun, Aster Aweke (4:30)

Melkamu Meaza - 09 - Sew Malet - feat. Sebhat Gebre-Egziabher  (4:13)

Melkamu Meaza - 10 - Gamo Gofa - feat. Tsalke, v.a. (3:07)

Music mixed and mastered by Melkamu Meaza; MD, Mph 

(Deep Abyssinia)

All credit for samples used in this project goes to the respective artist or owner.

Released for home entertainment only.

 NOT FOR SALE  !!!!

v.a. - Munsphone Mixtape - 60s and 70s Sudanese Records (Cassette. Munsphone Records)

This one is a collection of records from the 60s and 70s on the Munsphone label out of Sudan "mixed by an Ethiopian octogenarian." 




SIDE A

1. Hamed Al Rayah - Shalo Alkalam
2. Sayed Khalifa - Jani O Ma Ligani
3. Suna'i Alasima (Mohammed Awad & Ahmed Omer) - Min Hobby Feek Ya Jar
4. Suna'i Alasima (Mohammed Awad & Ahmed Omer) - Jaboo Al Shabka Yom Al Eid
5. Ibrahim Awad - Att'haddak
6. Sharhabil Ahmed - Lissa Ma Arfeen
7. Sharhabil Ahmed - Ya Gammer Dowwa
8. Mohammed Werdi - Ghattr Al Nedda




SIDE B

1. Sayed Khalifa - Al Wahid Khallaney Wahid
2. Al Belabil - Khatim Al Moon (3 sisters: Hadya, Hayat, & Amal Thulsem)
3. Sharhabil Ahmed - Ferfish
4. Sharhabil Ahmed - Al Laabis al Bumbi
5. Mohammed Werdi - Ma Takh'jely
6. Al Belabil - Lon al Manga
7. Sayed Khalifa - Nana ya Nana
8. Ibrahim Awad - Zahra Nadya
9. Mohammed Werdi - Uzabney Za Zeed Azabuk !   song not complete!

v.a. - The Ethiopian Millennium Collection [CD6 - Memories Of Ethiopa] [2007] [ethiopia]

     The golden age of Ethiopian popular music (as heard on the fabled ETHIOPIQUES series) is famous in part for the sparsity of material that it yielded: The state-owned recording industry was largely a ramshackle government vanity, and while music of the music it captured was strikingly haunting, only a few dozen tracks were recorded in the 1960s and '70s... 

Since then, the floodgates have opened as Ethiopia has more or less entered the modern world -- more artists are making and recording more music than was dreamed possible back in the politically repressive "good old days," and the fruits of this renaissance are heard on this 6-CD set. 

This album is recorded using authentic Ethiopian instruments – the Kirar (a circular wooden sound box from which six strings are attached to an upper stick held in position by two arms extending upward in a V shape); the Kebero (a large drum made of cowhide stretched over cylindrical wooden frame); the Washint (a four-holed bamboo reed pipe traditionally played by shepherds); and the Masinko (a one-stringed fiddle consisting of diamond shape wooden sound box and string made from strands of horsetail). This definitive, one-of-a-kind anthology will introduce you to Ethiopia’s rich world of unique sounds and captivating music. Enjoy!

01 - Sekota - Memories Of Ethiopia (4:18)

02 - Mulu Abeba - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:24)

03 - Ayubign - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:39)

04 - Bati - Memories Of Ethiopia (6:53)

05 - Tigrigna - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:41)

06 - Ambasel - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:05)

07 - Gabicha - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:49)

08 - Tizita - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:39)

08 - Shemonmwanaye - Memories Of Ethiopia (5:57)

09 - Immawayish - Memories Of Ethiopia (4:06)

10 - Wello - Memories Of Ethiopia (3:37)