Mahmoud Ahmed - Woy Fikir [with Roha Band] [1986] [ethiopia]

Mahmoud Ahmed, born 18 May 1941, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

       Mahmoud Ahmed  sang at weddings and family gatherings from a very early age, but while he was still a child, his family became homeless when his father lost his job. Forced to work as a shoeshine boy, the young Mahmoud’s education inevitably suffered and he was expelled from school for poor attendance. Following his headmaster’s advice that his only possible salvation lay in music, Mahmoud Ahmed soon became known locally for his powerful voice as well as his skills as a dancer of the twist and calypso. He worked as a painter’s assistant and kitchen porter at the Arizona Club, a fashionable Addis Ababa nightspot. One evening, he begged his way into performing a song with a band at the club, receiving rapturous applause and launching his musical career. He became the vocalist with the Imperial Bodyguard Band in the early 60s, subsequently remaining with them for 11 years.

     

Mahmoud Ahmed With Roha Band (1986)

Mahmoud Ahmed’s first album was released in 1972 and he has since made numerous recordings for the local market as well as performing with many of Ethiopia’s top bands and musicians. In 1986, the Belgian record label Crammed Discs released Erè Mèla Mèla, a compilation of Ahmed’s recordings from the 70s and one of the first albums of modern Ethiopian music available in the west. Critical response was highly favourable and a European tour followed a year later. Soul Of Addis was originally released in Ethiopia in 1985 and, while not as intense as the 70s recordings, nevertheless offered a fine showcase for Ahmed’s spellbinding voice. The Paris, France-based label Buda Musique has also released several Ahmed albums in their Éthiopiques series.

       Something of a local institution, Mahmoud Ahmed still performs regularly in Addis Ababa, as well as owning and running a record label and a nightclub. He sings in a variety of local and international styles but consistently returns to the tizita (a slow and intense local form of the blues). His multi-octave voice is similar to that of Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (who died in 1997), a veritable force of nature that combines the ecstatic devotional pleading of qawwali with the precise tone and phrasing of Western jazz singers.

Mahmoud Ahmed - 01 - Endet Nesh Belulign (6:22)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 02 - Yeshega Lij Mewded (7:55)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 03 - Konjit (5:04)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 04 - Atazlignim Woy (5:46)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 05 - Yababilal (5:23)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 06 - Neyima (7:15)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 07 - Woy Fikir (10:24)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 08 - Engidaye Nesh (7:28)
Mahmoud Ahmed - 09 - Ebolale Gere (5:30)

Roha Band members were :

Ashenafi Awel - drums

Giovanni Rico Bonsignori - bass

Yonas Degefie - saxophone

Selam Syoum - guitar

Yared Tefera - saxophone

Dawit Yifru - keyboards

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Winterthurer Musikfestwochen [partial FM] [2014] [swiis+eth]

       Imperial Tiger Orchestra is a Swiss group of modern popular Ethiopian music. Its name hints at the Imperial bodyguard band of the Halie Selassie era and Monty Python’s “Tiger in Africa” sketch. It was formed after a jam organized by Genevan trumpet player Raphaël Anker.The band has released three albums and played in Europe, Southern Africa and Ethiopia.It also worked with renowned Ethiopian musicians, like Endress Hassen or the singer Hamelmal Abate.

Imperial Tiger Orchestra & Hamelmal Abate 

Arte Live Web / Cosmo Jazz 2012

          When Imperial Tiger Orchestra first started unravelling the yarn of Ethiopian Music from the Golden Age (1969 – 1975), no one expected the thread to be so long and no one knew where it might end. Inspired by original albums that the band found while shopping for rare musical gems on a first visit to Addis Ababa in 2009, Imperial Tiger Orchestra released a first record in 2010, the aptly-named Addis Abeba, which explored Ethiopian music from the 70s – when traditional Ethiopian brass bands began feeding off American soul. The second release, Mercato, veered towards a more pop-inspired repertoire from the 80s, and the latest release goes one step further, taking the listener deeper into Ethiopian culture, from the unique sounds of the azmari repertoire to the hypnotic groove of the major tribes. 

       After three years touring Europe, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has acquired a solid reputation as a mighty groove machine. The band has also taken its acid riffs to the African continent, touring South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe back in 2010. Having been invited to Addis Ababa by the renowned producer of the Ethiopiques series, Francis Falceto, the Tigers were proud to meet many of the local musicians who work to reshape traditional Ethiopian music. Based in and around Geneva, Switzerland, Imperial Tiger Orchestra has also worked with musicians and dancers from the Ethiopian diaspora, receiving their rewarding approval and blessing for their own original take on Ethiopian music.

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 01. Konso

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 02. radio announcer

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 03. Tigrinia

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 04. Lelele

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 05. radio announcer

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - 06. Che Belew

Dub Colossus - A town called Addis [2006] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       This project brings together an extraordinary but little known African musical heritage, a labour of love recording in a makeshift studio in down-town Addis Ababa and then a journey back to Real World to capture for the first time ever in the UK some of Ethiopia's finest performers.

       This project is the vision of Dub Colossus - Dubulah - aka Nick Page. Composer, guitarist, bass player and programmer Nick started his music career with Michael Riley (Steel Pulse) and in 1990 formed Transglobal Underground with Tim and Hammi, produced-wrote-played six albums before leaving in 1997 to form Temple of Sound with Neil Sparkes.

       Ethiopian music is the hidden gem of Africa. At the end of the Sixties and the early Seventies, Ethiopia was in the dying years of the imperial decline of Haile Selassie and the early years of a brutally repressive junta led by Mengistu. Within the confines of this stifling and constrictive environment there flowered some astonishing music. At times showing Fela Kuti's influences, in the big band sax flavour and other times a different take on regional music, this is a music that is accessible to all and has been championed by the likes of Robert Plant, Brian Eno and Elvis Costello. The style of contemporary Ethiopia music captured by Dub Colossus ranges from dreamy blues, hypnotic grooves, jazz piano and driving funk brass.

       "A Town Called Addis" was inspired by meeting , writing and working with singers and musicians in Addis Ababa in August 2006, and is a collaboration between Dub Colossus (Nick Page) and these amazing musicians covering Azmari and traditional styles as well as the popular singing styles of the 60s and 70s. It seeks to combine the golden years of ethiopique beats (popular again thanks to the release of the critically acclaimed 'Ethiopique' compliation ) and ethiojazz with the dub reggae styles of early 70s reggae groups like the Abyssinians, Mighty Diamonds and so on. along with a hint of Sun Ra..." (Dub Colossus/aka Nick Page)

       The first sessions took place in a breeze block hut under corrugated iron roof bombarded by the sounds of the rainy season high up on the mountain plateau where Addis is built. "...the sound of children playing, dogs barking and women washing all permeate the sessions and help the flavour of the record, albeit as ambient smoke.....Although a howling cat chasing a rat under the roof destroyed one vocal take completely...!"

       We brought these unique urban field recordings home to Real World to complete the picture. In March 2008 we invited a group of outstanding performers from Addis to travel to the UK. Some of these artists are unknown talents who have never traveled outside of their country before now, while others such as singer Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe (Addis Ababa night club owner and know as the Ethiopian Edith Piaf ) and master saxophonist Feleke Hailu (a classical composer, lecturer and head of music at the Yared Music School and part of a dynastic tradition that stretches back far beyond the classic hits his father arranged for Mahmoud Ahmad in the late 1960s) have a huge reputation. They are joined by Teremag Weretow who, with his plaintive voice, playing his messenqo ( one-string fiddle) is a youthful carrier of an ancient tradition; extraordinary pianist Samuel Yirga is an exciting new discovery - a young prodigy of classical and Ethiojazz and finally the glamourous star Tsedenia Gebremarkos, winner of a Kora award as the best female singer in East Africa in 2004,

       From the most primitive recording context to one of the best in the world, this project is an audio journey - and discovery of one of the most alluring, funky and seductive genres of African music.

01. Dub Colossus - Azmari Dub (5:05)

02. Dub Colossus - Entoto Dub (5:55)

03. Dub Colossus - Tazeb Kush (5:52)

04. Dub Colossus - Shegye Shegitu (Blue Nile Mix) (3:54)

05. Dub Colossus - Shegye Shegitu (One Drop mix) (4:49)

06. Dub Colossus - Yeka Sub City Rockers (5:04)

07. Dub Colossus - Shem City Steppers (5:28)

08. Dub Colossus - Tizita Dub (7:38)

09. Dub Colossus - Black Rose (4:06)

10. Dub Colossus - Neh Yelginete (5:40)

11. Dub Colossus - Ophir Dub (4:40)

12. Dub Colossus - Sima Edy (4:40)

13. Dub Colossus - Mercato Music (5:47)

14. Dub Colossus - Ambassel (4:40)

15. Dub Colossus - Ambassel In Box (5:47)

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)