JaBig ♥ ETHIOPIAN MUSIC: 3-hour DJ Mix of 2011 Ethiopia Best Amharic Music New Modern Songs

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Some of the artists featured on the "mix tape" are Gigi, Teddy Afro (Tewodros Kassahun), Gossaye Tesfaye, Theodros Tadesse, Aster Aweke, Abeba Lakew, Roha Band, Gedion Daniel, Shewanday Hailu, Manalemosh Dibo, Hebist Tiruneh, Henock Abebe, Girma Gemechu, Hamelmal Abate, Monica Sisay, Tsehaye Yohannes, Betelhem Dagnachew, Abinet Agonafer, Neway Debebe, Netsanet Mellesse, Abyssinia Band, Lafonte (Brihanu Tezera & Tadele Roba), Zeritu, Abdu Kiar, Mikael Belayneh, Dawit Malese, Tilahun Gessesse, Shewanday Hailu and more...

To download this Amharic music mix for free and for Part II

: http://www.facebook.com/JaBig

This New 2011 YouTube Exclusive DJ Mix of music of Ethiopia by JaBig showcases Ethiopian Synth-Pop songs that are popular in Addis & worldwide.

____________
About this Mix:
-----------------

In August 2011 as I was organising my music to decide on what to bring along on my 8-year DJ world tour by car, I stumbled across a large collection of Ethiopian music given to me by a friend four years earlier that I had never really had taken the time to listen to because with over 50 000 songs that I own, it takes forever to go through it.

One night I could not sleep because for a reason that I forgot so I decided to give the music a listen. I stepped onto the SL 1200s and booted up my DJ set recording software and got mixing. 

Keep in mind that it was the first time listening to 99% of the Ethiopian songs found in the mix and the synth-sound style were completely new to me coupled with the fact that some of the music was originally poorly recorded so this was the most impromptu and unprepared DJ set ever so kindly bear with the not-so-perfect session.

One day when I have the time, I will write down the complete tracklisting for those interested. I am a very, very busy man so don't count on it anytime soon unfortunately...

Feel free to send me your feedback (good or bad!) at JABIG@JABIG.COM and do visit http://www.JaBig.com if you'd like to listen to more music, read my travel tales and discover the reason behind my 8-year journey around the world by car.

Enjoy!

-- JaBig (Montreal, August 2011)

PS: If you enjoyed this why not show your support by donating at least $5 to the UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME, the largest humanitarian agency in the world fighting child hunger worldwide including Ethiopia?

Every single dollar counts so please donate? 25 cents (US$) feeds a 1 child so imagine what $5 at least could do. Thanks!

https://www.wfp.org/donate/fillthecup

Sofia Shibabaw - Fikir Kemekbir Belayi [1996]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       Sofia Shibabaw is Amharic gospel singer (mezmur) from Ethiopia with an extraordinary singing voice. She is one of the best recent Christian artist. So far she have two fantastic albums and also have many records with various Christian artists in different albums.

01. Sofia Shibabaw - Oh Enie Man Negne (6:50)
02. Sofia Shibabaw - Leka Alie Dagna (5:24)
03. Sofia Shibabaw - Keberigne (6:04)
04. Sofia Shibabaw - Alemayehu (5:41)
05. Sofia Shibabaw - Ethiopia (5:51)
06. Sofia Shibabaw - Fikir Kemekbir Belayi (5:03)
07. Sofia Shibabaw - Fikir Chemere (4:46)
08. Sofia Shibabaw - Endantie Yele (7:00)
09. Sofia Shibabaw - Yelewetgne (7:09)
10. Sofia Shibabaw - Edil Fenitaye (6:25)
11. Sofia Shibabaw - Lehiyiwetihe Waga Site (6:01)

Mahmoud Ahmed & Badume's band - Le pont des artistes [Radio France] [2007]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Mahmoud Ahmed & le Badume's band   -  Le Pont des Artistes

Studio CHarles Trenet, Maison de Radio France, Paris

Recording : December 12th, 2007
Broadcast : December 15th, 2007

Mahmoud Ahmed

1. Mahmoud Ahmed & Badume's band - Kulun Mankwalesh (4:14)

2. Mahmoud Ahmed & Badume's band - Fetsum Denq Ledj Nesh (4:41)

3. Mahmoud Ahmed & Badume's band - Bemen Sebeb Letlash (4:42)

4. Mahmoud Ahmed & Badume's band - Belomi Benna (5:50)

                                      

 Badume's Band

Badume's Band - Qelemewa [2010] [france + ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

          Badume's Band is a eight-piece, atypical Breton (French) group that masterfully recreates the intoxicating sounds of the Ethiopian Golden Era of Music - when Addis Ababa was grooving to the sound of twist, soul, rhythm & blues and jazz in the 1970s. 

         They have become the official backing band of Mahmoud Ahmed & Alemayéhu Eshété. 

1. Badume's Band - Sab Sam Argign (4:38)
2. Badume's Band - Yemewded Neger (4:35)
3. Badume's Band - Qelemewa (4:03)
4. Badume's Band - Mela Mela (6:34)

Eric Menneteau (vocals), 
Xavier Pusset (tenor saxophone), 
Pierre-Yves Mérel (tenor saxophone), 
Frank Le Masle (keyboards), 
Rudy Blas (guitar), 
Etienne Callac (bass), 
Antonin Volson (drums), 
Jonathan Volson (percussion)

Alemayehu Eshete - Addis Ababa [1992] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

             This is a great CD of Alemayehu's (the Ethiopian Elvis) greatest works of his seasoned musical career. The old authentic Ethiopian melodies are composed with mixed symphonyish, jazzy, rich musical extrvaganza. With his powerful bass voice, his vibrant and jubliant immersion in his performance is apparent in his songs. 

      

       He offers his beatuful versions of Tizita and Ambassel (classis Ethiopian melodies). My favorite is however, Marign Biyeshalo with poetic rhymes ('Kodaye tegefo yihunilish chama'- peel my skin off and make a shoe out it for her). I recommend it to anyone who loves the original Ethiopian melodies and appreciates its composition with 21st century instruments.

PS: Watch out for the saxophone solos. 

01   Addis Ababa Bete 5:53

02   Yewoine Haregitu 4:20

03   Manihun Tilek Saw 4:29

04   Yeworma Zengada 3:44

05   Ambassel             7:30

06   Denyew Denaba    3:21

07   Marign Biyeshalo 4:08

08   Chigerish Bene Alfoual 5:14

09   Kotuma Fikrie     4:31

10   Tizita            5:34

Bass - Deredge Tefera

Clarinet - Ivo Papasov

Drums - Tamara Haregu

Engineer - Stephane Caisson

Guitar - Jean-François Pauvros

Keyboards - Berhane Kindane , Nebiyu Tesfaye

Producer - Francis Falceto

Saxophone - Philippe Herpin

Saxophone [Tenor] - Daniel Pabœuf

Trumpet - Yohannes Tekola

Violin - Pascale Meley

Shambel Belayneh - Hager [1996] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

       When it comes to traditional Ethiopian Music, Shambel Belayneh is well known for his singing and his great skill with the Masinko, a traditional Ethiopian musical instruments. For over 20 years, he has entertained audiences across the globe. Currently residing in the United States, Shambel's heart remains in his homeland and he is deeply committed to performing the music of Ethiopia throughout the world.

       When it comes to traditional Ethiopian music, Shambel Belayneh is well known not only for his singing talent, but also for his great skill with the masinko. He is deeply committed to performing the music of Ethiopia throughout the world. Hager, Shambel's sixth recording, is an attempt to blend traditional musical instruments (masinko and krar) with western instrumentation.

       For those Ethiopians far far away from home, Shambel's music brings back great and unforgatable memories. Especially songs number 1,2 and 3. What better way to remenice about your country and roots than with music like 'Hager'? Song number 2, 'Jemeregn' hits home with it's lyrics. The fact that Shambel is one of the best vocalists of our country also contributes to the essence of this cd. Shambel, cheers to you!

        A CD full of happy moments and wonderful music. If you like Ethiopian dancing (with the shoulders and all) this is definately the CD for you. The combination of modern instruments with Shambel's masinko creates an exciting blend that is bound to get you off of your seat and into the dance floor. To me the songs are all great, but I would like to point out song number 6 for its amazing rhythm. If you are Ethiopian you already have it, and if you are not - go get it !

1. Shambel Belayneh - Amoraw Siyaish Wale (6:24)

2. Shambel Belayneh - Indenesh Indenesh (5:39)

3. Shambel Belayneh - Jemeregn (5:54)

4. Shambel Belayneh - Anchin Iyalkugn (5:50)

5. Shambel Belayneh - Ye Geter Shega (5:59)

6. Shambel Belayneh - Limita Bahirdar (6:54)

7. Shambel Belayneh - Neyna Kashign (7:31)

8. Shambel Belayneh - Ya Le Hager Ayamirim (7:49)

9. Shambel Belayneh - Kalem Alaminew (7:52)

v.a. - Ethiopia:Music To Die For [by Nick Wall] [2012]

originally posted at music-to-die-for blog >

Aster Aweke – Kabu

Ethiopian music podcast by Nick Wall

Dur Dur - Rafaad iyo Raaxo [1986] [somalia]

originaly posted at Likembe blog >

   Dur Dur's songs are almost always drenched in love. To the best of my knowledge, they didn't address social or political issues during the military dictatorship and that's why their lyrics didn't make a lasting impression on me or flare up my interest in the band; hence my sketchy knowledge about their work and background. I was really delighted with the post-Siad Barre cassette Andreas posted at Kezira, in which they've several socially engaged tracks.

         These songs are mainly in southern vernacular languages. I hail from about 1100 kms further up North and, though I understand the basics fairly well, I don't have the required baggage to fathom the linguistic and literary subtleties inherent to these dialects. Neither can I contextualize the songs since I don't know if, as was common during the military dictatorship, some of the songs were meant as protest double entendres, were adopted as such by the general public, if events were associated with them etc. That's why I'd rather not venture into summarizing, let alone publicly interpreting, the lyrics. 

       Nevertheless, all the songs are conspicuously about love and I've tried to translate the tracktitles. Corrections are, of course, most welcome!

.........................................................................................................

The following six songs are from the soundtrack of "Rafaad iyo Raaxo" ("Misfortune and Comfort"), a 1986 tragicomedy that was also filmed a couple of years later. 

   01 - Dur Dur - Duruuf Maa Laygu Diidee   

"Duruuf Maa Laygu Diidee" means "Rejected Due to My Circumstances." The vocals are by Muktar "Idi" Ramadan.

   02 - Dur Dur - Saafiyeey Makaa Samraayee!   

In this song vocalist Shimaali Axmed Shimaali pleads, "Oh, Saafi! I Won't let You Go" (Saafi is a female name).

   03 - Dur Dur - Waanada Waxtarkayga Waaye   

"Waanada Waxtarkayga Waaye" means "This Advice Does me Good/I'm Well Advised". Vocals by Cabdullaahi Shariif Baastow & Maryan Naasir.

   04 - Dur Dur - Muraadkay Waa Helee   

"Muraadkay Waa Hellee" means "We've Reached Our Goal." Vocals by Muktar "Idi" Ramadan & Sahra Dawo.

   05 - Dur Dur - Ma Hurdee   

"Ma Hurdee" ("I Can't Sleep"). Vocals by Sahra Dawo & Muktar "Idi" Ramadan.

   06 - Dur Dur - Rafaad iyo Raaxo   

"Rafaad iyo Raaxo" ("Misfortune & Comfort"). Vocals by Sahra Dawo & Muktar "Idi"Ramadan.

These next songs are from two tapes without album or song titles. The track names are thus the popular titles under which the songs were dubbed by the public (see the post on Iftin). 

   07 - Dur Dur - Waxan Sugi Ma Helayaa?   

"Waxan Sugi Ma Helayaa?" ("Shall I Get What I'm Waiting For?") is also known as "Saqda Dhexe Riyadiyo Sariir Maran" ("Midnight Dream in an Empty Bed"). Vocals by Sahra Dawo.

   08 - Dur Dur - Shaacaan Ka Qaadaa   

"Shaacaan Ka Qaadaa" ("I'm Revealing all of it") is also known as "Shallay Ma Roonee" ("Remorse Is Pointless"). Vocals by Sahra Dawo & Cabdullaahi Shariif Baastow.

   09 - Dur Dur - Rag Kaleeto Maa Kuu Riyaaqayee?   

"Rag Kaleeto Maa Kuu Riyaaqayee?" ("Are Other Men Admiring You?"), aka "Reerkaagaa Joogee" ("Stay With Your Family"). Vocals by Cabdullaahi Shariif Baastow.

   10 - Dur Dur - Boodhari Sidiisii   

Cilmi Ismaaciil Liibaan (better known as Boodhari) is the main protagonist in a true love story that took place in in the 1930s in Berbera, a town in the current Somaliland. He was in his thirties when he fell head over heels in love with Hodon, a teenage girl whose parents were opposed to a relationship between the two due to the difference in age and social class; he worked in a bakery and she belonged to one of the richest families in the area. Hugely burdened and dismayed by the unrequited love, Boodhari composed numerous poems and songs about this forbidden love. Hodon eventually got married to another man and, though this is not corroborated by watertight evidence, Boodhari became so disconsolate that he finally committed suicide. It's not established beyond doubt that all the poems and songs attributed to Boodhari were indeed written by him, but his legend and compositions have certainly been part and parcel of Somali love stories ever since. The song "Boodhari Sidiisii" ("In Boodhari's Footsteps") is also known as "Maruun ii Bishaarey!" ("Surprise Me Once With Good News!"). The vocals are by Cabdullaahi Shariif Baastow.

   11 - Dur Dur - Doobnimaadey Maka Dogoownee    

"Doobnimaadey Maka Dogoownee" ("Getting Old Single") is also known as "Dersi Anaa Lahaa" ("I Need A Lesson [In Love]"). Vocals by Sahra Dawo.

   12 - Dur Dur - Ilwaad Quruxeey!   

"Oh, Angelic Beauty!" Vocals by Cabdullaahi Shariif Baastow.

   13 - Dur Dur - Jaajuumoow Jees   

The title of this song means "A Joking Madman." Vocals by Cabdullaahi Shariif Baastow & Sahra Dawo.

   14 - Dur Dur - Waxla Aaminaan Jirin   

"Waxla Aaminaan Jirin" ("Nobody To Confide In/NothingTo Trust"), aka "Is Yeelyeel" ("Simulation, Pretense"). Vocals by Sahra Dawo.

Admas - Sons of Ethiopia [1984] [usa+ethiopia]

originally posted at Ghostcapital blog - here >

  ... "synth driven Ethiopian-American smooth groove" ...  

1. Admas - Anchi Bale Game (5:15)

2. Admas - Bahta's Highlife (5:58)

3. Admas - Tez Alegn Yetintu (7:52)

4. Admas - Kalatashe Waga (5:25)

5. Admas - Wed Enate (4:55)

6. Admas - Samba Shegitu (4:40)

7. Admas - Astawesalehu (5:27)

Admas - Indigo Sun [2000] [usa+ethiopia]

                                         R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

           Henock Temesgen and Abegasu Shiota formed ADMAS (which means "HORIZON" in Amharic) in Washington, DC in 1984. ADMAS, initially a backup band, went on to compose, arrange and produce music for most Ethiopian Artists working in the U.S., Europe and Ethiopia. They believe their music is reflective of today's world, where globalization is defying geographic boundaries.

       ADMAS band members, Henock and Abegasu, are graduates of the distinguished Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ma. Upon graduation, they moved to Manhattan, NY becoming active in the local Jazz and African music scene. ADMAS toured the United States, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Canada with Ethiopian artists, and played at different festivals, including, The Montreal Jazz Festival, Summer Stage at Central Park, Hollywood Bowl, to name a few.

       In 1997, they were joined by Zakki Jawad a longtime friend and fellow musician. Zakki, an accomplished musician in Reggae and World Music circles, has been actively performing in the U.S and abroad for the past 16 years. He has recorded and performed with several Reggae and African musicians, such as the ITALS from Jamaica. Between them they have extensive live and recording experience.

       ADMAS’ latest and sophomore effort, produced by the legendry studio icon Bill Laswell, reflects their continual work in fusing African/Ethiopian ideas with other world music elements. 

       This album also features prominent musicians such as Omar Hakim (drums - previously with Sting and Madonna), Karsh Kale (Drums and Tabla), Lili Haydn (Violin – Seal, Plant/Page), Peter Apfelbaum (Saxophone – Don Cherry, Hieroglyphics Ensemble), Art Baron (Trombone – Duke Ellington), Graham Haynes (Trumpet and Flugel-horn, - Steve Coleman, Gigi), Gigi (vocals - signed by Chris Blackwell to Palm Pictures recently topped the World Music charts in US and Europe), and Abdou Mboup (Percussions - Angelique Kidjo, Jean-Luc Ponty) to name a few.

        The emergence of ADMAS as an original band comes on the heel of the establishment of their own independent label and Production Company, C-Side Entertainment, LLC. ADMAS’ fusion of Ethiopian and other World Music elements is the basis for their unique sound, which they hope to bring to worldwide audience. They believe their music is reflective of today’s world, where globalization is defying geographic boundaries.

01. Admas - Dialogue (6:28)

02. Admas - Kulubi Express (5:59)

03. Admas - Indigo Sun (6:03)

04. Admas - Chiffera (5:54)

05. Admas - Pharaoh (4:40)

06. Admas - A Prize of Peace (6:22)

07. Admas - Won (6:52)

08. Admas - Dankira (4:55)

09. Admas - Rift Valley (5:57)

10. Admas - Pharoah (extended) (6:47)

v.a. - Ililta! - New Ethiopian Dance Music [2011] [ethiopia]

Tirudel Zenebe - Gue

01  - Tirundel Zeneb- Gue  [Gurage side]

02  - Tesfay Taye - Selame  [Konso side]