Dawit Getachew - Memory of the Future [2015] [ethiopia]

       Dawit Getachew  (born September 25, 1986) is one of the greatest gospel singers in Ethiopia, and east African music award winning Ethiopian singer, song writer , arranger and producer. 

      He is one of the best-and most influential artists in Jazz Christian music. Dawit not only sings but also teaches music at “Mekane Yesus Seminary” school of JAZZ music. This young and intelligent artist is one among the group of Zema for Christ choir.  His first CD “ Ethibekehalehu” has been a blessing since it was released.  Dawit is a great growing artist and is an expectation of everybody.  

Dawit Getachew - Ewedihalew

Early life 

     Dawit Getachew  was born to Mintayesh Cherinet and Getachew Abraham in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at a place known as “Shiromeda”.and grow up in “Debrezeit” with his 3 sisters and 4 brothers.  He grew up in a Christian family, with the word of God and having devotional times with his parents, as a kid Dawit knew that he could sing in those devotional times. Having this talent as a kid Dawit joined his Sunday school choir. The love of music grew in his heart. And he knew that there was nothing on earth that would make him feel good than music. So having this passion Dawit graduated high school from Bishoftu’s preparatory school. 

        After graduating high school, he moved back to “Addis Ababa” and joined Mekane Yesus Seminary” Jazz Music school, majoring piano. As a student Dawit was one of the best students. His interest and passion for music made him to give all his time and heart, by doing that he was one of the top students found in the school. After spending 3 years at the music school, he completed his studies with a heart to serve God and his people.then he start to lecture in the same school. 

        In 2007 a choir known as Zema for Christ released their first album known as  “Bemamene Bicha”. Dawit was one of the founder members of the group. The album was amazing in all its musical arrangement and song contents. He arranged most of the songs and produced along Mihret Tegafaw (a member of Zema for Christ). Starting from then Dawit Getachew along with Zema for Christ performed their songs in most churches found in Addis and other parts of the country.  Then Dawit started arranging and producing songs to different gospel artists, including Bethelhem Tezera, Pastor Mesfin Mamo, Samuel T/Michael, Endalkachew Hawaz, Endrias Hawaz and others. Along this journey the biggest encouragement in his life came from his mother and his older sister Addis Kidan , supporting everything he does and helping him by their prayers. so, their prayer played the biggest role in his life. 

     The first challenge in Dawit's life came from his father. As any Ethiopian, christian parent his father wanted him to continue with his acadamic studies because he believed that the music life of most christians was believed to be difficult for both economical and spiritual life. Deep in side Dawit new that his father purpose is LOVE. Therefore, listening to his father's advice, he was convinced that he should also do more to his life by studying another field of study. He joined the management and leadership college at Mekane Yesus Seminary . Studying for 3 years he got his first Bachelors Degree (B.A) in leadership and development in in June 25,2011.

      In 2010 Dawit released his first album known as “Tebekehalehu”. He amazed his audiences in this album. It was beyond anybody’s expectation. Dawit played the major role in his first album joined by Zema for Christ as his back up singers. He wrote all the songs and produced it on his own by bringing a new and spectacular flavor to the existing music industry.

Dawit Getachew - 01 - The Power of Faith (8:19)

Dawit Getachew - 02 - Hope (8:41)

Dawit Getachew - 03 - Memory of the Future (11:07)

Dawit Getachew - 04 - Gheralta (8:27)

Dawit Getachew - 05 - Worthy of All Praise (9:09)

Dawit Getachew - 06 - Love (Live) (6:17)

Dawit Getachew - 07 - Mercy (4:38)

Dawit Getachew - 08 - Rejoice (8:23)

Dawit Getachew - 09 - Thank You (9:48)

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)

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)

Umar Suleeymaan - various tracks [ethiopia]

Umar Suleeyman - Bilisummaa

Umar Suleeymaan - 01 - Baaletu Sii Biyaa (5:40)
Umar Suleeymaan - 02 - Wabeen Namanceessisuu (7:26)
Umar Suleeymaan - 03 - Waboo Leenca (12:23)
Umar Suleeymaan - 04 - Fira Fakkaate (7:31)
Umar Suleeymaan - 05 - Ta Utaa Sibilta Gufta (4:51)
Umar Suleeymaan - 06 - Seena Oromiyaa (7:05)
Umar Suleeymaan - 07 - Robee Walashiyyoo (7:40)
Umar Suleeymaan - 08 - Leci Adee Bookisa (5:40)

Bruktawit Getahun aka Betty G. - Manew Fitsum [2015] [ethiopia]

Betty G - Asebehalew

Betty G. - 01 - Manew Fitsum (3:53)
Betty G. - 02 - Asebehalehu (3:45)
Betty G. - 03 - Yekelekelal (4:17)
Betty G. - 04 - Nana Demaye (5:14)
Betty G. - 05 - Tawekaleh (4:14)
Betty G. - 06 - Ye Zenbabaw Kelebete (4:39)
Betty G. - 07 - Meshenef Siyansegn (4:14)
Betty G. - 08 - Kant Aybeltim (4:01)
Betty G. - 09 - Sew Alegn (5:54)
Betty G. - 10 - Minew (3:55)
Betty G. - 11 - Aye Set (3:46)
Betty G. - 12 - Fikir Aybeltim Wey (4:16)
Betty G. - 13 - Super Star (4:08)

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)

Ras Abel - Humble Beginnings [2000] [usa + ethiopia]

   R E U P L O A D     

Ras Abel - Love Is Selassie I

       The title of his album "Humble Beginnings" is the perfect phrase to describe the musical career of Ras Abel.

       Born in Addis Abeba in 1972, Ras Abel moved to the USA in 1989. While attending the college in Maryland in early 1990s Abel met a guy named Belatchew who encouraged young Ras' ability to express his lyrics. During the summers Abel, Belatchew on bass and his younger brother Dula met their soul JAH, creating music together. As their love for music grew, they decided to record a demo in 1994. They made two tracks, "Love is in the air" and "Forward to Zion".

       Due to the various difficulties, Ras was unable to pursue a musical career in full time. However, Ras continue to work with Dula in his studio in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent 1996-1999 in coordination with Dula and Tensae (co-producer of "Humble Beginnings") eventually produced "Humble Beginnings" in 2000. 

       While living in Washington, Ras Abel and Tensae tried to make music of Jah. Initially band was named "Maebel", which means tidal wave in Amharic. Later they changed their name to "Melekebet", name of native Ethiopian instrument, used to make an anouncements in ancient times.

     

"Melekebet" was consisted of Salomon on drums, Tensae on bass and Ras Abel on guitar, rhythm guitar and vocal. Their sound was unique blend of reggae and Ethiopian music. Band dismemmbered in early 2001. and Ras Abel took hiatus in the music of Jah.

    In 2008 Ras Abel returned to music once again. Abel recorded his second album with drummer Jeff Franca.

     Curently he is playing with his band "Tesfa". He also features on the album "Sur Mahber", a compilation of songs with various artist made with american group "Soldiers of Jah Army".

    

   In "Dancehall Celebration," he gives props to the new "conscious" roots-and-culture face of dancehall reggae; and in "Afrikawi," sung in the provincial Ethiopian language Tigrinya, he pays tribute to Zeray Deres, an Ethiopian warrior who stood up to the invading Italians.

      Ras Abel's voice is rich, with full range. The music on this CD ranges from Nyahbinghi rhythms, to ska, to Hard Roots, to some Ethiopian traditional music styling. Hard, real upbeat music and messages from a young lion making a 'Humble Beginning'. Respect!.

"Humble Beginnings" is not of humble quality. All tracks reveal that these young lions are under the influence of the masters of premium quality reggae. The lyrics are not shy about singing praises to His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Pan African Development and progressive livity for mankind.

Ras Abel - vocals, lead and rhythm guitar

Bobby T - solo guitar

Matt (bihnghi roots) - keyboards

Taharqa - keyboards

Tensae - bass guitar

Jeff Franca - drums

01. Ras Abel - Rastafari Callin' (5:16)

02. Ras Abel - Forward To Zion (6:01)

03. Ras Abel - Enat Ithiopia (4:29)

04. Ras Abel - Love Is 'N De Air (6:07)

05. Ras Abel - Dancehall Celebration (4:22)

06. Ras Abel - All De Time (3:46)

07. Ras Abel - Afrikawi (Tigrinia) (4:06)

08. Ras Abel - Roaring Lions (4:31)

09. Ras Abel - Bongo Locks (3:19)

10. Ras Abel - Love Is Selassie I (6:31)

v.a. - Eskesta [2003] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

        The Ethiopian term “Eskesta” means “Dancing shoulders.”  It is often practiced in the Northern parts of Ethiopia (Amhara group) where the indigenous tribes of Amhara, Wollo, Gondar etc. are still performing the dance of Eskesta. The motives and characteristics of the dance are often interchanged during the dance by the performers of the variety of war songs, hunting songs, Shepherd songs, love songs and work songs. The best dancer is appointed to the leader of the group and respectively the best singer.

      The eskesta dance transmits ideas, religious beliefs, historical events, ancient stories, emotions, thoughts, through a ritual of shoulder dancing and body movements performed on a certain musical background. One of the main dance motives and movements that are implemented in the ritual of performing of Eskesta are as follows: the Shepherd and his herd, religious commitment and praying (Coptic dance, Jewish roots) and as a matter of meditation.

Ethiopia Eskesta - Jaivah African Dance

       The extraordinary diversity of dances is a result of different cultures and people, often organized horizontally (grouped in space) in comparison to the European people who are vertically stratified. According to some analysis, the Ethiopian dances are not divided according to their function, but according to their uniqueness and individuality. Therefore, there are over 150 unique dance movements across Ethiopia and its regions.

       The theme of Eskesta can be described as follows – expressing certain emotions and impressions from the life through a typical body movement dating back to an Ethiopian tribe (Amhara region), performing these mainly with their heads and shoulders. These significant movements are having a great impact on the Ethiopian indigenous society as a whole. Some of the ideas and themes in this dance are actually inspired from the relations between the genders, work life and religion.

        It also is said that this dance was invented because of the snakes. Ethiopian people were often observing the “dance”/movements of the snake, shaking in the same way their neck. On the other hand, in the sphere of indigenous Ethiopian music the influence of the rattlesnake while shaking its tail (the sound it produces) has created a certain way of singing as well.

       Furthermore, other symbols and rituals that can be described are these connected with the costumes which each dancer wears. They are often made of woven cotton called “gabbi” or “netella” and painted with different colors depending on the gender of the dancer.

        Eskesta is a dance performed both from men and women with their head, neck, chest and shoulders, shaking in specific ways; the music played during the dance is often produced with the traditional Ethiopian instruments like krar, flute, drums and mesenko. The dancers sometimes sing or in some places of the dance utilize the silence in order to stress out some prevailing moments of the dance. There are however some variations depending on the areas in which this dance is performed – Wollo, Gondar or Gojjam.

           Historical context – Ethiopia is a widely diverse country with over 80 unique rich ethnic, cultural, custom and linguistic groups. One of the most significant areas in Ethiopian culture from which actually the other spheres developed further is the literature, representing Hebrew and Greek religious texts into the ancient Ge’ez, modern Amharic and Tigringa languages. This cultural heritage shaped some of the Ethiopian dance motives. However, the unique step and rhythm creates a certain motive of “mosaic culture”.

           Similar dances can be found in Western Africa, where indigenous dances are performed with head (with sort of tie on it) and arms, especially in the tribe of Conakry, Guinea.

          The dance Eskesta brings the dancer into a certain role of history and story-teller, who actually expresses and draws with his/her body the cultural traditions and life. The dance, as well the music and singing are serving as symbolical messages and influences on the Ethiopian society.

    Interpretation ethics – while enjoying the Eskesta dance accompanied by the music one can truly start travelling back in the time. These music and dances are dating 3000 years back in the African history – so unique and undiscovered from us, the Europeans. In this context, one can think of the religious variety implemented in the dances and music in Ethiopia as a whole – Orthodox Christian and Muslim motives playing the role of shaping the culture and traditions of this nation.

        Eskesta is very interesting to be observed – dancing in the beautiful Ethiopian nature, within the herds of animals making Eskesta an very expressive type of dance. Eskesta itself is providing positive emotions to the public and in the same time creating deeply spiritual atmosphere in which the observer cannot find his/herself easily. Namely this cultural confusion serves as the one that hinders us exploring the dance fully. Ethiopian dance is not something we, the Europeans can understand. Behind the apparent body shaking there are situated deeply cultural and hereditary connotations.

01 - Minale Dagnew - Hodye (5:14)

02 - Admasu Wube - Erikum (6:06)

03 - Tesfaye Workneh - Wubet (10:17)

04 - Taddesse Alemu - Gondar (9:05)

05 - Genet Masresha - Shebel (7:30)

06 - Taddesse Alemu - Minjar (5:20)

07 - Yeshimebet Dubale - Gojjam (8:03)

08 - Hayleyesus Girma - Gedame (7:18)

Teddy Yo - Demts Albaw Mesarya [2012] [ethiopia]

       Teddy Yo, a young, vibrant rapper, has been making the local magazine headlines for sometime now. The rapper’s innovation in blending the Gurage melody and beat with a contemporary hip-hop beat has been appreciated by many. His trademark music, Guragetone (including a track by that name), was a hit in 2012

          Teddy Yo (full name Tewodros Assefa) resides with Eden, his wife of two years. He sometimes wears inconspicuous clothes when he goes out that blend into society and a baseball cap down low over his eyes. He does this just so that he can get from Point A to Point B without having a dozen conversations along the way with fans and random people who recognise him. He is the epitome of an arada or an in-the-know Addis Abeban.

Teddy Yo - 6 Kilo

         People love him, and he gets the encouragement to do what he does from them, he said, but he had a bone to pick with views held by some regarding Amharic rap.

“Some people say rap is not good for our culture or that it is not part of our tradition,” Teddy Yo began.

      He begged to differ. There is more in common with Ethiopian tradition than some people think, he said.

For example, after kings of old, like Emperor Tewodros, gathered their troops for battle, they would basically freestyle rap to get the troops ready for war in what is known as kererto and shillella, he explained.

        His voice intensified as he described the connections of rap with the doo-rag (bandana) that Emperor Menelik wore under his hat, tilted like rapper R-Kelly does today, to the cornrow hairstyle of Emperor Tewodros and the combs stuck in the afros of the Afar and Kereyu. Even Negus T’ona of the Welayita wore an earring like most rappers, he said, as his own glistened in the evening light.

“I am not saying that American rappers took everything from Ethiopia, but there is a connection and many shared traditions,” he said.

         Most Amharic rappers only rap about partying and having fun, but Teddy Yo raps about life. To him, life is not only about the good times, but also the bad. He raps about the parties and he raps about the problems. He does this in a way that is often humorous, even to older generations that normally do not like or listen to rap.

Teddy Yo - 01 - Tew Tew (4:25)

Teddy Yo - 02 - Tega Bey (4:09)

Teddy Yo - 03 - Maringecha (4:15)

Teddy Yo - 04 - 904 (3:12)

Teddy Yo - 05 - Demts Albaw Mesarya (4:23)

Teddy Yo - 06 - Gurage Tone (4:26)

Teddy Yo - 07 - Ney Bey Bey (4:07)

Teddy Yo - 08 - Sugar Daddy (4:02)

Teddy Yo - 09 - Shake your Dread (3:52)

Teddy Yo - 10 - Sedest Kilo (5:29)

Teddy Yo - 11 - Party (4:15)

Teddy Yo - 12 - Enkoyalen (3:28)