Sayat Demissie - Kihe 3, Vol.1 [2011] [ethiopia]

              Sayat Demissie was the 2004 Miss Ethiopia and the almost 2005 Miss World. Something for the high school drop-out who subsequently found herself in the front pages of local papers and magazines. Her petite frame and youthful face and her occasionally gaffe made her a target for the tabloids.

                 Two years ago, the slender girl emerged as the lead character in the Amharic movie, Sara. Nothing to write home about, it was all an amateur and second-rate performance. But she has got a look. It has given her recognition and probably an inflated ego, too. Her ego trip took her to think of developing her own talk show on ETV. For that, she came on Ethiopia Link and talked about her difficult childhood and sexual abuse, relating her experience to that of American talk-show host, Opra Winfrey.

       But that radio appearance has gotten her in trouble for a supposedly unkind remark she made about disabled people. When asked how she survived the trauma, Sayat responded saying that even the disabled keep on living, let alone her. It triggered many comments voicing displeasure. The talk-show-thing never came into reality, at least upto now and her claim of being raped on Bole Street in her teen years was thought by many as an invented story intended to get sympathy from those allocating air times.

Sayat Demissie - Enie Meretku

             Now Sayat has unraveled yet another skill as musical performer. She has released her debut musical effort, a single song, “Tew Maneh”. Actually before the release, she was performing on stage at clubs, playing her rendition of Christinia Aguilera’s “Save me from myself.”

                 Looking at the reception, Sayat’s debut work seem to be working right. Radio programmers are finding it hard to ignore it and some even talked about the birth of a new star. The lively clip of the song has made it to many Ethiopian websites and blogs. It definitely serves as a sneak preview for her upcoming studio album, which she says will arrive this year.

                    But even judging from this song, performing doesn’t appear to come naturally to Sayat. For one thing, the material she chose is a recognized, well-known old hit, “Tew Maneh”.

               She never took the trouble to write her own material and it didn’t demand much of her as singer. And even, her voice is not strongly projected enough and her inhibitions make it difficult for her to let go.

                Although Sayat didn’t write her own music, too shy to perform solo in front of a big crowd, she has the charisma, drive, and determination- things important for a young performer. But of course, she has a long way to go to develop into mature female vocalist along the lines of Aster Awoke.

Sayat Demissie - 01 - Kenie Gar New (4:11)
Sayat Demissie - 02 - Sietnetle (4:14)
Sayat Demissie - 03 - Hasabun Mesrek (5:18)
Sayat Demissie - 04 - Min Teshalew (3:49)
Sayat Demissie - 05 - Mermari (4:47)
Sayat Demissie - 06 - Lketelh (3:59)
Sayat Demissie - 07 - Ayasasbegnem (4:38)
Sayat Demissie - 08 - Aynie Siyayh (4:24)
Sayat Demissie - 09 - Mikit Stegne (3:45)
Sayat Demissie - 10 - Yenie Biet (4:50)
Sayat Demissie - 11 - Enie Meretku (4:46)
Sayat Demissie - 12 - Mela Mela (3:34)
Sayat Demissie - 13 - Tawkaleh (3:29)

Nadav Haber - Beautiful [Tribute to Tilahun Gessesse] [2012] [israel-ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

Nadav Haber - Lake Tana Blues

        Nadav Haber started to learn the clarinet at the age of 10. In 1988-89 he lead a qaurtet in the Tel-Aviv clubs in Israel, and played in a blues duo. In the 90's nadav has switched to the tenor sax, and began to explore Ethiopian music. He played in Ethiopian dance bands all over Israel, in Ethiopian clubs and weddings. This has lead to the issue of Ethiopian Blues, and other smaller productions that were aimed at the Ethiopian Israeli market. 

      In recent years Nadav moved back to playing jazz, and in 2003 led a hard bop quintet in Jerusalem. He is currently working on two projects - an Ethiopian Jazz program and a “Favorite ballads” program. 

01. Nadav Haber - Alchalkum (3:27)
02. Nadav Haber - In Her Youth (4:45)
03. Nadav Haber - Beautiful (5:30)
04. Nadav Haber - Love At First Sight (3:49)
05. Nadav Haber - Ethiopia (4:29)
06. Nadav Haber - My Life (4:29)
07. Nadav Haber - Japanese Woman (4:28)
08. Nadav Haber - Seven Miles From Addis (3:48)
09. Nadav Haber - When She Goes Away (3:53)
10. Nadav Haber - Long Ago (4:41)
11. Nadav Haber - Tizita (Song of Longing) (5:08)

Chalachew Ashenafi - Gerager [2009] [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

   all tracks fixed   

       Chalachew Ashenafi (1966-2012) was a singer and masinko player, an traditional Ethiopian instrument comparable to violin but with just only one string. 

       Chalachew was born and raise in Debre Tabor, close to the city of Gondar in Ethiopia, where most of the famous Azmaris originate from. He played at weddings and traditional bars before releasing his own album entitled "Gerager" in 2009. 

       He has hosted shows and performed at events in the United States, Italy and Germany among other countries. Chalachew did some tours with The Ex in recent years. A traditional player, but also forward, funny and stubborn.

         Chalachew Ashenafi died at age of 47.

01. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Awdamet (4:58)
02. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Jimma Yadegech (7:03)
03. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Gameye (6:13)
04. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Gondar (6:08)
05. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Himemeyew (7:36)
06. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Selamney (4:57)
07. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Munit (6:28)
08. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Gerager (6:49)
09. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Megalo (4:38)
10. Chalachew Ashenafi (Chale) - Fano (6:07)

Karibuni @ddis - Back Road to Ethiopia [2013] [ger+eth]

          The album is greatly influenced by music from Ethiopia, Angola and Congo. Infused with an interesting mix of soundscapes born from the world-wide multicultural and travel experiences of the musicians.

         This album does not only offer good music. The band Karibuni @ddis demonstrates the powerful synergy that occurs when music and social awareness merge with thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies.

Karibuni @ddis - Saba Sabina

Josephine Kronfli - voc, flute, shaw washint, whistle, field recordings 
Pit Budde - ac guitars, banjo, sitar guitar, autoharp, bass, wavedrum, shaman drum, uruwuri, field recordings, voc 
Rahel Budde – voc 
Carlos Mampuya – voc
Klaus Jochmann - perc, accordion
Ahmet Bektas - ud, sazbüs, darbouka, bendir, davul, voc
Roshan Linsi – voc
Ill James - voc
Dorothea Kares – voc
Michael Voss – el guitar
Franziska Urton – violin
Steffi Stephan – bass
Benno Gromzig - bass 

Karibuni @ddis - Hoya Hoye / Assiyo Bellema (5:08)
Karibuni @ddis - Felega (4:58)
Karibuni @ddis - Mbawala Jila / Ayaya (4:59)
Karibuni @ddis - Wir Sind Eins / Esheruru (4:35)
Karibuni @ddis - Selam, Shalom, Shlomo, Frieden (4:51)
Karibuni @ddis - No Child Soldier (4:00)
Karibuni @ddis - Saba Sabina (3:44)
Karibuni @ddis - Melkam Fasika From Ethiopia (3:24)
Karibuni @ddis - Kunsi Africa (6:55)
Karibuni @ddis - Wefe, The Desperate Bird (5:52)

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

Afro-Zen Allstars - Live @ WRIR!!! [2015] [usa+eth]

                 Afro-Zen Allstars' primary inspiration is the the haunting and danceable sounds created during Ethiopia's "Golden Age" (late '60's-mid '70's). This is music that takes hold of both mind and body and never let's go, and Afro-Zen Allstars present it in updated form with compelling new arrangements and world-class soloists.

            Established by guitarist/arranger George M Lowe, Afro-Zen Allstars features the formidable talents of past and present members of such luminary Richmond ensembles as Bio Ritmo,   No BS Brass!, Rattlemouth, Fado Nosso, Glows In The Dark, Hotel X, Monk's Playground, The Flavor Project, Ululating Mummies, and more. 

Afro-Zen Allstars - Bemin Sebeb Litlash

CJ Alicea, drums
Adrien Bayo, percussion
Brian Cruse, bass
John Lilley, alto and tenor sax
George M Lowe, founder, guitar and arrangements
Chris Sclafani, baritone and alto sax
Chris Vasi, guitar
Toby Whitaker, trombone



Afro-Zen Allstars - 01 - Yekermo Sew (6:00)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 02 - Lemon (Lomiwen Teqebeletch) (4:53)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 03 - Netsanet (6:27)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 04 - The Pillar of Truth (Yewnet Messosso) (5:00)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 05 - Muziqawi Silt (6:27)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 06 - Here Is Freedom (4:57)
Afro-Zen Allstars - 07 - Yekatit (4:21)

v.a. - Eshet Eshet [2012] [ethiopia]

Seifu Yohanes  - Mela Mela

Tracklist :

A01 – Menelik Wossenachew         Tezeta
A02 – Mulatu Astake                 Emnete
A03 – Mahmoud Ahmed                 Yeshiharegitu
A04 – Alemayehu Eshete        Enkoy Nat Yabay Dar
A05 – Tamirat Mola                 Meleyetish Keffa
A06 – Lemma G. Hiwot                 Yeweya Abebaye
A07 – Selamawit G. Selassie         Ahua Demeksh
A08 – Zenebetch Tesfaye & Lemma G. Hiwot Asha Gedawo
A09 – Zenebetch Tesfaye        Indalayish
A10 – Hirut Bekele                   Woine Alew Beju
A11 – Alemayehu Eshete        Ayalkem Tedenko


B01 – Lemma Demisew                 Akale Wubie
B02 – Tlahoun Gèssèssè                 Kulun Manqualesh
B03 – Menelik Wossenachew  Belew Bedubaye
B04 – Seifu Yohanes                 Mela Mela
B05 – Tlahoun Gèssèssè                 Sema
B06 – Alemayehu Eshete        Ney Ney Welera
B07 – Menelik Wossenachew  Eshet Eshet
B08 – Belaynesh Wubante & Asegedetch Asfaw    Alemiye
B09 – Tamerat Ferenj                 Anchin Yagengulet
B10 – Alayew Mesfin                 Wegene



Recording made from old 7" records. 

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)

v.a. - Nahom Favorite, Vol. 18 - Eskista [2008] [ethiopia]

       Eskista is a traditional Ethiopian dance performed by both men and women that is known for its unique emphasis on intense shoulder movement. The dance is characterized by rolling the shoulder blades, bouncing the shoulders, and jilting the chest. 

      Eskista is typically performed to traditional Ethiopian music, but can often be incorporated into modern forms of music such as is played in modern Ethiopian music videos. The complex nature of eskista makes it one of the most highly technical forms of traditional dance.

Traditional Ethiopian Dance - Eskista 

Chalachew Ashenafie - 01 - Yeabay Dar Amora (6:40)
Amanuel Mengiste - 02 - Gojam (5:00)
Meharie Degefaw - 03 - Yenie Kifu Aywetashe (5:13)
Neshanet Ayele - 04 - Hobel (5:15)
Alemayehu Herepo - 05 - Nishit (7:06)
Abebe Fekadu - 06 - Suger Daddy (6:13)
Amanuel Mengiste - 07 - Aba Tatek (4:10)
Neshanet Ayele - 08 - Ytawej Beyfa (5:27)
Fasiel Demoz - 09 - Ahoho Belulet (6:35)
Neshanet Ayele - 10 - Labejaj Bietin (6:17)
Habitemichel Demissie - 11 - Washintu (6:33)
Damtew Ayele - 12 - Anetatreh Mita (7:06)

Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - The Reunion [2015] [ethiopia]

          Ephrem Tamiru (also Efrem Tamru) stands side by side with the legendary Ethiopian singers Mahmoud Amhed, Tilahun Gessesse, Hirut Bekele and others. 

        Ephrem's career began in the 1970s and came to fame shortly after. Ephrem still actively performs and hosts shows around the world.

Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - Yefikirin Kitat

Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 01 - Neylgne (5:02)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 02 - Endegebsu Zala (6:36)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 03 - Yefikirin Kitat (5:21)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 04 - Gedam Endegeba (8:15)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 05 - Godanayie (4:32)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 06 - Melkam Wleta (6:11)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 07 - Meshe Dehina Ederu (5:14)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 08 - Kaguwaguwazegne (7:50)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 09 - Zemamie (5:16)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 10 - Akalie (7:18)
Ephrem Tamiru & Roha Band - 11 - Kir Kir Eyalegne (6:11)