Ester Rada’s cross-cultural sound is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian’s heritage. Growing up in a highly religious Jewish family in more than modest conditions in Israel, gave Rada the drive to change her way of life and fulfill her dream of creating music.
Ester recently released her debut album "Ester Rada", after releasing her acclaimed first self-written and composed soloEP called "Life Happens", which was produced by Israeli producers Kuti (Kutiman/Thru-You) and Sabbo (Soulico), at the beginning of 2013.
Rada gained worldwide popularity on a tour across Europe, the United States and Canada. She has recently performed at the Glastonbury Festival. She performed at the opening act of Alicia Keys' concert in Israel. Rada's music video "Life Happens" has been broadcast on MTV France, East Europe, and Israel, as well as on VH1 UK. Rada credits Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin as her musical influences, alongside Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott.
Rada started her acting career in musical theater, and won an award for her role in Habima Theatre's The Troupe. In 2007 she played a major role in the TV serial "Deus". In the same year she also acted in Habima's play Sdakim bebeton. Filmography and TV Appearances: Still Walking Zrubavel Kirot The Special. Yes's series New York.
In the end of 2012 Ester Rada released an EP entitled "Life Happens" with four of her songs. The album was positively received by critics, who describe her music as "cross-cultural sound that is a deep reflection of the Israeli born Ethiopian's heritage" and "graceful composition of Ethio-Jazz, funk, soul and r&b, with mixed undertones of black grooves"
1. Ester Rada - Life Happens (3:56)
2. Ester Rada - Monsters (4:53)
3. Ester Rada - Anything from you (4:52)
4. Ester Rada - Could it be (3:17)
+ BONUS TRACK
5. Ester Rada - Life Happens (Shimi Sonic remix) (4:17)
She is a painter, a poet, a "flower designer," and, for a stake in life, a dutiful mother. But, in the main, Martha Ketsela is one of the very few female Ethiopian artists struggling for a breakthrough in her expertise in the United States. And, with all due respect to possible future commentaries by critics (we expect that to come in the future), she appears to have surfaced as an artist that even more makes her one of the very few to make things of their craft happen.
Martha Ketsela - Welo Mejen
According to art watchers, in her current works Martha brings a refinement of what once was a roughly hewn skill. She now combines a schooling that blends an Ethiopian upbringing whose influence she highlights in her discourse as well as her art and a western libertarian mark that possibly might have resulted from her further training as an artist (and, of course, living) first in Germany and later in the United States.
Martha nevertheless says she remains first and foremost an Ethiopian. If we are to judge her by the works she presented at the WorldSpace lobby in Washington DC. some of Martha's paintings indeed subscribe to an Ethiopian spirit. Though very much gripped by what she has lived through since 1979 when she left Ethiopia, principally western landscape and western ideas and thoughts; she occasionally managed to probe into her Ethiopian beginnings. Some of her recent paintings such as "Music" and a few more manifest a mix of Ethiopian calligraphy (not new to Ethiopian artists in the Diaspora) and western tendency for abstraction.
The name “Lasta Sound” evokes imagery of ancient Ethiopian culture and civilization. Lasta is one of Ethiopia's ancient regions, having been immortalized in songs and stories both from within Ethiopia and without.
Lasta Sound - ጥቁር ሴት (Black Woman) - From the movie Journey to Lasta
Lasta Sound exploded onto the scene in 2002, Lasta Sounds music was ultra modern in its arrangement, and production. It melded elements of Ethiopian music with Reggae, Funk and a dash of Afro-Cuban flava. The core of Lasta Sound consisted of Kirubel Assefa on Bass/Musical Director, Teferi Assefa on Drums and Tsegaye Selassie as Vocalist.
They introduced their self titled debut CD, “Lasta Sound”. They had conscious, forward thinking lyrics, with well thought out hooks and awesome driving bass lines. It was an auspicious debut. Lasta Sound was featured in Wondwossen Dikran's independent movie entitled “Journey to Lasta”. The soundtrack was also the recipient of Best Music Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2005. Kirubel, Tsegaye and Teferi were featured as the principal characters in the movie.
Subsequent appearances and performances cemented their appeal within their fans. Their fans response in Ethiopia was overwhelming. Lasta Sound is on the rise again.This time, Kirubel took on a larger role, as Musical Director/Producer/Writer and moved over as keyboard player. Tsegaye brings his incredible stage presence, and vocal talents. Mesgana Mulat on bass. Replacing Teferi on drums is Reggie Spivey. Kamasi Washington on Saxophone, and Ryan Porter on Trombone.
The first single from the sophomore effort is entitled “Maraki”. In the context of the song, Maraki means “the girl who has captured my heart”. It’s an ode to a beautiful girl whose physical beauty and charm has rendered Tsegaye defenseless, and he professes his love and adoration for her. Sung for the most part in Amharic, it’s infused with reggae, while still retaining its Ethiopian musical sensibilities.
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)
Judith Teffera was born and raised in Arsi Asela, a city located in central Ethiopia. Bitten by the performing bug at a young age, Teffera performed with classmates at the Ras Dargie School. With her regular flashy attire and outgoing demeanor, she quickly acquired the nickname "Picture". Teffera received inspiration and encouragement from a well-respected musician in the Ethiopian National Guard, Zewdu Legese. Legese was also responsible for starting and leading the Ras Dargie School music band.
Judy Teffera - Wodaje
With the support of her father, Teffera moved to Sweden to receive her high school education. A few years after, Teffera moved to the United States, continuing her college education in Boston. Then she moved to Washington D.C., becoming a member of the international community of the nation's capital. Music had not been taken out of the picture, as she continued to perform and sell her music in the U.S.A and Toronto, Canada. By the end of the 1990's, Teffera had drawn away from the Ethiopian music scene, concentrating on her career and furthering her education. She received her Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in Technology from Southeastern University. Soon after her graduation, she was offered a position in the United States Federal Government in Washington D.C.
Teffera writes and sings her own compositions in the Ethiopian language, while creating a unique style that still stays true to Ethiopian music.
With her return to music, Teffera wants to make her focus clear. Through the message in her music, she wants to raise educational awareness and boost the morale of youth in Ethiopia.
While spurring emotions for change and consciousness, Teffera wants Ethiopians to be proud of their heritage and culture. Proceeds from her music sales will finance the dream to empower Ethiopian youth.
