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.
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.
