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)