Ethiocolor is a cultural traditional band consisting of Kirar (a kind of lyre), Bass Kirar, Washint (flute), Kebero (traditional drums) and Massinqo. This band, led by traditional dancer Melaku Belay, is the cream of the crop of cultural musicians and dancers of the country. All of them share the common priority to represent the traditional styles in an accurate, lively and new way, as well as to spread their music all over the world.
Since its inception in 2009, word has spread fast for this young group. They have already won a wide audience in Addis Abeba and through the country. Moreover, each member of Ethiocolor possesses extensive national and international experience. Musicians and dancers have collaborated with traditional music projects, but also with jazz, rock, fusion and hip-hop artists. All these experiences separate Ethiocolor from other traditional groups by giving their music a special “color”.
“Our goal is not just to assemble the best traditional musicians and create another folk ensemble. Our unique vision is to demonstrate that the immense musical heritage of Ethiopia can be performed with a great degree of creativity while still maintaining its identity”, says Melaku Belay, leader and founder of the cultural group.
Ethiocolor Band at Festival EtnoSur (Spain)
Members of the band are:
Yohannes Aferworq (flute),
Anteneh Teklemariam (bass kirar),
Nardos Tasfaw (chant/vocals),
Dagim (dance),
Endres Hassen (mesenqo),
Fasika Hailu (kirar),
Frehiwot (dance),
Hawa (chant/vocals),
Selamnesh Zemene (chant/vocals),
Tesfaye Taye (chant/vocals),
Melaku Belay (dance),
Misale Legesse (kebero),
Zinash Tsegaye (dance).
Ethiocolor - 01 - Ante Gongarie [Selemnesh Zemene] (5:23)
For years Sun Hop Fat has been at the forefront of introducing the unique sounds of Ethiopian Jazz to the masses. The music blends the rhythms of traditional American funk (James Brown, Parliament) and jazz (Yusef Lateef, Miles Davis) with harmonies and melodies from East Africa. The result is an up-tempo groove machine that borrows harmonies from the Middle East. The music focuses primarily on arrangements from the “golden era” of Ethiopian Jazz but includes original compositions as well. This all-star band includes standout musicians from other popular San Francisco Bay Area groups.
Sun Hop Fat has developed a solid following throughout Northern California by playing a number of clubs and festivals. The ability of the band to captivate sit down jazz crowds as well as steal the spotlight in prime festival slots, encouraging crowds to get up and dance, makes the group flexible in its appeal and garners support from diverse audiences.
Sun Hop Fat @ DNA Lounge
Sun Hop Fat - 01 - Dewel (3:20)
Sun Hop Fat - 02 - Kasaleftkut Hulu (9:08)
Sun Hop Fat - 03 - Sabye (6:09)
Anthony Ant - Trumpet
Dave Eagle - Congas
Jeremy Greene - Tenor/Alto Saxophone
Nicholas Gyorkos - Trombone
Dii Martin - Guitar
Harrison Murphy- Keyboards
Christopher Noonan - Baritone Saxophone
Daniel Silberstein - Percussion
Randy Schwartz - Drums
Jesse Sheehan - Tenor Saxophone
Jesse Toews - Bass
Sun Hop Fat just released their first album. You can find it here on bandcamp site > Sun Hop Fat debut album
