Yehunie Belay - Guzara [2007EC] [2014] [ethiopia]

      Yehunie Belay (Amharic: ይሁኔ በላይ, born December 9, 1961) is an Ethiopian singer, musical writer and entrepreneur. 

         At an early age, his exceptional musical talent got first exposure in the local kola Dega Damot regional talent group. It was in this group that Belay expanded his musical repertoire, learning among others, the unique styles of the Shankila ethnic group. In fact, Belay’s artistic talent was discovered at early age before he joined the Gojjam Gish Abay Cultural Group with whom he is famously known for.

       His first album, Yagere Lij Bal Game was a hit, but it was his second back-to-back hit album Ere Ney Gibe Gibe that earned him a spot among Ethiopia’s renowned folk singers. 

     Starting from his debut in 1987, Belay has risen to become a cultural ambassador of Ethiopia and Ethiopians performing to his fans throughout the world. In addition to his two single hit songs titled "Bahir Dar" released in 2013 and "Yegodelegne ale-Bezoro" that was released in 2011, Artist Yehunie has released six albums to his credit.

       Yehunie Belay was born to his Father Mr. Belay Melese, a farmer and a patriot of the people in the western part of the country known as Gojjam, and to his mother Mrs. Tadefalech Eneyew who was house wife raising taking care of three children including Yehunie. He started his early education in what is called Kes Temheret Bet attending from the age of four to seven. Then he joined Fenote Selame Kedamawe Haile Selassie Elementary School and further completed his secondary school in the year 1986 from Damote Comprehensive Secondary high school. Yehunie’s musical talent got its first exposure in the local kola Dega Damot regional talent group. In this group he expanded his musical repertoire, learning the unique signing & dancing styles of the Amhara, Benishangul gomez, Agaw and Oromo ethnicities. Artisit Yehunie’s musical richness at expressing the art of Ethiopia’s ethnicities is clearly displayed on his all- in-one unique song “Yangatom” that has a message of oneness and togetherness of all nations and nationalities. 

        Yehunie’s professional musical career started in the year 1986 when he was recruited into the Gojjam Gish Abay Cultural Group, a professional troupe that was touring Ethiopia throughout the 80's and 90's. It was after his very first televised performance of “Antuyewa” an authentic and original dramatic musical act that the name Yehunie Belay became a household trademark throughout the whole of Ethiopia. His success came as a result of hard work and strong dedication developed by mastering the art of music. To turn out and become as excellent exceptionally talented musician as he is now, Yehunie has to go through a refinement process through different stages beginning from Kebele (local) level, Woreda (district), Aweraja and finally to Kifle Hagre (state) level. 

       His first album “Yagere Lij Bale Game” a sensational hit, followed by his second back to back hit album “Ehe Na Na Hoy ena” and further release of “Ere Ney Gibe Gibe” on his third album release earned Artist Yehunie a spot among the few and the best Ethiopia’s renowned folk singers. His fame extended farther into the Ethiopian Community of the US, Europe and the Middle East. 

      After moving to the US in the early 90’s, Artist Yehunie yet released other hit albums like “alo lulo”, “Kuku Melekote”, “be-be Kefilaw”,“Yeman Nesh Wubetaw (Zegelila)”, Classic Collections and “Zengena”. Recently in the year of 2011, Artist Yehunie has released special Easter single song “Yegodelegne ale” for his fans all over the world. In this self-created and self-inspired sweet song, artist Yehunie sings about the love of his country- Ethiopia, its people, its great culture and way of life. Artist Yehunie Belay is not only a singer and performer but also an executive director of the Ethiopian Yellow pages Inc., a Washington DC based online & yellow pages publication and also Editor in chief of Bawza, an Amharic English newspaper publication. Yehunie seizes every opportunity to devote his time to promote the interests of the Ethiopian community in the US.

Yehunie Belay - Guzara 

01 - Yehunie Belay - Nafkeshigal (6:21)
02 - Yehunie Belay - Guzara (6:28)
03 - Yehunie Belay - Mesganaw Deg New (5:03)
04 - Yehunie Belay - Meshelem (6:19)
05 - Yehunie Belay - Betachin (5:44)
06 - Yehunie Belay - Endanchi Miyamer (6:13)
07 - Yehunie Belay - Siyamir Chewataw (7:00)
08 - Yehunie Belay - Hay Mulo (5:18)
09 - Yehunie Belay - Lisamish (6:23)
10 - Yehunie Belay - Dinye (4:51)

Mister Ott - Live at Bohemian Grove [2012] [aus+eth]

       Mister Ott is the alter ego of Matt Ottignon, Sydney based Kiwi saxophonist. In particular, Matt has a keen interest and involvement with the very unique sounds of Ethiopian music. It’s that unique mixture of traditional music with jazz and soul from the 50's and 60's that is the inspiration for Mister Ott - music that washes away the dust of everyday life and gives the soul room to breathe.

MISTER OTT - Gonder [composed by Matthew Ottignon]

     Live at Venue 505, 15th June 2013

Recorded live on Sep 2nd, 2012, at Sydney's underground Sunday music series at Bohemian Grove. 

This was the band's first performance, and features all covers of Ethiopian music. The band name became Mister Ott some time after the artwork was created for this recording.

released 09 February 2012 

01 - Mister Ott - Akale Wube (Getatchew Mekuria) (5:32)

02 - Mister Ott - Yekermo Set (Mulatu Astatke) (7:27)

03 - Mister Ott - Ye Woyen Haregitu (Alemayehu Eshete) (6:13)

04 - Mister Ott - Chik Chikka (Mulatu Astatke) (7:22)

05 - Mister Ott - Kulun Mankwalesh (Mulatu Astatke) (3:53)

06 - Mister Ott - Yekatit (Mulatu Astatke) (8:40)

07 - Mister Ott - Eywat Sentenafegagn (Getatchew Mekuria) (5:12)

08 - Mister Ott - Muziqawi Silt (Wallias Band) (5:42)

Matt Ottignon - tenor sax, flute 

Ellen Kirkwood - trumpet 

Mick Stuart - guitar 

Luke Dubber - keys 

Eden Ottignon - bass 

Dan Kenedy - drums 

Engineer - Mick Stuart (on his portable recording rig) 

Ethioda - Araray [2013] [fra+ethiopia]

       Ethioda (Montpellier) is a group that revisits the Ethiopian jazz through original compositions, improvisations and electro atmospheres. The Ethio-jazz whose golden age is in the 70s (remember Mahmoud Ahmed and his "Ere Mela Mela") leaves reappear east, funk and reggae sounds.

Ethioda - Araray

"Fly to the rhythms, a round and warm, flights of fancy jazz-electro hair-raising ... sudden urge to move your shoulders? No doubt, this is the call of the highlands of Abyssinia, which sounds in music Ethioda! An invitation to travel through an intoxicating music. "

       Inspired by the famous recordings "Ethiopiques' 70s, of the Montpellier Ethioda decide to put their two cents in a musical style that goes well beyond the regions of Addis Ababa. 

Group compositions and arrangements of traditional songs to the jungle sauce, any excuse is good in these addicts trance to drive the audience into the dance, amid endless crazy solos and grooves!

         It was in September 2013 that the group decided to record his first album "Araray." 

The Ethiopian word "araray" (Amharic) denotes a range of five notes you play for big festive occasions. 

This word alone can evoke the process of Ethioda Group:

take the audience to dance, while offering a very instrumental and improvised music in a festive atmosphere.

        Araray is also the name of one of the group's compositions, where the influence of Ethiopian music crosses syncope Jamaican reggae.

01 - Ethioda - En plein dans le Nil (6:00)

02 - Ethioda - Bati (5:46)

03 - Ethioda - Metche new (6:06)

04 - Ethioda - Gedawo (4:24)

05 - Ethioda - Araray (4:54)

06 - Ethioda - Amlak abet abet (6:16)

07 - Ethioda - Musiqawi Silt (4:34)

musicians : 

Daniel Moreau (piano), 

Baptiste Clerc (guitar), 

Armel Courrée (saxophones), 

Pascal Bouvier (trombone), 

Romain Delorme (bass), 

Julien Grégoire (drums). 

Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Bati [198?] [ethiopia]

originaly posted at Likembe blogspot > here

       Here's another long-lost cassette from the "Derg years" in Ethiopia. Bati (Ambassel Music Shop, ca. the early '80s), by Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh, was apparently quite popular in its day, and perfectly illustrates the confluence of the ancient and modern that is so typical of contemporary Ethiopian music.

     Rahel Yohannes (right) began her career not as a singer but as an entrepreneur. In Addis Ababa she managed a restaurant and often entertained the customers with impromptu a capella vocal performances. This led to her introduction to the late Ketema Mekonnen, a singer and player of traditional musical instruments. A professional career, and ten albums, soon followed. To this day she is both a performer and a restaurateur, entertaining audiences at her Fasika Restaurant & Nightclub in Addis.

     Shambel Belayneh (left) is a master of the masinko, the traditional one-string Ethiopian violin. He has performed with the greats of Ethiopian music, including Aster Aweke, Mahmoud Ahmed and the Roha Band, among many others. He currently lives in the United States.

Rahel Yohannes and Shambel Belayneh both have CDs available from AIT Records.

Shambel Belayneh & Rahel Yohannes - Bati

       As I discussed in my last post on Ethiopian music, music distribution in Ethiopia during the '80s was a "do-it-yourself" affair, cassettes being duplicated one-by-one by various music shops. Bati is no exception, and it shows in the recording quality. The musical quality is another matter. I'm sure you'll agree with me that this is an outstanding work of art.

Our opening tune, "Bati," is one of the standards of the Ethiopian repertoire, and has been recorded by innumerable artists. An exceptional version opened 2001's Éthiopiques 15: Jump to Addis (Buda Musique 82264-2). From the liner notes of that disc I got these lyrics:

Like the road to Bati, deep in the gorge,

I wonder if your love will last,

He ate a fruit in Dèssié and went crazy,

He saw a beauty in Kombolcha and went crazy,

I want to leave him before he gets what he deserves.

Unfortunately I have no idea what the other songs on Bati are about. If anyone out there knows Amharic, I'm sure we'd all like to know.

01 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Bati (Bähäbrät) (7:49)

02 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Änta Aynama (3:59)

03 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Endenäu (Bähäbrät) (6:45)

04 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Leqerbwe Leraqwe (4:28)

05 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Änaznegahe Hody (7:31)

06 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Bale Dere (Bähäbrät) (4:28)

07 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Zenay (Bamebele) (5:51)

08 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Klelelaye (9:01)

09 - Rahel Yohannes & Shambel Belayneh - Yedaoo (7:26)

       The tracklist on the cassette lists ten tunes in all. The ninth, "Anejetyne Balakewe," is missing. The song titles were transliterated by myself from a photocopy of the cassette inlay card (below) using the Geez syllabary, so I can't vouch for their accuracy. Anyone with a knowledge of Amharic is invited to correct any errors.

v.a. - The Ethiopian Millennium Collection - CD 1 - Dance [2007] [ethiopia]

                EXCELLENT RIP !                 

     When you’re in the mood to move, this energizing album is for you! The blistering rhythms and mesmerizing  melodies make this collection a must-have for any world music lover. Presenting the work of some of Ethiopia’s most talented performers, the Dance collection includes recordings by Mahmoud Ahmed, winner of the 2007 BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music; the James Brown-inspired Alemayehu Eshete; Theodros Tadesse; Kuku Sebsibe; Theodros “Afro” Kassahun and others. Enjoy!

01. Teshome Wolde - Ye-Shewa Alamena (5:14)
02. Mahmoud Ahmed - Alawekishilignim (5:20)
03. Abinet Agonafir - Setaleksh Des Alishign (5:05)
04. Dawit Mllesse - Wetatwan (5:39)
05. Alemayehu Eshete - Be-hilme New Be-ewne (5:29)
06. Theodros Tadesse - Malegna (5:08)
07. Kuku Sebsibe - Indet Neh (5:01)
08. Mahmoud Ahmed - Ashkaro (4:39)
09. Hirut Girma - Alchilim (5:29)
10. Henock Mehari - Hoya-hoye [Guadegnoche] (3:43)
11. Hana Shenkute - Sintun Ayichebih (4:19)
12. Theodros Kassahun - Tsigereda (5:41)
13. Marta Ashagari - Tew Enji (6:56)
14. Dawit Mellesse - Laltelash Kal Alegn (5:32)

Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Kimsha [Ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

   Cruising over the Soulseek, the best P2P program sometimes gives unexpected results. 

     This album I get by one of my SLSK mate. Besides the name of the author, and the title of album and songs (which I can't verify), I have no more info.

    The only portion of information says that Tsehay Teklehaimanot is After Hours Jazz Sextet with Party Singers.

      Smooth and easy listening music, kind of jazz in an ethiopian way. Enjoy, and write to me, if you know something more about this beautiful record.

01. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Algebagnim Ene Meskerem Siteba (6:51)
02. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Yene fikir Hulet (5:21)
03. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Endiyaw Zerafewa (6:50)
04. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Shegiye, Bertukane (5:54)
05. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Kanchi Beker Lela (6:01)
06. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Enkuan Kome (4:43)
07. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Endih New Gabicha (6:29)
08. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Yishalishal (5:16)
09. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Balegariw (6:15)
10. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Mushiraye (5:07)
11. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Yared Muzika Temehert Bet (5:02)
12. Tsehay Teklehaimanot - Kalatashiw Akal (3:52)

Lafontain - Babure [ethiopia]

Lafontaine - Babure

Lafontaine are Tadele Roba and Birhanu Tezera

01 - Lafontain - Babure (7:11)

02 - Lafontain - Hagere Enate (4:32)

03 - Lafontain - Bemin Seyimesh (5:36)

04 - Lafontain - Tiz Tiz Yilegnal (5:55)

05 - Lafontain - Endalsh (4:04)

06 - Lafontain - Kefitresh Yegilish (3:51)

07 - Lafontain - Yeminjarnesh (5:09)

08 - Lafontain - Guadegna (5:30)

09 - Lafontain - Yashege Bereda (6:55)

10 - Lafontain - Endet Aschales (4:26)

11 - Lafontain - La-La (5:46)

12 - Lafontain - Lanchi Sel (4:46)

13 - Lafontain - Fiameta (4:34)

14 - Lafontain - Eli - Instrumental (2:24)

Hana Shenkute - Andande [ethiopia]

   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   

01. Hana Shenkute - Andande Endhi New (4:33)

02. Hana Shenkute - Arehibi (5:21)

03. Hana Shenkute - Yamnaw Bedele (5:41)

04. Hana Shenkute - Shegnegne (4:49)

05. Hana Shenkute - Milashachew (5:24)

06. Hana Shenkute - Enate (5:17)

07. Hana Shenkute - Gud New (4:38)

08. Hana Shenkute - Yehe Sew (4:35)

09. Hana Shenkute - Esheruru Beye (4:36)

10. Hana Shenkute - Eberalehu (5:17)

11. Hana Shenkute - Tefetere (4:23)

Henok Abebe - Kena Enbel [2008] [ethiopia]

       A talented young singer-songwriter from Addis Ababa, Henok Abebe is one of the new breed of singers effortlessly blending traditional & contemporary music. 

           He is very popular with both the younger generation & the larger older population, Henok represents the new music of Ethiopia. He has released two albums: ‘Kena Enbel’ & ‘Yamrbatal’.

Henok Abebe - Keberchacha

01 - Henok Abebe - Yesara Misale (5:08)

02 - Henok Abebe - Liyu Ken (3:28)

03 - Henok Abebe - Kena Enibel (4:52)

04 - Henok Abebe - Bilesh New Wey (3:54)

05 - Henok Abebe - Hageru (4:20)

06 - Henok Abebe - Bey Esti (3:14)

07 - Henok Abebe - Atengerugn (4:51)

08 - Henok Abebe - Keber Chacha (5:30)

09 - Henok Abebe - Keswa Gara (4:54)

10 - Henok Abebe - Kezihes Belay (5:15)

11 - Henok Abebe - Teyiw Beka (4:54)

12 - Henok Abebe - Alay Alay (3:56)

Invisible System - Live and Raw [2012] [uk+ethiopia] [EXTRACT]

Invisible System - live 2011

       Invisible System's live performances at festivals and concerts in the UK, and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), have been known to simulate, attack, relax, exhaust people from dancing, confuse, uplift and even frighten others!

With Dennis Wint as the main front man in the UK he has become known by the press as a cross between a Jamaican/African Johnny Rotten and a rasta preacher man for spirituality and social justice whilst being a live cannon.

From playing with bands like Dreadzone to playing the main stages at festivals across the UK, Invisible System have crossed dance, dub and reggae, rock, post-punk, acid and world music with similar shows taking place alongside their Ethiopian singers in Addis.

These recordings illustrate how Invisible System sound live. A much more intense and stripped down beast than some of their album track releases. 

01 - Invisible System - Grazella Heart   (live Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) (5:51)

02 - Invisible System - Milash Situgn   (live Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) (5:54)

03 - Invisible System - Sintun Ayehun  (live Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) (4:14)

04 - Invisible System - Sewbekagn   (live Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) (7:37)

05 - Invisible System - Min Atefahu   (live Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) (4:54)

Ali Birra - Jaalala Biyyaa [2005] [ethiopia]

Ali Birra - Jaalaluma teeti - Live (Oromo Music 2013)

Ali Birra was born in Dire Dhawa.

In his early years, Ali used to do small on-sreet business so as to support himself as a means of livelihood. When he was 13, he joined Afran Qallo cultural group which was then oprerating unofficially to promote the Oromo music and culture. 

The first song that he sung on stage was called "Birra dha Bari'e" so that the people nicknamed him "Ali Birra", meaning "Ali the Spring". The Haile Selasie regime banned the group in 1965 and arrested some of its members. Ali escaped arrest and moved to Finfinne (the current Addis Ababa).

Born on May 26, 1948, Ali Mohammed Musa grew up in Dire Dawa, Eastern Oromia, at a time when, according to Oromo historian Mohammed Hassan, “writing, teaching, preaching and broadcasting in the Oromo language was banned in Ethiopia.” It was also an era where speaking Afan Oromo was ridiculed, and Oromos were still called by derogatory names like Galla and Qottu.

At fourteen, Ali joined a group of youngsters from his neighborhood to form the Hiriyaa Jaalala band. Shortly thereafter, he received an unexpected invitation from the Afran Qallo Band, the first modern Afan Oromo band, to perform before a live audience during the 1963 celebration of Eid al-Fitr. This event forever altered the trajectory of Ali’s life. In his first public musical act, Ali sang “Birraa dhaa Barihe” roughly translated as ‘the break of dawn’ from which he received the much-adored last name: Birra. Though the Afran Qallo Band struggled under the repressive Abyssinian regime which eventually disbanded them, the exposure was irreversibly uplifting and lit an indistinguishable spark in Ali’s heart.

In a forthcoming book, A Fifty Year Journey for the Love of Music and His People, Oromo scholar Mohammed Hassan describes Ali as “a great gift to the Oromo people and to the world of music.”Birra’s extraordinary voice elevated Oromo music to the world stage, raised Oromo national consciousness, and created a space for connection to “home” for those forced into exile. A fluent speaker of Swedish, Arabic, Amharic, Oromo, Harari, English, and Somali languages, Birra is a rare talent who sings in six different world languages – a feat no other Ethiopian singer has achieved.

Widely held as the greatest and most successful singer in Oromo history, Birra is – as sociologist Gammachu Magarsa writes – “an embodiment of our national aspiration for freedom, equality and unity.” During his 50 year musical career, Birra produced more than 260 first-rate songs. He began staring at Haile Selassie’s Imperial Body Guard Orchestra and played countless times at local nightclubs around Addis Ababa. Finding more opportunities abroad, Ali left Ethiopia and has since performed concerts across six continents.

In many ways, Birra did not escape the hardships endured by ordinary Oromos under successive oppressive Abyssinian regimes in Ethiopia. A year into his new life as a singer, Birra was detained for allegedly ridiculing emperor Haile Selassie during a short visit to Djibouti in 1964. As his wife Lily Marcos-Birra noted in a book chapter she had written about his life, Ali was later forced out of the Imperial Orchestra for refusing to vow for the despot emperor and referring to him as a “human being.”

While Birra broke no official law, in those days, singing in Afan Oromo itself was still considered a political act and an illegal one at that. Yet, Birra always fought back through his music. As his singing style matured, Birra’s lyrics became more political addressing such landmark political events as feudal landlordism, the introduction of socialism, an artificial division in the Oromo camp after the 1974 revolution, Oromo emancipation, exile, and dispossession of the peasantry.

Today, for the vast majority of the Oromo Diaspora, Birra’s tender and nostalgic tunes serve as an emotional link to a distant homeland and loved ones left behind. Ali’s music inspires people to dance, reminiscence, and feel a sense of belonging. His beautifully haunting voice, often recorded only with a guitar, laments Oromos ongoing quest for freedom and dignity; with the same voice, he sings Bareedni Uuma – natural beauty.

In recognition of his unmistakable influence and talent, Birra has received over 30 awards from Oromo communities around the world – most for Lifetime Achievement. In 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of music degree from Jimma University, the first by any Oromo as Dr. Hassan observes in the book.

As with all things “Oromo,” Oromo music still does not get the recognition it deserves in Ethiopia. During his career, Ali has performed alongside Amharic music legends such as Bizunesh Bekele, Tilahun Gessesse, and Mahmoud Ahmed. However, while they are nationally celebrated, the promoters of Ethiopian music are yet to embrace an Oromo singer, even one as accomplished as Ali Birra. Despite the systemic hurdles Ali had to overcome to find his voice, without a doubt, he is among Africa’s musical greats like Femi Kuti of Nigeria, South Africa’s Mariam Makeba, DRC’s Kanda Bongo Man, and Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, to name but few.

Ali has inspired a long list of talented Oromo musicians but as Addis Rumble’s Andreas Hansen observed last year, “none of them have carved out a sound as unique as the one that characterizes many of Ali’s recordings from the 60’s and 70’s: the one of a guitar tuned as an oud.” Ali, who studied Music Theory at Santa Monica College in California, told Hansen, “I believe in small incremental changes to my music while staying faithful to its origins. I have tried to use new technological means while respecting the past.”

In addition to the gift of his music, Birra also supports local schools and children in disadvantaged communities in Oromia through Birra Children’s Education Fund, a non-profit he created in 2011. After his retirement from music, Birra and his wife Lily are committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions to improve access to quality education in Ethiopia.

On the evening of the Fourth of July 2013, Oromo communities from around the world will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota to pay homage to a man idolized by an entire generation of Oromo. Ali Birra’s Golden Jubilee will feature a star-studded concert, tributes by those who have known and worked with him, and the release of a short biographical book with contextual analysis of his songs. He is also expected to mark the milestone by unveiling what would be his final album.

01 - Ali Birra - Bareedu Oromoo (7:18)

02 - Ali Birra - Jaalala Biyyaa (5:22)

03 - Ali Birra - Dirre (6:22)

04 - Ali Birra - Keeysummaa (5:37)

05 - Ali Birra - Jaalalatti Hintabatin (5:42)

06 - Ali Birra - Fijjaa Baha (4:58)

07 - Ali Birra - Assabalahoo (7:58)

08 - Ali Birra - Aniis Biyyaan Qaba (5:39)

09 - Ali Birra - Isiniitubeeka (6:01)

10 - Ali Birra - Abdii (5:28)