Category Archives: Ethiopia

SONG OF THE DAY Getatchew Mekurya – Akale Wube

Known and revered for his sonic mystical meanderings, Getatchew Mekurya was an Ethiopian jazz saxophonist, active in the early-1970’s. Growing up with music he started off by playing traditional Ethiopian instruments such as the washint flute, the krar and the … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Yishak Banjaw – Libey Ma’aduley

I don’t know what it is about this tune that makes me smile so much!? Is it the otherworldly, I-was-created-on-another-planet sound, the very enticing mystery in the melody, or just the sheer wonder of its simplicity….of course its all of … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Menelik Wossenachew – Tezeta

Tezeta is a song originally constructed by the wonderful Mulatu Astatke sometime in the late 1960’s, early 1970’s. Translating as ‘nostalgia’ or ‘longing’, the song is composed as an instrumental piece by Mulatu, but today’s cover has a vocal element, … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Alemayehu Eshete – Telantena Zare

Nicknamed the “Ethiopian Elvis”, Alemayehu Eshete is considered by many to be the golden voice of Ethopia, and once you hear him sing, you’ll know why he has gained such a title! Take today’s song for example, those expressive vocals … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Anbessa Orchestra – Werik’i (Gold)

“Werk’i (Gold) is a song that reflects back on moments of pure love. Enjoy!…” Today’s song had only been on for a few seconds, but I knew straight away it was headed somewhere deep, I could feel it in my … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Ali Mohamed Birra – Hinyadini

Born in Ganda Kore, Dire Dawa in 1947, Ali Birra is a legendary Ethiopian singer, composer, poet and nationalist who has the ability to sing in Amharic, Arabic, Harari, and Somali languages..in addition to Oromo, his mother tongue!! His impressive … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Girma Beyene – Ene Negn Bay Manesh

Born in Addis Ababa, Girma Bèyènè is an Ethiopian lyricist, composer, arranger, vocalist and pianist. Active in what is known as the golden era of Ethiopian music, he recorded from 1969-1978.  As a vocalist he only recorded four songs, but … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Kingdom of Kaffa – Dawa Ya moto ni moto

“Pure east African grooves. Heavy drums, vibrating flute on one side, a dirty organ on the other…” This welcomed recommendation found me today and I have to say I’m rather chuffed to have been pointed in the direction of this … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Hailu Mergia and the Walias — Birtukane

Two years after first discovering Hailu Mergia and promising myself I’d buy his groundbreaking Tche Belew record, I’ve yet to fulfil my wish, but after hearing today’s song for the first time in ages, I intend to remedy this right … Continue reading

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SONG OF THE DAY Afro Social Club – Stuck In The Storm

Largely influenced and inspired by the great Fela Kuti, Afro Social Club are a French collective of nine musicians who came together over five years ago to create a sound that pays homage to their hero.  With a shared passion … Continue reading

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