Blogtrotters

Showing posts with label traditional ethiopian music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traditional ethiopian music. Show all posts

Thursday, February 7, 2019

The Music of Ethiopia - [1967] - Azmari Music of the Amharas (Anthology AST 6000, recorded by Ashenafi Kebede (LP)) [ethiopia]




Another extraordinary blog dedicated to world music sound I just found is :


MusicRepublic - World Traditional Music from LPs and Cassettes













This anthology showcases the music of the Azmari bards, or minstrels, from the Amhara Region in Northeastern Ethiopia. Most Amharas, aka as Abyssinians, are Christians, members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church founded in the 4th century. 







Melaku Gelaw - Misgana (Praise)





The gorgeous program featured here includes Melaku Gelaw playing solo washint wooden flute (A1, A4) and solo krar lyre (A2); and singing and playing krar (B1); Wolde Marriam singing and playing krar (A3); the powerful and inspired interplay between Asegedech Mekonnen’s spellbinding singing and Getamesay Abebe’s masinko, or masenqo, single-stringed bowed lute (A5, A6, B2, B3); and Getamesay Abebe singing and playing masinko (B4).





Melaku Gelaw (medium sized washint) - A1 - Misgana (Praise) (1:25)
Melaku Gelaw (krar) - A2 - YefiKir KeTaima (2:58)
Wolde Marriam (vocal and krar) - A3 - Satina Baburay (Heat-Driven Train of Mine) (3:07)
Melaku Gelaw (long washint) - A4 - Fanno (1:48)
M. Asegedech (vocal) / A. Getamesay (masinko) - A5 - Shilela (4:59)
M. Asegedech (vocal) / A. Getamesay (masinko) - A6 - Ambasel (4:57)




Melaku Gelaw (vocal and krar) - B1 - Shemonmuanaye (My Charming One) (2:51)
Asegedech Mekonnen (vocal) / A. Getamesay (masinko) - B2 - Tizita (5:04)
Asegedech Mekonnen (vocal) / A. Getamesay (masinko) - B3 - Bafi (5:14)
A. Getamesay (vocal and masinko) - B4 - Medina Zelesegna (5:44)










                             FULL BOOKLET INCLUDED   

Friday, January 18, 2019

Yeshimebet Dubale and Fasil Demoz - 2 Famous Singers [ethiopia]









Two outstanding singers with their favorite songs.  
The music of Gondar, Wollo, Gojjam, North Shewa.
The Amharic Music of the Amhara Region





Fasil Demoz and Yeshimebet Dubale - Enchewawet




Yeshimebet Dubale and Fasil Demoz - 01 - Yeshiye (አዎ ሰላም) (6:19)
Yeshimebet Dubale የሺመቤት ዱባለ - 02 - Zemezemew (የሺመቤት ዱባለ) (6:04)
Fasil Demoz ፋሲል ደሞዝ - 03 - Lomi Nat (ፋሲል ደሞዝ) (5:38)
Yeshimebet Dubale and Fasil Demoz - 04 - Enchewawet (ኤንቹዋውት) (6:33)
Fasil Demoz ፋሲል ደሞዝ - 05 - Afi (አህ) (6:11)
Yeshimebet Dubale የሺመቤት ዱባለ - 06 - Fikri Mecheresha (ፍቅር መጨረሻ) (5:03)
Fasil Demoz ፋሲል ደሞዝ - 07 - Tebelahu (ተበላሁ) (5:55)
Yeshimebet Dubale የሺመቤት ዱባለ - 08 - Selam Selam (ሰላም ሰላም) (6:07)
Fasil Demoz ፋሲል ደሞዝ - 09 - Anchi sew (አንቺ ሰው) (6:06)
Yeshimebet Dubale የሺመቤት ዱባለ - 10 - Izezibachewi (እዘዝባቸው) (6:59)







Monday, December 31, 2018

Demere Legesse - Demak Ye Serg Zefenoch [2004] [ethiopia]











Demere Legesse was born on February 19, 1969 from his father Legesse Tesema Bilhate and his mother Debre Beshah Ayele. He was born in Agarfa, Bale in a small town called Galema Hebeno. He attended grade 1 up to 6 in Galema Hebeno Sefera Mender School, 7 and 8 in Agarfa Melestegna Primery School, 9 and 10 Batu Terara Secondary School, 11 and 12 in Addis Abeba Nifas Silk and Maremiya Betoch School.

     In February 8, 1987 he traveled to Addis Ababa and employed as a police officer in Maremiya Betoch. After 6 month military technical course in Aleltu he was introduced as a vocalist in Maremiya Police Orchestra. After working for 14 years from 1987 to 2001 in Maremiya Police Orchestra he formed his own music band named DL Band. He handled numerous music concerts and matrimonial festival for bride and bridegroom in Ethiopia and for those who come from America, Canada, Europe, Australia and different countries.






Demere Legesse - Serg



Demere is one of the members of Yellow Page which is Ethiopian musicians community. He has a great roll in Ethiopian musical industry of wedding and culture. As a mater of fact he presented cultural and nuptial music such as Kana Zgelila (Special Church Song), Melkam Kelebet (Reggae Style Nuptial Music), Awddeamet 2001, Awddeamet 2003, Kotu Malo, Sendelewa, Burtukkee, and others.

Back in Maremiya Betoch Orchestra, Demere found his soul mate Etenesh Girma Bogale and married in March 18, 1990. One year later they have their first baby Nathnael in May 1991, the second baby Abel in October 1996 and the third Rodas in August 2008. And now Demere has 3 children and 3 houses plus personal band.




Demere Legesse - 01 - Musheraye / Des Yilal (6:43)
Demere Legesse - 02 - Kulun Manqwalesh (7:22)
Demere Legesse - 03 - Shinet / Tewubeshal Alu (5:43)
Demere Legesse - 04 - Enshoshela (5:46)
Demere Legesse - 05 - Yebete Zemedu (5:47)
Demere Legesse - 06 - Musheroch Des Yebelachuh (6:08)
Demere Legesse - 07 - Shelmuat Shelimut (6:48)
Demere Legesse - 08 - Debalkisen / Oromogna (6:22)
Demere Legesse - 09 - Musher Abeba (6:29)
Demere Legesse - 10 - Hi Loga (4:58)
Demere Legesse - 11 - Muna Minjaр (5:22)
Demere Legesse - 12 - Sendel Gela Welo (6:26)
Demere Legesse - 13 - Wubitu Gonder Gonder (5:02)





Saturday, November 3, 2018

Malik Abdul-Rahmaan & Chris Hound - Ethiopian Melodies [2017] [ethiopia]













Malik Abdul-Rahmaan & Chris Hound - Ethiopian Melodies  [full album]




Malik Abdul-Rahmaan & Chris Hound - A (30:54)
Malik Abdul-Rahmaan & Chris Hound - B (30:51)




Monday, October 8, 2018

Mesele Asmamaw - Kignt Mesele, Vol. 2 [2004] [ethiopia]










Mesele Asmamaw (krar) is a composer and arranger from Ethiopia. 


He joined the music industry for the past 20 years, and released many albums and traveled throughout Europe and Africa performing the traditional music of Ethiopia. 

In the last eight years, he has been a favorite guest of the influential punk band called The EX, and he has recorded several albums with the experimental Norwegian drummer Paal Nillson-Love. Also, he toured and recorded with his experimental rock group Trio Kazanches and worked extensively with Mulatu Astatke, both in the studio and on stage. Mesele uses several interesting techniques in band Qwanqwa, including a wahpedal, a distortion pedal, a coke bottle and a plastic tube.






Mesele Asmamaw - Lelitu Alnega Ale





Mesele Asmamaw - 01 - Minew Ene, Sekota (8:29)
Mesele Asmamaw - 02 - Yehager Fikir, Zeraf (7:27)
Mesele Asmamaw - 03 - Lele (Guragena) (4:53)
Mesele Asmamaw - 04 - Wein Abeba,Tiz Alegn (7:37)
Mesele Asmamaw - 05 - Damaye (4:49)
Mesele Asmamaw - 06 - Shegeye, Kemekem (11:02)
Mesele Asmamaw - 07 - Hailaloye (Tigrigna) (5:30)
Mesele Asmamaw - 08 - Yagere Lij (6:43)
Mesele Asmamaw - 09 - Yashirishire (5:17)
Mesele Asmamaw - 10 - Yalew Gelel (4:40)




Saturday, October 6, 2018

Genet Masresha, Selamnesh Zemene - Korahu Chis Albaw [2010] [ethiopia]












Genet Masresha - Wushet Alewodem





Genet Masresha - 01 - Aytereterim (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (6:38)
Selamnesh Zemene - 02 - Bayew Bayew (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (5:33)
Genet Masresha - 03 - Gojam Yimechew (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew (6:26)
Genet Masresha - 04 - Sew Besint Yigezal (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (4:42)
Selamnesh Zemene - 05 - Meray (feat. Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (6:20)
Selamnesh Zemene - 06 - Yegonder Lij (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (6:12)
Genet Masresha - 07 - Dire (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (6:10)
Selamnesh Zemene - 08 - Minhonkbign (feat. Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (5:51)
Selamnesh Zemene - 09 - Korahu (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (5:21)
Genet Masresha - 10 - Desta Mefeleg (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (6:25)
Genet Masresha - 11 - Shewa (Minjar) (6:31)
Genet Masresha - 12 - Gerado (Wello) (feat. Elsa, Seniet, Tigabu & Selamsew) (5:47)
Genet Masresha - 13 - Sidet (5:45)




Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Tadesse Alemu - Mahider Zema [2000] [ethiopia]




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Tadesse Alemu - Ethiopia




01. Tadesse Alemu - Gedaye (4:58)
02. Tadesse Alemu - Munanye (6:22)
03. Tadesse Alemu - Aynuma (6:28)
04. Tadesse Alemu - Festal (5:12)
05. Tadesse Alemu - Shewa Laye (5:42)
06. Tadesse Alemu - Wello (4:46)
07. Tadesse Alemu - Alamebere (5:11)
08. Tadesse Alemu - Kebeto (6:46)
09. Tadesse Alemu - Nunuye (4:43)
10. Tadesse Alemu - Guayla (5:17)
11. Tadesse Alemu - Neybera (7:03)




Wednesday, January 24, 2018

v.a. - [2018] - Ethiopian Popular and Folk Music (Bezunesh, Tlahoun, Bahta Gebrehiwot, Menelik Wessanechew) [ethiopia]





This post is completely taken from extraordinary new blog dedicated to an older african music. 

My true admiration goes to Matthew Lavoie, the author. 

You may find his blog here >>> WALLAHI LE ZEIN! 








Menelik Wossenachew




Here is another reel of radio recordings from the horn of Africa.  This reel was compiled by Ato Girma Zande, the music librarian of Radio Ethiopia back in the late 1960s (my guess is 1966-67).  As you have surely read in the Ethiopiques liner notes (essential reading on Ethiopian music), the 1960s were a decade of musical ferment in Ethiopia.  A decade of musical innovation and flux, foreshadowing the prolific early 1970s, the 'Golden Era' of Ethiopian popular music that has become a musical benchmark--akin to 1930s Harlem or 1980s Kingston--known to music lovers throughout the world. 


This reel features five tracks by Bezunesh Bekele, including a 'traditional' version of 'Ere Mela Mela' as well as a live recording, three short and wonderful tracks by Bahta Gebrehiwot, three by Tilahoun Gessesse, the greatest Ethiopian singer of the Golden Age, and four lovely cuts by Menelik Wessenachew.  These singers are accompanied by the great orchestras of the decade, the Ras Band, the Imperial Bodyguard Orchestra and the Haile Selassie Orchestra.  The reel starts with four tracks of 'traditional' music, featuring, in particular, two lovely songs from Tigre and Shoa province.






Bezunesh Bekele - Hizb le Hizb





I recorded these tracks straight from the master reel to CD.  This is an old reel and some of the tracks are a little wobbly.  I have left the tracks in the order that Ato Zande dubbed them and I have not fiddled with the sound, no noise reduction, filtering, or eq.

Ethiopian Popular and Folk Music (Tracks prepared by Ato Girma Zande, Music Librarian, Radio Ethiopia) 

I don't think any of these tracks are on the many reissues of classic Ethiopian music that have been released in the last twenty years.  Don't hesitate to point out releases that I may have missed or to share what you know about these recordings. 
  

The first picture is taken from a Menelik Wessanachew record sleeve and the second from a Bahta Gibrehewot sleeve.   Enjoy.





Askale Berhane - 01 - Gojja Minja (2:19)
Bezunesh Bekele - 02 - Era Mela Mela (3:38)
Uncredited - 03 - Mandjar (from Shoa Province) (3:21)
Uncredited - 04 - Temesgen (from Tigre) (5:45)

Bahta Gibre-Hewot with Ras Band - 05 - Anchem Indela (3:33)
Bahta Gibre-Hewot with Ras Band - 06 - Tar New (1:17)
Bahta Gibre-Hewot with Ras Band - 07 - Ine Nenj Woy Monj (2:50)
Bahta Gibre-Hewot with Ras Band - 08 - Ene Metch Alkuna (2:22)

Bezunesh Bekele & Imperial Body Guard Orchestra - 09 - Ere Keyete Meta (2:58)
Bezunesh Bekele & Imperial Body Guard Orchestra - 10 - Ante Temeta Ene (live) (2:28)
Bezunesh Bekele & Imperial Body Guard Orchestra - 11 - Yaleb Lay Esat (5:59)
Bezunesh Bekele & Imperial Body Guard Orchestra - 12 - Kante Gara Lehun (2:25)

Telahun Gessesse - 13 - Satwadenj Wodeyet (4:18)
Telahun Gessesse - 14 - Ere Min Yeshalengal (2:22)
Telahun Gessesse - 15 - Feker Lebichaye (4:10)

Menelik Wossenachew & Haile Selassie Orchestra - 16 - Yayne Alem (3:41)
Menelik Wossenachew & Haile Selassie Orchestra - 17 - Tez Teyengalesh (3:55)
Menelik Wossenachew & Haile Selassie Orchestra - 18 - Almaz Eyasebbhush (4:40)
Menelik Wossenachew & Haile Selassie Orchestra - 19 - Yehagre Tezeta (2:23)




Saturday, January 20, 2018

Petites Planètes - NOW ETHIOPIA • A morning over Dorzé [polyphonic singings from the south] [2012] [ethiopia]



originally posted at : petitesplanetes.bandcamp.com





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A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - ከቀትር በፊት አበባ (0:34)
A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - ሕፃናት (1:16)
A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - ዝኒ ከማሁ (1:14)
A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - አፍሪካ (2:21)
A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - ወፍራም ወተት (2:28)
A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - እሽሩሩ መደማመጥ (2:21)
A MORNING OVER DORZÉ • polyphonic singings from the south - መሥራት ዘፈን (1:53)








recorded by Vincent Moon 
in the village of Dorzé, southern Ethiopia 
may 2012 

mixed by Florent Picollet 


Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Amaan Nyafaroo - Biyyee Fi Biyyakoo [2017] [ethiopia]












Amaan Nyafaroo - 01 - Onnee Ijoollee Baalee (28:25)
Amaan Nyafaroo - 02 - Biyyi Ofii Haadha (1:15)
Amaan Nyafaroo - 03 - Du'aan Boodas Ta'uu (1:04)
Amaan Nyafaroo - 04 - Biyyee Fi Biyyakoo (40:58)
Amaan Nyafaroo - 05 - Ni Beeka Ni Beekta (1:25)
Amaan Nyafaroo - 06 - Si Boontuu Oromoo (1:24)
Amaan Nyafaroo - 07 - Eebbisaa Addunyaa (6:08)





Thursday, October 26, 2017

Asnakech Worku & Alemu Aga - Ende Jerusalem [1996] [ethiopia]


                   

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Asnakech Worku or Asnaqètch Wèrqu: Krar player and poet


       Asnaqetch Werqu was born an orphan who went on to become the first actress to appear on the Ethiopian stage. However, her musical talent garnered her attention that outshone her acting career in the National Theatre. Reportedly, she initially worked as an actress and dancer in the Haile Sellassie I theatre troupe and was actually the first woman to be part of this troupe. At an early age Asnaqetch taught herself to play the krar and eventually went on to become famous as a master of the krar (lyre) and a singer who was considered to be the last great storyteller to engage in the tradition of poetic jousting, following in the traditions of the Azmaris or artist caste.







       A five (sometimes six) stringed lyre with a gut resonator, the krar was an ancient Ethiopian instrument frequently used by the Azmari or musician class. It has been said the the Japanese koto has a sound similar to that the krar. Azmari, can be male or female, and are skilled at singing spontaneous verses while playing the krar or masenqo (one-stringed fiddle). They play in drinking establishments known as 'tejbeit' that serve 'tej' (honey mead). They are also often invited to perform at private parties where they would improvise lyrics based on a theme suggested by the host. This poetic jousting not only relies improvisation but the art of poignant verses, wit, imagery and sarcastic puns.








       Following Haile Selaissie's removal from office by the Derg in 1974, artists in Ethiopia were often forced underground to perform or had to attempt to create their music in a very hostile environment. This repressive regime slaughtered hundreds of thousands and fuelled subsequent unrest. Nevertheless a brief period of artistic freedom existed in the 70's between Selaissie's imperial rule and the military junta of the Derg.





Asnakech Worku




       The French label Buda Musique, was able to select 22 songs to compile an album for Volume 16 of the acclaimed Ethiopiques series - named The Lady With The Krar. These songs were chosen from two LPs recorded in 1974 and 1976. Buda Musique acquired them from their previously-acquired Kaifa Records archive (1973-77). Apparently, the first 12 songs on this album were released during the beginning of the revolutionary disorder and were banned almost immediately afterwards, as many records were simply taken off of store shelves. It didn't help that the krar was often regarded as a 'devil's instrument' by certain segments of the population.









       Werqu's verses evoke epic tales and her love ballads are tinged with longing and melancholy. Surprisingly, during her time as an musician and actress, artists in general were frowned upon, and this was especially true for female ones. This contributed to many hardships and suffering in Werqu's life, which she often expressed in her music, as she recorded her struggles against the conventions of established society. Ironically enough, it is from the depths of this emotional angst that we see the emergence of a profound spiritual beauty that resonates with her 'serenely-emotional' vocals as they meld with the hypnotic melodies of the krar.




Alemu Aga

       (born 1950) is an Ethiopian musician and singer, a master of the bèguèna.
Born in Entotta, near Addis Ababa, Alemu became interested in the begena (a ten-stringed member of the lute family, also known as "King David's Harp") at the age of twelve, when a master of the instrument moved in next door to his family, the Aleqa Tessema Welde-Emmanuel. Aleqa Tessema began teaching at Ras Desta school, where Alemu was a pupil. As well as studying the begena at school, Alemu carried his master's instrument to and from school, and thus benefited from more of Tessema's time.











       He went on to study geography at Addis Ababa University, and after graduation went to work as a geography teacher at the Yared Music School, where for seven years he also taught begena. Alemu went on to become an acknowledged master of the instrument, first recorded in 1972 by Cynthia Tse Kimberlin for a major UNESCO collection, and performing and broadcasting around the world. In 1974, however, the Derg military junta came to power in Ethiopia; their anti-religious policies also included the banning of the begena from radio broadcasts, and the closing down of the Yared School's teaching of the instrument. As a result, Alemu Aga decided to give up his teaching post in 1980, and opened a souvenir shop in Addis Ababa's Piazza district.
For a time he played only in private, but the collapse of the Derg's régime led eventually to a change in state policy, and Alemu again began to teach and perform in public.
















01. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Tizita (7:40)
02. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Arada (5:27)
03. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Ende Jerusalem (6:59)
04. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Mela Mela (6:18)
05. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Wogene (4:31)
06. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Abet Abet (6:30)
07. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Besmeab (12:39)
08. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Wanen (3:52)
09. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Yibelahala (3:04)
10. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Alayenim Belu (3:49)
11. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Girf (0:56)
12. Asnakech Worku/Alemu Aga - Selamta (12:30)