Mulatu Astatke (b. 19 December 1943) is an Ethiopian musician, composer, and arranger widely regarded as the originator of Ethio-jazz, a genre that fuses Ethiopian…
Mulatu Astatke, the Father of Ethio-jazz
Tag: Ethiopia
From the Lion Mountain: Traditional Music of Yeha, Ethiopia
From the Lion Mountain: Traditional Music of Yeha is the first-ever album and book to document the music of a single Ethiopian village. The settlement,…
Artist Profiles: Girma Beyene
Girma Beyene was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is a renowned pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. Beyene is credited for arranging over 60 songs…
Artist Profiles: Saliha Sami
Saliha Sami was born March 5th, 1978. She is from Assabot, Ethiopia, and later raised in Miessoo, Ethiopia. It was at the age of fourteen…
Artist Profiles: Neway Debebe
Neway Debebe’s musical career spans several decades. He writes lyrics for himself and his many professional colleagues, including Tilahun Gessesse. The songs are cleverly arranged.…
Artist Profiles: Mahmoud Ahmed
Mahmoud Ahmed’s story is that of a kid raised in the streets of Addis-Ababa who began as a shoeshine boy before becoming one of his…
Artist Profiles: Gigi
Egigayehu Shibabaw, better known as Gigi, is a multi-talented singer from Ethiopia. Gigi’s music is inspired by Ethiopian tradition, culture and a sense of heartfelt…
New Ethiopian Sounds Celebrate Emperor Tewodros II
Gabriella Ghermandi – Ethiopia – Celebrating Emperor Tewodros II (Arc Music, 2016) Vocalist Gabriella Ghermandi dedicates this album to charismatic Ethiopian emperor Tewodros II. Born…
Interview with Captivating Ethiopian American Artist Meklit
Ethiopian American singer-songwriter and composer Meklit Hadero, beter known as Meklit, will be performing on October 5th in Los Angeles, California. She will be presenting…
Artist Profiles: Seleshe Damessae
Seleshe Damessae (also known as Sileshi Demissie and Gashe Abera Molla) is an extraordinary singer and musician from Ethiopia. He uses a complex vocal styling,…