Awalom Gebremariam has quite an interesting story. Originally from Asmara, the capital of the Republic of Eritrea, he left his home country at age 28 to go to the United States, having stayed at an Ethiopian refugee camp while waiting to hit his final destination. This album is the only disc he cut, and it’s quite a lovely example of Eritrean pop.

Many thanks to Awesome Tapes From Africa, who put out gem after gem. Follow them, as they never seem to fail in their picks.