Alemayehu Eshete has been considered the golden voice of Ethiopia for nearly sixty years. Thanks to Germany’s Philophon Records, we will be hearing more of his music. This is a old track which was re-done with Philophon’s house band, maintaining the spirit of the original but updating the sound quite a bit.
Ethiopia
[Music] Hoodna Orchestra – Yelben/Beza (Single)
Ethiopian music is doing rather well in Israel, if this new single by the Hoodna Orchestra is any indication of what’s going on there. The first track is a warm paean to old 60s and 70s music out of Addis Ababa, and the next is pure dub meatiness.
[Music] Awalom Gebremariam – Desdes
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.
[Music] Mahmoud Ahmed – Hulum bègizéw nèw
Some funky Ethiopian soul, courtesy of Mahmoud Ahmed, one of the best voices of the old guard.
[Video] Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou – Piano Solo (Full Album)
From Éthiopiques 21: Ethiopia Song, this is Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, one truly bluesy nun of the the Ethiopian Orthodox persuasion.
[Video] Duo Ras Dashen – The Wonderful Sounds of Ethiopian Music
Singer and saxophonist Abate Berihun and pianist Yitzhak Yedid form the Duo Ras Dashen. It blends Yedid’s masterful jazz piano with the near liturgical singing style of Berihun. I look forward to hearing recorded product from this pairing soon.
[Video] Kassa Tessema – Na Gedamu
Kassa Tessema was a master of the kirar, an ancient stringed instrument from Ethiopia and Eritrea. He would accompany his playing with a healthy baritone singing voice.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 