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Addis Sound: A Jazz Odyssey

Mulatu Astatke's 1969 Ethio-jazz vision ignited Addis Ababa's Golden Age, as Mahmoud Ahmed, Alèmayèhu Eshèté, and Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou shaped its diverse sound.

Tracklist

  1. Yèkèrmo Sèw — Mulatu Astatke
  2. Ere Mela Mela — Mahmoud Ahmed
  3. Temar Lije — Alèmayèhu Eshèté
  4. Muziqawi Silt — Girma Bèyènè
  5. Anchin Kfu Ayinkash — Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band
  6. The Homeless Wanderer — Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
  7. Tezeta — The Walias Band
  8. Sew New Yechekene — Tilahun Gessesse

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

Yèkèrmo Sèw — Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, returned to Addis Ababa in 1969 after studying abroad, bringing a new sound he termed Ethio-jazz. He articulated his vision: “What makes Ethiopian music interesting is that we have these four beautiful modes... and what I did was put those modes on the bottom and put the world on top.” This is the genesis of the Addis sound on “Yèkèrmo Sèw.”

Ere Mela Mela — Mahmoud Ahmed

Addis Ababa entered its 'Golden Age of Music' in the 1960s and 70s, a vibrant period of innovation for Ethio-jazz. Mahmoud Ahmed became a prominent voice, his work defining the era's fusion of traditional melodies with jazz and funk, epitomized by "Ere Mela Mela."

Temar Lije — Alèmayèhu Eshèté

The 'swinging Addis' scene thrived with vocalists like Alèmayèhu Eshèté, who further blended traditional Ethiopian songs with the emerging Ethio-jazz sounds. His work, often released on crucial local labels like Amha Records, captured the unique musical identity of the time on tracks such as "Temar Lije."

Muziqawi Silt — Girma Bèyènè

Beyond vocalists, instrumentalists like Girma Bèyènè shaped the Addis sound. A self-taught keyboardist, Bèyènè developed a distinct Ethio-sound, learning from American broadcasts and becoming Mulatu Astatke's greatest counterpart, as demonstrated on "Muziqawi Silt."

Anchin Kfu Ayinkash — Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band

Bands like the Dahlak Band were central to propelling Ethio-jazz forward, known for electrifying performances in Addis Ababa’s nightlife. Keyboardist Hailu Mergia recalled their ethos: 'We were an equal band. Everyone got paid the same, everyone took turns as the bandleader.' Hear their blend on "Anchin Kfu Ayinkash."

The Homeless Wanderer — Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

Amidst the vibrant jazz and funk, a more contemplative sound also flourished. Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, a nun and pianist, composed haunting instrumental pieces like "The Homeless Wanderer," revealing a powerful introspective side of Ethiopian artistry.

Tezeta — The Walias Band

The Golden Age ended abruptly in 1974 with the Derg military junta, bringing strict curfews and censorship. While many musicians fled, The Walias Band continued performing instrumental music, maintaining the Addis sound's spirit despite restrictions, as heard on their classic "Tezeta."

Sew New Yechekene — Tilahun Gessesse

After decades of suppression, the 'Éthiopiques' series, launched in 1997, brought Ethio-jazz global attention. Tilahun Gessesse, the 'Voice of Ethiopia,' whose blend of traditional songs and jazz laid unique foundations, experienced a powerful rediscovery with "Sew New Yechekene."

Thank you for sharing this journey into the soulful depths of the Addis sound. May the unique spirit of these grooves resonate, inspiring new rhythms in your own world.

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