Asnaketch Worku: Krar's Enduring Voice

Asnaketch Worku's pioneering krar work, from 1974's "Mela Mela" to 1995's "Ende Jerusalem," forged a defiant sound that still shapes Krar Collective's Ethiopian traditional music.

Tracklist

1. Tizita — Asnaketch Worku
2. Guragigna — Krar Collective
3. Ende Jerusalem — Asnaketch Worku
4. Mela Mela — Asnaketch Worku
5. Oromigna — Krar Collective
6. Yisemashal Wey — Asnaketch Worku
7. Ambassel — Krar Collective
8. Bati — Asnaketch Worku

Transcript

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

Tizita — Asnaketch Worku

Asnaketch Worku, born around 1935 in Addis Ababa, taught herself the ancient krar, buying her first instrument for 25 cents. Her early performances in small bars showcased a singular talent, quickly establishing her as a master instrumentalist. This foundational sound is heard on "Tizita."

Guragigna — Krar Collective

While Worku pioneered the krar as a solo artist, her influence reverberates through groups like Krar Collective, who continue to explore the instrument's versatility. Their take on "Guragigna" demonstrates how the krar remains a vibrant force in evolving Ethiopian traditional music.

Ende Jerusalem — Asnaketch Worku

Even late in her career, Asnaketch Worku continued to push artistic boundaries, creating some of her most poignant work. In 1995, she recorded "Ende Jerusalem" in Germany with begenna player Alemu Aga, showcasing her enduring artistry and commitment to traditional forms.

Mela Mela — Asnaketch Worku

Worku's dramatic background, including her acclaimed role as Desdemona in 'Othello' in 1963, deeply informed her musical expression. This theatricality fueled her first album, "Krar songs by Asnaketch Worku," released in 1974, featuring powerful tracks like "Mela Mela."

Oromigna — Krar Collective

Asnaketch Worku performed in several languages, including Amharic and Oromo, embracing Ethiopia's diverse cultural tapestry. Krar Collective carries this tradition forward, using the krar to explore various regional styles, as heard in their vibrant track "Oromigna."

Yisemashal Wey — Asnaketch Worku

Worku was a cultural iconoclast whose "bold and truthful passion" challenged society. In the 1950s, her unabashed expression of love, even for a married man, defied expectations for women in an ultra-conservative community. Rachael Samuel, director of the 2013 documentary 'Asni,' called Worku "Ethiopia's Edith Piaf" for this defiant spirit, perfectly captured on "Yisemashal Wey."

Ambassel — Krar Collective

Asnaketch Worku was a master of traditional Ethiopian modes, including Ambassel, a foundational scale in her repertoire. Krar Collective honors this deep heritage, reinterpreting these ancient structures while introducing them to new audiences with their rendition of "Ambassel."

Bati — Asnaketch Worku

Worku's profound impact and global recognition were solidified when her 1975 album 'Asnakech,' featuring tracks like "Bati," was reissued in 2018 by Awesome Tapes From Africa. This made her essential work accessible worldwide, ensuring her cherished legacy endures.

Thank you for listening to OffStereo. May Asnaketch Worku's resonant voice and krar continue to weave stories, reminding us that true artistry transcends time and place.