Hailu Mergia: Taxi Tapes & Ethio-Jazz
From 1970s Addis Ababa with The Walias Band to a D.C. taxi, Hailu Mergia's 'Lala Belu' comeback redefines Ethio-jazz, fusing traditional melodies with modern sounds.
Tracklist
- Yefikir Engurguro — Hailu Mergia
- Gum Gum — Hailu Mergia
- Tche Belew — The Walias Band
- Sintayehu — Hailu Mergia
- Lala Belu — Hailu Mergia
- Anchin Kfu Ayinkash — Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band
- Musicawi Silt — Hailu Mergia & The Walias
- Wede Harer Guzo — Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band
Transcript
Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.
Yefikir Engurguro — Hailu Mergia
Hailu Mergia's musical journey found a new chapter in Washington D.C., where he famously drove a taxi for decades. Even while driving, Mergia kept a portable keyboard in his trunk to practice, developing the unique solo sound heard on tracks like 'Yefikir Engurguro' from his acclaimed comeback album, 'Lala Belu'.
Gum Gum — Hailu Mergia
Mergia's ability to fuse sounds across eras and continents defines his impact on Ethio-jazz. His 2018 album, 'Lala Belu', showcases this eclecticism, from melancholic reverie to the vibrant, latin-jazz nonchalance of 'Gum Gum'.
Tche Belew — The Walias Band
Before his solo resurgence, Hailu Mergia was the innovative keyboardist for The Walias Band, a powerhouse instrumental funk and jazz ensemble in 1970s Addis Ababa. Their music, like 'Tche Belew', became ubiquitous on Ethiopian radio, pioneering instrumental records.
Sintayehu — Hailu Mergia
The Walias Band's influence extended beyond live sets, as Mergia continuously explored new interpretations of traditional Ethiopian melodies. His work often repurposed folk songs into funkier, modern arrangements, as heard in the soulful grooves of 'Sintayehu'.
Lala Belu — Hailu Mergia
After decades away from the international spotlight, Mergia’s music was rediscovered by Awesome Tapes From Africa, leading to a profound late-career renaissance. His first new album in over thirty years, 'Lala Belu', cemented his return, even reaching the Top 20 on Billboard's Jazz Albums chart.
Anchin Kfu Ayinkash — Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band
Mergia also explored other collaborations, capturing unique sounds on cassette during Ethiopia's vibrant 1970s music scene. His 1978 project with the Dahlak Band, recorded in just three days, yielded the jazz-infused 'Anchin Kfu Ayinkash'.
Musicawi Silt — Hailu Mergia & The Walias
The Addis Ababa Hilton was a sanctuary for The Walias Band during the turbulent 1970s, playing all-night sets blending hard funk, traditional music, and jazz. This era's innovative spirit is beautifully captured in tracks like 'Musicawi Silt'.
Wede Harer Guzo — Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band
The original cassette of 'Wede Harer Guzo' was the sole source of this groundbreaking music for decades before its 2016 reissue by Awesome Tapes From Africa. Its blend of traditional Ethiopian sounds with modern soul and funk makes 'Wede Harer Guzo' a testament to Mergia's pioneering vision.
Thanks for joining us on OffStereo, exploring how vibrant sounds can emerge from the most unexpected places. May these unique rhythms continue to resonate, reminding us of music's power to connect us across journeys and time.