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Showing posts with label ethiopian reggae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ethiopian reggae. Show all posts

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Chachi Tadesse - Hoya Hoye [1999] [ethiopia]









          Most Rastafarians consider Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland and identify with that country to some extent-some even incorporate Amharic phrases into their songs, the classic example being the Abyssinians' repatriation classic "Satta Massa Gana." 





Chachi Tadesse - Enkuan Des Yalachu




        Chachi Tadesse does this tradition one step better-she actually is Ethiopian, and sings primarily in Amharic. 

       And while reggae is the foundation of her art, there's more to it than that; "Musica," with its swaggering beat and turntable work, shows a marked hip-hop influence, while her singing on the dancehall-flavored "Unity" seems to draw at least as much on North African vocal traditions as on the Memphis-by-way-of-Kingston sound that characterizes most reggae singing. Her muttered toasting on "Gorraw" is quietly compelling. She gets help from guests both famous (Stephen Marley, Sizzla) and obscure (Lisa Danger, Billy Mystic), but her shimmering voice is always at the core of each song's sound. This is a remarkable album.




Chachi Tadesse - 01 - Musica (ft. Stephen Marley) (4:45)
Chachi Tadesse - 02 - Hoya Hoye (with Garnett Silk's children) (4:13)
Chachi Tadesse - 03 - Rambosa (ft. Sizzla) (4:15)
Chachi Tadesse - 04 - Fiker Band Menged (One Way Street) (5:09)
Chachi Tadesse - 05 - Hibret (Unity) (ft. Gaddiel & Daweh Congo) (4:17)
Chachi Tadesse - 06 - Ye Africa Negest (African Queen) (ft. Prezident Brown) (4:20)
Chachi Tadesse - 07 - Gorraw (ft. Doniki & Lisa Danger) (4:18)
Chachi Tadesse - 08 - Atresa (Warning) (ft. Billy Mystic, Iqulah Rastafari, Doniki & Steady Ranks) (4:57)
Chachi Tadesse - 09 - Natty Dread (ft. Sister Carol) (3:55)
Chachi Tadesse - 10 - Mesgana (Give Thanks) (ft. Kulcha Knox) (5:43)




Thursday, April 28, 2016

Dub Colossus - A town called Addis [2006] [ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D   







       This project brings together an extraordinary but little known African musical heritage, a labour of love recording in a makeshift studio in down-town Addis Ababa and then a journey back to Real World to capture for the first time ever in the UK some of Ethiopia's finest performers.








       This project is the vision of Dub Colossus - Dubulah - aka Nick Page. Composer, guitarist, bass player and programmer Nick started his music career with Michael Riley (Steel Pulse) and in 1990 formed Transglobal Underground with Tim and Hammi, produced-wrote-played six albums before leaving in 1997 to form Temple of Sound with Neil Sparkes.








       Ethiopian music is the hidden gem of Africa. At the end of the Sixties and the early Seventies, Ethiopia was in the dying years of the imperial decline of Haile Selassie and the early years of a brutally repressive junta led by Mengistu. Within the confines of this stifling and constrictive environment there flowered some astonishing music. At times showing Fela Kuti's influences, in the big band sax flavour and other times a different take on regional music, this is a music that is accessible to all and has been championed by the likes of Robert Plant, Brian Eno and Elvis Costello. The style of contemporary Ethiopia music captured by Dub Colossus ranges from dreamy blues, hypnotic grooves, jazz piano and driving funk brass.





       "A Town Called Addis" was inspired by meeting , writing and working with singers and musicians in Addis Ababa in August 2006, and is a collaboration between Dub Colossus (Nick Page) and these amazing musicians covering Azmari and traditional styles as well as the popular singing styles of the 60s and 70s. It seeks to combine the golden years of ethiopique beats (popular again thanks to the release of the critically acclaimed 'Ethiopique' compliation ) and ethiojazz with the dub reggae styles of early 70s reggae groups like the Abyssinians, Mighty Diamonds and so on. along with a hint of Sun Ra..." (Dub Colossus/aka Nick Page)



       The first sessions took place in a breeze block hut under corrugated iron roof bombarded by the sounds of the rainy season high up on the mountain plateau where Addis is built. "...the sound of children playing, dogs barking and women washing all permeate the sessions and help the flavour of the record, albeit as ambient smoke.....Although a howling cat chasing a rat under the roof destroyed one vocal take completely...!"



       We brought these unique urban field recordings home to Real World to complete the picture. In March 2008 we invited a group of outstanding performers from Addis to travel to the UK. Some of these artists are unknown talents who have never traveled outside of their country before now, while others such as singer Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe (Addis Ababa night club owner and know as the Ethiopian Edith Piaf ) and master saxophonist Feleke Hailu (a classical composer, lecturer and head of music at the Yared Music School and part of a dynastic tradition that stretches back far beyond the classic hits his father arranged for Mahmoud Ahmad in the late 1960s) have a huge reputation. They are joined by Teremag Weretow who, with his plaintive voice, playing his messenqo ( one-string fiddle) is a youthful carrier of an ancient tradition; extraordinary pianist Samuel Yirga is an exciting new discovery - a young prodigy of classical and Ethiojazz and finally the glamourous star Tsedenia Gebremarkos, winner of a Kora award as the best female singer in East Africa in 2004,








       From the most primitive recording context to one of the best in the world, this project is an audio journey - and discovery of one of the most alluring, funky and seductive genres of African music.




01. Dub Colossus - Azmari Dub (5:05)
02. Dub Colossus - Entoto Dub (5:55)
03. Dub Colossus - Tazeb Kush (5:52)
04. Dub Colossus - Shegye Shegitu (Blue Nile Mix) (3:54)
05. Dub Colossus - Shegye Shegitu (One Drop mix) (4:49)
06. Dub Colossus - Yeka Sub City Rockers (5:04)
07. Dub Colossus - Shem City Steppers (5:28)
08. Dub Colossus - Tizita Dub (7:38)
09. Dub Colossus - Black Rose (4:06)
10. Dub Colossus - Neh Yelginete (5:40)
11. Dub Colossus - Ophir Dub (4:40)
12. Dub Colossus - Sima Edy (4:40)
13. Dub Colossus - Mercato Music (5:47)
14. Dub Colossus - Ambassel (4:40)
15. Dub Colossus - Ambassel In Box (5:47)



Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Ras Abel - Humble Beginnings [2000] [usa + ethiopia]



   R E U P L O A D     




Ras Abel - Love Is Selassie I





       The title of his album "Humble Beginnings" is the perfect phrase to describe the musical career of Ras Abel.



       Born in Addis Abeba in 1972, Ras Abel moved to the USA in 1989. While attending the college in Maryland in early 1990s Abel met a guy named Belatchew who encouraged young Ras' ability to express his lyrics. During the summers Abel, Belatchew on bass and his younger brother Dula met their soul JAH, creating music together. As their love for music grew, they decided to record a demo in 1994. They made two tracks, "Love is in the air" and "Forward to Zion".











       Due to the various difficulties, Ras was unable to pursue a musical career in full time. However, Ras continue to work with Dula in his studio in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent 1996-1999 in coordination with Dula and Tensae (co-producer of "Humble Beginnings") eventually produced "Humble Beginnings" in 2000. 

       While living in Washington, Ras Abel and Tensae tried to make music of Jah. Initially band was named "Maebel", which means tidal wave in Amharic. Later they changed their name to "Melekebet", name of native Ethiopian instrument, used to make an anouncements in ancient times.






     
"Melekebet" was consisted of Salomon on drums, Tensae on bass and Ras Abel on guitar, rhythm guitar and vocal. Their sound was unique blend of reggae and Ethiopian music. Band dismemmbered in early 2001. and Ras Abel took hiatus in the music of Jah.


    In 2008 Ras Abel returned to music once again. Abel recorded his second album with drummer Jeff Franca.

     Curently he is playing with his band "Tesfa". He also features on the album "Sur Mahber", a compilation of songs with various artist made with american group "Soldiers of Jah Army".






    
   In "Dancehall Celebration," he gives props to the new "conscious" roots-and-culture face of dancehall reggae; and in "Afrikawi," sung in the provincial Ethiopian language Tigrinya, he pays tribute to Zeray Deres, an Ethiopian warrior who stood up to the invading Italians.



      Ras Abel's voice is rich, with full range. The music on this CD ranges from Nyahbinghi rhythms, to ska, to Hard Roots, to some Ethiopian traditional music styling. Hard, real upbeat music and messages from a young lion making a 'Humble Beginning'. Respect!.






"Humble Beginnings" is not of humble quality. All tracks reveal that these young lions are under the influence of the masters of premium quality reggae. The lyrics are not shy about singing praises to His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Pan African Development and progressive livity for mankind.




Ras Abel - vocals, lead and rhythm guitar
Bobby T - solo guitar
Matt (bihnghi roots) - keyboards
Taharqa - keyboards
Tensae - bass guitar
Jeff Franca - drums





01. Ras Abel - Rastafari Callin' (5:16)
02. Ras Abel - Forward To Zion (6:01)
03. Ras Abel - Enat Ithiopia (4:29)
04. Ras Abel - Love Is 'N De Air (6:07)
05. Ras Abel - Dancehall Celebration (4:22)
06. Ras Abel - All De Time (3:46)
07. Ras Abel - Afrikawi (Tigrinia) (4:06)
08. Ras Abel - Roaring Lions (4:31)
09. Ras Abel - Bongo Locks (3:19)
10. Ras Abel - Love Is Selassie I (6:31)


Monday, October 26, 2015

Lasta Sound - Lasta sound [2010] [usa +ethiopia]










       The name “Lasta Sound” evokes imagery of ancient Ethiopian culture and civilization. Lasta is one of Ethiopia's ancient regions, having been immortalized in songs and stories both from within Ethiopia and without. 




Lasta Sound - ጥቁር ሴት (Black Woman) - From the movie Journey to Lasta



          Lasta Sound exploded onto the scene in 2002, Lasta Sounds music was ultra modern in its arrangement, and production. It melded elements of Ethiopian music with Reggae, Funk and a dash of Afro-Cuban flava. The core of Lasta Sound consisted of Kirubel Assefa on Bass/Musical Director, Teferi Assefa on Drums and Tsegaye Selassie as Vocalist. 







        They introduced their self titled debut CD, “Lasta Sound”. They had conscious, forward thinking lyrics, with well thought out hooks and awesome driving bass lines. It was an auspicious debut. Lasta Sound was featured in Wondwossen Dikran's independent movie entitled “Journey to Lasta”. The soundtrack was also the recipient of Best Music Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2005. Kirubel, Tsegaye and Teferi were featured as the principal characters in the movie. 







      Subsequent appearances and performances cemented their appeal within their fans. Their fans response in Ethiopia was overwhelming. Lasta Sound is on the rise again.This time, Kirubel took on a larger role, as Musical Director/Producer/Writer and moved over as keyboard player. Tsegaye brings his incredible stage presence, and vocal talents. Mesgana Mulat on bass. Replacing Teferi on drums is Reggie Spivey. Kamasi Washington on Saxophone, and Ryan Porter on Trombone. 


The first single from the sophomore effort is entitled “Maraki”. In the context of the song, Maraki means “the girl who has captured my heart”. It’s an ode to a beautiful girl whose physical beauty and charm has rendered Tsegaye defenseless, and he professes his love and adoration for her. Sung for the most part in Amharic, it’s infused with reggae, while still retaining its Ethiopian musical sensibilities.





Lasta Sound - 01. Tekur Set (Black woman) (4:42)
Lasta Sound - 02. Mela Belu (5:37)
Lasta Sound - 03. Kidest Hagere Ethiopia (4:33)
Lasta Sound - 04. Kedashgn (4:49)
Lasta Sound - 05. Ethiopiawit Konjo (5:57)
Lasta Sound - 06. Negsalech (4:35)
Lasta Sound - 07. Prophecy (4:44)
Lasta Sound - 08. 6 Kilo (4:40)
Lasta Sound - 09. Mochalehu (5:28)
Lasta Sound - 10. Lasta Solution (3:37)





   band memebers :   

Kirubel Assefa – Bass, Keyboard & Hammond B3 Organ, & Background Vocals
Tsegaye Selassie – Lead & Background Vocals
Mike (Ras Mike) McTaggert - Guitar
Kamasi Washington - Saxophone
Ryan Porter - Trombone
Johnny Blackman - Drums
Aziz Saye - Percussions

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Nazarenes - Rock Firm [2008] [ethiopia]



   R   E   U   P   L   O   A   D  






       The Nazarenes sound is a fresh and vibrant blend of Roots-Reggae with an array of melodies and savvy arrangements that are complimented by haunting vocals. The music is both spiritual and inspirational and carries a much-needed message of love, hope, pride and respect for one another.






       Their debut album "Orit" was released in 2001 by Insteel Sounds and the much anticipated second album "SONGS OF LIFE"  was released in Europe (autumn  2004) by Heartbeat/Rounder Europe. The album is also released in USA & Canada (summer 2005) by Heartbeat label.  

     Their music is a unique and powerful addition to the ever expanding Diaspora of reggae music as well as a stunning tribute to the talent and dedication of this duo.  

       Since the release of, Orit, Nazarenes has built up a solid reputation throughout Europe and have consequently developed large and devoted followings of fans.  The duo is especially well known in Europe and their unique talent has also gained them recognition in England, Canada, U.S.A. and the world wide reggae scene.  After the release of their first album, Nazarenes have been touring and performing at many of the larger festivals in Europe, such as, Summer Jam (Germany), Roskilde festival (Denmark), Oslo world music festival (Norway), Rototom Sunsplash (Italy) and Uppsala reggae festival (Sweden), to name few. Their powerful stage presence and extraordinary musical arrangements has won them the title of being one of "The most excellent, hypnotic and unforgettable" live act of every festival and concert in which they perform.






        Growing up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the mid 70´s among a large close-knit family, the two brother’s love of reggae distinguished them from their peers. Reggae was considered underground, not mainstream, and was not featured on the radio or played in the cafés and clubs that dotted the city.  Despite the scarcity and the lack of due promotion, the hypnotic rhythms and conscious message of the music engulfed the heart and soul of the entire Tewolde family. It was around this time that 12-year-old Medhane received his first guitar and began to scratch. The course of the Nazarenes was set.
       Over the years many precious experiences have been gained. In the 80´s, Medhane and Noah played with various bands in Europe (mainly Sweden and Germany) with Medhane on guitars and lead vocals and Noah on bass and back vocal.
       In the 90´s, Medhane teamed up with some well known Jamaican Reggae bands including Iqulah, Culture Knox and Mamma Booker (Bob Marley´s Mother!) for a European and African tour. 





       At this time, Noah took up lead singing and in 1992 he was discovered in Gothenburg, Sweden.  A solo record deal with Virgin Records followed along with the release of three singles, one of which became a big hit in Sweden. In 1994 Noah´s debut album was released through Virgin Records under the name Anbessa.
       In 1996, Medhane and Noah reunited their forces and engaged on a new venture, which encompassed their own style and vibe as well as their spiritual and conscious views of life. 
      The culmination of this partnership is the phenomenal Nazarenes, musical pioneers that are going forward to blaze a trail for a music that they have made their own. 







01 - Solid As A Rock 
02 - Same Shit 
03 - Don't Let Me Down 
04 - Roots 
05 - Let's Chill Down 
06 - Walking In The Rain 
07 - Crash Dem Wid Love 
08 - I Wanna Shout Loud 
09 - Your Time Is Up 
10 - Marvellous 
11 - Our World 
12 - We Stand Firm 
13 - Jungle


Friday, March 6, 2015

Lafontain - Babure [ethiopia]






Lafontaine - Babure


Lafontaine are Tadele Roba and Birhanu Tezera



01 - Lafontain - Babure (7:11)
02 - Lafontain - Hagere Enate (4:32)
03 - Lafontain - Bemin Seyimesh (5:36)
04 - Lafontain - Tiz Tiz Yilegnal (5:55)
05 - Lafontain - Endalsh (4:04)
06 - Lafontain - Kefitresh Yegilish (3:51)
07 - Lafontain - Yeminjarnesh (5:09)
08 - Lafontain - Guadegna (5:30)
09 - Lafontain - Yashege Bereda (6:55)
10 - Lafontain - Endet Aschales (4:26)
11 - Lafontain - La-La (5:46)
12 - Lafontain - Lanchi Sel (4:46)
13 - Lafontain - Fiameta (4:34)
14 - Lafontain - Eli - Instrumental (2:24)



Monday, October 6, 2014

Yohaness Bekele a.k.a Jonny Raga - [2005] - Give Me The Key [ethiopia]




Jonny Ragga ‎– Give Me The Key


               The first home grown Reggae artist Jonny Ragga (Yohannes Bekele) was born in 1977 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a very young age Jonny was passionate about reading and writing poetry. His teachers, who spotted his talents very early on, would persuade him to read his poetry in front of the whole elementary school. His love affair with music began taking shape while Jonny was attending Bole high school. Initially, he loved all kinds of music, but what inflamed his passion started to become clear after some time. He fell in love with Reggae. Jonny got the opportunity to practice his reggae singing and Dj (sinje) style at a place called Ram Jam which was the most popular reggae club in Addis at the time. When he reached the age of 17, he decided to join Medina Band and start performing live.







          In 2005, Jonny released his and Ethiopia’s first critically acclaimed Reggae album ‘Kulfun Sechign’ (Give me the Key). This album was widely heard and received massive attention. It also introduced him to the international music scene.

           In 2005, Jonny won the ‘Best Music Video Award’ at the Ethiopian Music Awards. He was nominated in the ‘Best African Reggae Artist’ category, and brought home the first and only Channel O’s All African Music Award after winning the category ‘Best East African Artist’ in 2006 at a ceremony held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

         Jonny has collaborated with many well known local and international artists. Chachi Tadesse, Teddy Afro, Lafontain, Shewandagn Hailu, Haile Roots, Michael Belayneh , Nyomi Grey (Ny, a young talented artist from UK), Kenny Allen (an African American R&B artist) and Zola (a South African rapper and actor) are some of the artists that he has worked with so far.

             Jonny went on to co found, produce and host the popular weekly radio program ‘Jam Jam’ on Ethiopica Link on 98.1 FM, and was a guest host on DSTV’s ‘Urban Massive’ TV show. He also directed and produced music videos for many Ethiopian Artists.



                 Jonny has been touring the world and entertaining his fans for over 15 years. He has traveled to North America, Europe, Middle East and other parts of Africa performing his music to his fans abroad.


                 Jonny is involved in every aspect of his music, from writing his lyrics and melodies to musical arrangement. He is currently working on his new album project and has set up his own music production company called JR Music Production. He established JR Music Production in 2006, in an effort to create opportunities for upcoming talented artists. He also involves himself in many awareness creating projects alongside other international organizations, on issues affecting the youth and women.








01. Jonny Raga - Gimmy The Key 4:02
02. Jonny Raga - My Pocket And Your Purse 4:15
03. Jonny Raga - Hello Addis Ababa 4:44
04. Jonny Raga - Shuck And Tuss 4:08
05. Jonny Raga - One Way Ticket 4:32
06. Jonny Raga - Attractive Girl 4:31
07. Jonny Raga - Pick It Up 3:55
08. Jonny Raga - Shashamane 4:00
09. Jonny Raga - Abeshawy 4:09
10. Jonny Raga - You, Ethiopia 4:32
11. Jonny Raga - Get The Devil Out 4:29
12. Jonny Raga - Matured 4:59
13. Jonny Raga - Mama 4:49
14. Jonny Raga - Your Love Is Fire 4:10
15. Jonny Raga - Love Of Music 5:28
16. Jonny Raga - Your Love Is Fire (Remix) 1:29




Thursday, October 2, 2014

Jah Lude - [2012] - Yachin Neger [ethiopia]




Jah Lude - Dancé Dancé


       Jah Lude Awol, 38, is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter and musician. The reggae singer was born and raised in Addis Ababa. Jah Lude’s music is heavily influenced by the cultural and old plays which are almost forgotten by the new generation. The artist also celebrates his belongingness to his homeland in his music.

    Jah Lude wrote all of his songs and some of them took him six months while others only took him 10 minutes. The new artist, who is on the spotlight, spoke to Meiraef Berhane of The Reporter.





What does Jah Lude mean?

I cannot explain what Jah Lude means specifically. My name always has different meanings depending on the situations that I am in. However, my parents named me Jah Lude from the Qur’an. And people who know the historical meaning of the name have told me that people who are warriors used to be named Jah Lude.

When did you start your musical career?

I think I am an born musician. I was only eight years old when I wrote my first song.

What was your inspiration to become a musician?

I always listen to different rhythms made out of natural and artificial sounds in my surroundings. That’s what inspired me to be caught up in music. But one person to whom I should give credit in my life is Bob Marley. He has been a big inspiration and good role model to me to keep doing what I am doing regarding my musical career. I loved reggae because of him: and he always has a good place in my heart.

Is that why you have your dreadlocks?

Not really. I spend most of my time working on my music. I always wash my hair but never looked at it in the mirror. To that extent I just saw what my hair looks like recently, while pictures were taken for my album design. When I looked at my hair carefully, some of them are stuck together and look like a dread while some of them look fluffy. I have never been so concerned about my outer look; rather, I prefer spending much of my time talking with my inner self. I forgot to be concerned about my look and my focus was dedicated to cultivate my art potential and got impressed in a way. However, after seeing what my hair looks like in the pictures, I have started cutting my hair and my beard.







How long did it take you to finish your album?

It took me ten years. But ever since I was eight years old, I have always wanted to work on my album.

One of your songs, Fayamo, is mixed with Oromiffa. How did you come up with the idea of mixing Oromiffa with reggae?

People from the neighborhood where I grew up are Oromiffa speakers. My family speaks Oromiffa; but I can’t speak the language. However, an Oromiffa singer, Tadele Gemechu, brought up the idea and asked me if I can do it and I did it. But to sing the song I had to study the accent of Oromiffa and the language as well.

Most of your songs remind people about the cultural plays which are almost forgotten. And also there are songs that celebrate being an Ethiopian and the country itself. What made you do that?

I am not exactly sure. I have works that express my feelings which, of course, are beautiful pieces. I also have many other works that still express my feelings, which people might not easily understand. So I have selected the type of songs that people might easily understand and like. Renowned musicians like Ephrem Tamiru and Tadele Robba have helped me with my music selections. And we loved our choices as we listened to them again and again.

How much money did you spend on your album?

All I have spent is my knowledge and my musical work. My focus was on the art work. However, artist Tadele Roba has produced the album and he is the one who knows how much money was spent on the album. I am not into the financial details.

Which song do you prefer or like from your album?

I don’t know what to prefer and what not. But I think I like “Asha bel yaho” as it can represent all of the songs in the album and it is a song about freedom.

On your billboard, there is a term that shows where you are from. It says ‘I am a hillbilly’. Many try to hide where they are from or their origin but you put your background on the front. How did you do that?

All of us came from agrarian ancestors. Some 100 years ago Addis Ababa was a city center. So I am proud of the fact that I am from that background.

Your music is being played everywhere. Now you have come on the spotlight and are you ready for any criticism or admiration?

The inner peace that I have ordered me to do my songs. So I don’t think I will be facing that much criticism. What I know is I am doing my job right. What I did was just offering the type of music that I have.

Where have you spent your time abroad and how long has it been since you moved back here?

It has been almost five years since I moved back here. I have tried to settle here some six years ago but the country was not stable politically and there was no peace. Since I couldn’t live in that environment I went back to where I have been, Djibouti. It is impossible and difficult to work in an environment that is not peaceful. The songs that I have in my album are made in a peaceful environment. My songs literally preach identity and belongingness. For to that reason I am sure that children will be singing my songs five, six and seven years from now.

Though it is not literally mentioned in the music, one of your songs, which is titled “Yachin neger”, is about condom. The change of the title allowed people to listen and sing along. What made you change the title?

When I was eight years old I wanted to write a lyric about love. However, the first thing that came into my mind is the first person that will read the lyric – that is my father. So I used to change the subject to country issues. Whenever I write a lyric, I always follow what my feelings tell me. If I have to write a lyric I want to be comfortable and free from any other negative feelings. My parents, whom I respect the most, listened to the “Yachin neger” lyric and they liked it. The lyric reminds people that it is a great decision to abstain. If not, sex should be had after marriage. However, if the person finds it impossible to take it that far, it is preferable to use the condom. And the way I used the words makes people to be comfortable and listen to it without any hesitation.

What made you write about the issue?

It just came out of my feelings. I felt it and I wrote it.

People who listened to your songs say your voice is good and the music is not loud. They say that it just flows simply through the ears. What do you say about that?

I think I got the math right. I was able to link the words that are coming out of my mouth with the tempo, but nothing else.

What meaning does music give you?

I don’t think I can be able to answer this question, just like I can’t define my name. If I ask you to define love, I don’t think you can. Music is the same thing to me is.

How does it feel to work with Kamuzu Kassa, the person who mixed and arranged your music?

Honestly speaking, Kamuzu is a special person to me. He always understands me when I connect with music. Working on my music, both of us share a similar spirit. I admire his talent and I appreciate the way he understands what the singer has.

Who designed your billboard?

The designer is called Senay. I was impressed by his view. He made people see what I did not expect. The scarf on my head and the round hat together with my mustache made me look like Emperor Menilik II. The green, yellow and red color that dominates the graphics and the fact that may name is Jah Lude gives a unique vibe and impression to the design. I just gave him my picture. And everything is his own creativity. After I have seen what he has done to the graphics I was convinced that there are a lot of professionals out there who can do many things.

Your picture looked like Emperor Menilik II. Was that on purpose?

Frankly speaking it was not on purpose. It just happened to look like that and it is accidental.


Before publishing your album, how many songs did you make?

I have composed music with Joseph, which is entitled “Gobeze”. I have also worked a song with Teddy Yo under that titled “Regga Tigile”. Next, I am planning to work with Tadele Roba on the remix of some songs. I also have a plan to work on songs that are almost forgotten and on the verge of falling or being washed out.

Can you tell us about your song that you have worked with the renowned Jamaican reggae star Mikey General that is entitled “Ethiopia”?

I have worked a piece in Kenny Aalen’s studio some three years ago. I have used the lyric in one of the songs in my album called “Hager Bet”. Mickey General and Raga Lox listened to the piece that I had in Kenny studio and they have used it to remix in the song they have made. They have introduced the song in Jamaica and it has a big hit. I also loved what they have done to that song.

Have you been to music school?

I did not go to any music school. I have learned music with my personal and natural interest. I just listened to a lot of reggae music and that is how I have learned its style. As a new person to the industry I have started testing the flow of music and the impression that I had for it together with my interest made me to be what I am today.

Do you play any instrument?

I play Bongo and Djembe drums.

To conduct this interview with you, I had to talk to Tadele Roba. I fixed the appointment with him and that is how I got to you. Why don’t you have a cell phone?

Whenever I am working on my music I don’t want my mobile to disturb me. That is why I don’t want to have one. However, I spend most of my time with common people that I am currently working with and hang out with. So if anyone needs to get in touch with me I can be reached through them. But in the near future I will be subscribing to a landline and I will be assigning someone who takes care of it. I won’t be engaged in receiving calls.

What do you do to relax?

I usually relax in my house by composing some music. But if my feelings exceed that, I will go out to other towns and hang out there.

Do you read books?

Yes. During fasting season I don’t do musical works and that would be the best platform for me to read books.

What makes you happy in life?

I am always a happy person. But I don’t exactly know what makes me happy. What I know is I am happy and I am grateful for that.

Are you married?

No I am not. But I have a plan to get married and have children, just like everybody else.

You seem like a person who is relaxed. Moreover, you seem that you kind of live your own world. Is that right?

Yes I am relaxed. I have my own world that is called Ethiopia. When I merge my identity with my inner love for music, Ethiopia is my world. Wherever I am and wherever I go Ethiopia is always with me. Ethiopia is the country to which I give the most values in my life. I belong to Ethiopia and that is my world.


Source: ethiopianreporter



01 - Jah Lude - Dansé Dansé (4:26)
02 - Jah Lude - Guro Wesheba (4:22)
03 - Jah Lude - Ager Bet (3:52)
04 - Jah Lude - Yachin Neger (2:56)
05 - Jah Lude - Asho Bal Yaho (3:57)
06 - Jah Lude - Wegen Alegn (4:03)
07 - Jah Lude - Rege Dub Dub (3:32)
08 - Jah Lude - Metahu (4:28)
09 - Jah Lude - Asiyo Belema (3:39)
10 - Jah Lude - Zerafewa (4:15)
11 - Jah Lude - Yergib Amora (3:20)
12 - Jah Lude - Ende Ersachew (4:10)
13 - Jah Lude - Fayamo (4:10)
14 - Jah Lude - YeGeter Lij (2:57)
15 - Jah Lude - Godanaw (2:59)
16 - Jah Lude - Alehu (4:06)
17 - Jah Lude - Bati (bonus track) (3:49)