Yesterday I received a copy of Hamelmal Abate's new album. Its called Gize Mizan and was recorded with a full band. I only started paying attention to details of how an album is produced thanks to EthioJazz. I wouldn’t say that the album is progressive, but has virtues. It was recorded with Abegaz Kibrework on keyboard; Henock Temesgen on Bass (although I don’t hear enough bass); Jorga Mesfin on Saxophone (see wudasse ) Girum Mezmur on Lead Guitar; Girum W/Michael on Saxophone; Mesele Asamamaw or Kirar; Daniel Vessby on Trampate; and Edir Hassen on Masinko.
So it was a full orchestra and it shows; the album is vivacious. This is not a plug; I actually loved some of the songs on the album. Podcasted is Lene Kaleh . Before this I was not really familiar too much with Hamelmal. In my book she is great; but I'm curious to see what you guys think about her.
Published by May 22nd, 2006 in Music.
Thanks for the review Nolawi–I like what I hear except for the drum machine. Though I haven’t heard the entire album, I like the fact they have lead guitar, sax and trumpet. I really hope it does well.
i need that “Addis ababe classic” t-shirt!!!!!!!!!!!! please i am going to ethiopia in 6 days, i need to sport it. help help!!!
who is enter?
what do say?
Well, i liked hamelmal to begin with, and curiously the song you linked is my anthem these days … so yeah, i continue to be a fan
My favorite Hamelmal moment was in 2000. She was being interviewed on ETV and the interviewr put out a vague question that amounted to ‘do you have a significant other?’. And there I was appreciating ETV because it wasn’t littered by dotting on celebrity life, but then there was that question! Fatam alseTech’gn … to wallow in my fury … she looked at him with disgust, paused for a bit, and said, ‘yegil hiwote yegil gudaye lihon yegebal’. I am not sure what I liked more, her response or the fact that they aired the response.
Go Hamelmal!
Tobian; why did you lke her answer?
Becozzzzz … like I said, i like the fact that ETV does not dwell on celebrity life like American TV. To date, I don’t know whether Hamelmal is dating, married, asexual … and I don’t care. It does not take away from her music.
I like her response because she wasn’t about to suck up to the ‘public’ and play it sweet and cute.
I like the fact that ETV didn’t edit out that part because, even though the interviewer was probably wincing inside, they were going to show the show as it was, which made me appreciate ETV more. (And we all know they’re experts at censoring)
actually, the song on the podcast sound … maybe my speakers are screwed, but it sounds like both the “drums” and the “horns” are synthesized. *shrug* i could be wrong though. i’ll check on better speakers/headphones and will be back.
Sorry my comment about this article might not be fun….but Hamelmal has been a disgrace to her people and our beloved Ethiopia. She was one of those who performed at the Woyane party after the killings of many of our innocent brothers and sisters who stood up for all of us. She sold her soul to the Sheik’s $$$.
In this context I find this posting offending, while at the same time the major ET music producers refused to sell her CD under their lable and many are refusing even to listen to her.
At this particularly painfull and at the same time very determining time in our history it would be extremely necessary not to side with our people and Ethiopia’s ennemies. It already payback time.
Sorry it had to be this sober and serious, now I am hesitant about ordering those T-Shirts…. even more.
Thank you.
Lilye, I guess you want to protest all the musicians that played on her album as well all the artist who are in the Sheiks pocket including Tilahun Gesesse, Mahmoud Ahmed etc.
ahem. well…i see where this is going, but…cant we jst listen to the damn song
Lilye; I never knew artists have political responsibility.
evenso is it possible to judge music on the merits of the music rather than personal bias.
I like John doe the singer very much he is a nice person, does a lot of charity and so on… but his muisc sucks…
I do not think beliefs are interdependent with the music of the person…
wow. its been a while since i checked this place. thanks Lasta for the reminder
Hamelmal’s album. i’m loving it. Lene Kaleh is such a great song. its my favorite from this album next to Track 5 and followed by 10.
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Yaa. A lot of American artists boycotted performing in South Africa during apartheid (“I ain’t playing Sun City”). In fact, artists have been involved in politics since time immemorial- the anti-war effort, civil rights etc. Why are artists EXEMPTED from political responsibility? And if you perform at a political event, then, hello? If the story is true that she performed at that event, then fans who oppose the government are within their right to boycott, inde! But to say that they don’t have political responsibility is insane. C’mon.
But i am still gonna buy the T-shirts. (My beef is more with how mediocre she is.)
niiiiice. i’m definitely feeling this track
Thank you Lalibela for the reply.
I do not think that artists have political responsibility. if they choose to be responsible its their choice.
Each and everyone of us have responsibilities, political or not. I don’t understand the logic in saying artists do not have political responsibility. What about a conscience? They are the same as others, live in the same society and are governed by the same laws….. there is nothing that seperates them from the rest. Depending on their ability (intellect that is) they can use their popularity/stage/talent to touch, enlighten, inform others. This might be too noble an excercise for some.
Then how about as buisness people after our mighty $$$. Aren’t there any responsibilities that come with that. Behind the artist there is a person who is judged by his character and actions.
lilyeyeyeye
I see it this way; yefelegechibet bota tizfen. It is her right. Even though singing at a party does not signal political leanings, even if she was supporting anyone, that’s her right again. It reminds me of this whole Dixie chicks saga. You listen to music because it sounds good not because the singer has the same political view as you.
Really, don’t let the intolerant government infect us with the same disease. I don’t care if you disagree with me, but I will defend your right to do so.
I love the inflection of her voice.
hi iam somali boy lives in london uk , i like ethiopian music really specially fekereaddis , gigi, and also hemelmal so iam saying in ethiopian singers carry on
Leave it to thoothpick, to make a comment on the most important part of the music…
“good idea,good site !”said by ????
Thank you Mamitu for understanding that Hamelmal has the right to work where and when ever she pleases. She has worked with the Sheik for quite a while, and she works for Sheraton, not Woyaney. He gave her many job opportunities, and for that she thanks him. They have always worked closely, but don’t think she has the same beliefs as he does. She is neutral in terms of the government, and doesn’t need people to judge her character based on the next move of some person in office. She already has to deal with prying fans and reporters that can’t keep her private business exactly that, private. You’d be suprised how hard it can be to get work as an artist. She still has her integrity, and doesn’t need to side with politics to help the people. She has built roads and schools, donated money and clothes, etc. I think she has done more than most and will continue to do so.
Oh yeah, and the non existent copyright laws in Ethiopia don’t help either.
Hamelmal said that becoming a musician and achieving success is arduous in Ethiopia, and these days one cannot rely on album sales alone. “There is someone who gets rich overnight with the work the artist spend years on.” Hamelmal added there were occasions the artist may not get profit, or might even become bankrupted.
The problem of copyright infringement is not felt in the capital alone. Outside of Addis, Hamelmal says “You can’t get an original CD album in many places.” She adds, “It is taken as normal practice.”
She said that the industry is desperately looking for a big rescue mission. “If I can get the bail just by giving my ID why do I want to let go this ‘attractive business’ nothing will happen till we start strictly executing the law”.
It’s true.
I like it, very nice song i have always liked her!
Thanks Nolawi
I really hate her .. sell out!
zero is such a zero.
i like hamelmal abate
BETAM AMESEGENALLO!
aint she the most beautiful still?? man i would married that girl in a NY minutes if … lol
I am a 56 year-old Italian/English American who has been a popular musician for 35 years. I just heard Hamelmal Abate in a taxi in San Diego and I have been entranced by that voice ever since. I am off to seek out recordings of her.
i don’t think artists should involve in politics!
[quote comment="49598"]I am a 56 year-old Italian/English American who has been a popular musician for 35 years. I just heard Hamelmal Abate in a taxi in San Diego and I have been entranced by that voice ever since. I am off to seek out recordings of her.[/quote]
interesting music is boundless… but I think it just must me the voice…
i love hamelmam abate betam wedschalo!!
yantsch zefensch betam hulu gize new jemya desteng
tesfa adregalo and ken antschin lemayet!!!
i love you!
I learned a great deal reading this article. Thanks a lot for writing it.
Hamelmal betam adinakish negne.
Le sirra benfeligesh endat lenagegnesh enchilalen ?