This is a new one I really loved. But I do remember the one below from the 90′s. Although there are a lot of African Mother songs. Most of them terrible.

This one is a very powerful and significant song. Disney knows how to make music powerful. If you have seen Endurance, then you know what they did with Ethiopian Music.

As winter was fast approaching, I made it a point I needed to travel somewhere warm this year. I was not going to get stuck in another “snowmaggedon”. You’d figure that after all of these years living abroad, I’d get used to the cold or learn to appreciate it. So i decide to make my way back home, Ethiopia. When travelling, I make a very short and concise list of things to do. Everything that happens in between is sheer luck or happenstance.

I was on a mission to meet this guy known as DJ Mitmitta. It was on my to-do list. I was trying to make use of every minute, second of my days that I missed out on asking about this man. One chilly night, I decide to go a jazz bar with a friend. In between sets I hear this great mix of ethio jazz and I ask my friend who the DJ is, low and behold : DJ Mitmitta. DJ Mitmitta, also known as Kidus, owns a music shop in aware called Mitmitta Musika. Did I forget to mention that this man is norwegian and speaks amharic that will make you question yours? Yes. So now, I’m confused that I am communicating with this norwegian guy in amharic and his knowledge about ethiopian music is rather impressive, for someone who’s only lived in Ethiopia 3-4 years. I digress.

I stumbled up on Dj Mitmittas’  tumblr blog, thanks to a friend, and ever since then I made it a point to find this man. After playing phone tag and missed appointments (addis style), I finally made it to his music shop. As soon as I walk in, I see famed masinko player Idriss Hassan playing a tune and few members from the band Le Tigre Des Platanes walking out from the back room.

I look around his music shop; he sells mostly old cassettes tapes and CD’s from ethiopian musicians living abroad, such as Debo Band. However, much to my dismay, I did not see any vinyl. Apparently, no one really sells vinyl “in public”. People sell some of their collections via middle men or you know someone who owns a collection. I ended up purchasing 5-6 cassettes tapes which he then turned into mp3′s on a CD for a small fee. Some of the artists I had never heard of like : Kedir Said, Ali Muhammad Birra, Abetew Kebede… I am not a connoisseur of traditional Ethiopian Music so if these artists are common to some of you, please cut me some slack.

Besides owning a store in aware, Dj Mitimitta has a weekly gig at Guramayle Jazz Club in Bole with the in-house band called the Jazzmaris. He also has aspirations in the music scene which are exciting and can’t truly reveal. If you ever make it to Ethiopia in the near future, I urge to visit his shop, support good music and get a taste of the local Ethio Jazz nightlife which is thriving!

I got an email from the PR person for Debo Band, for a plug on bernos. Generally I look at what they are promoting since I get those emails all the time. If its music, I have to like it.

I was familiar with the name, meaning I have heard of Debo Band but I haven’t listed to their music. And well I went to their website and got an earful.

The songs are all of which I love and it sounds like it’s performed by a full orchestra like they are meant to be played.

They are on tour right now, so I highly suggest you check their schedule out and see if you can get some enlightenment.

I am however pissed that they are not coming to DC.

i aint mr. right but i am mr. bright/

the starlight type/

the bark fits the bite

There’s never been a lack of intelligence in Hip-Hop; never been a lack of clever, witty lyrics and impressive flow. So what makes this cat Anthem different than the rest?

Perhaps some context is needed. Ant is a 24 year-old MC born to a loving but stern single Ethiopian mother, four years getting his degree from the prestigious yet decidedly love-me-or-hate-me Duke University, and another two in a suit in the cutthroat world of Wall Street. Oftentimes, a passion becomes a passion first by providing some type of outlet.

While in school, Ant would enter (and frequently win) freestyle battles with hundreds in attendance; he honed his lyrical acumen well before he polished his business one, and worked hard enough to escape the proverbial trap of music-as-only-way-out.  While working on the Street, Ant realized his heart was always in the music, however financial difficulties at home prodded him to continue working and stand tall for his family. When presented with the opportunity to chase his dreams, he jumped on it, and the rest is where I come to today.

Anthem’s mixtape, entitled “Almost There”, is due out soon. The album is velvety mix of exuberant lyrics and quintessential make-ya-head nod beats; some have compared Ant to Drake, but that is a superficial assessment. What is interesting though is that like Drake, Anthem seems to be another step in the evolution of Hip-Hop, with the genre moving away from gangsta notions of masculinity and towards an ability (and even a strong tendency) to express more complex emotions and display vulnerabilities.  In ‘Bachelor’s Theme’, an ode to singledom, he starts off the song with Can’t stay heartbroken forever baby!.

How often do you hear artists rap about heartbreak?

She had pretty wings but bear witness/ I’m hoppin over heartache with rare fitness.

The hook has him freeing himself of what could easily stand for the shackles of his previous profession,

Back in the day I used to love a girl but not anymore, now im free and I don’t wanna have that shit again/ Bachelor phase is how I’m livin’ we aint lovin these hoes/ and I bet that we’ll menage if you have a friend..

On “LaLaLa”, he tells his prospective lover, Stay up all night/Get it on right/ be my anti-narcolepsy…, displaying a knack for chuckle-worthy witticisms while staying true to the art of storytelling. Anthem’s creed is “Campaign Grassroots/Champagne Glass Flutes”, a line that speaks both to his familiarity and appreciation of the finer things as well as his commitment to making quality popular music that can be enjoyed simply for what it is: a record that makes you feel good. Ant’s music resists labeling, and if there is any overlying message to be had from his music or story it is to chase your dreams with abandon, ‘cuz you really only do have one life to live.

Whether my introspective rhetoric betters your souls/

Or you connect to my degenerate goals of getting at hoes/

It’s an honest reflection of my psyche/

If I’m lyin then may lightnin’ strike me/

I got my back to my past/

My chest to the moon/

Countin’ my lucky stars it’s the best feelin’ too/

I see them in my E Y E

And I’ma dream till I D I E

You gon see bout me…

Anthem will be performing at our 4th Anniversary Party at the Warehouse Loft on Sat May 29th 2010.

Check out his music for yourself on Facebook, Myspace and Twitter

When it comes to Ethiopian/Habesha mainstream musicians I’m always skeptical about the talent, or lack thereof.  Yes, you can call me a harsh critic.  I have my circle of friends to thank for that and who were nice enough to groom me into the music lover I am today.

Betty was introduced to you, the general public, by us through a photo shoot we did for the “Roots” tshirt.  At that time, we were not aware of her musical aspirations.  Fast forward a couple of years later, she’s been involved in several projects that have showcased her talent and her ability to be diverse.

Her bio states “It’s impossible to place B-Sheba in one particular category or mold. Her compositions encompass various genres and often blend several different styles.” She was involved in a group called Kaffa Beanz &  featured in a score  for the movie “Toe 2 Toe” . She is now working on her solo album “Hello World” and working on putting a group together with APthePrince called “TheeInCrowd (T.I.C)”. Does she ever sleep? I don’t think so.

I admire individuals who pursue their passion and focus on perfecting their craft. In addition to that, being a female in this industry is not an easy thing.  There aren’t a lot of females industry who are up to par, or some haven’t been given a chance at all. Bsheba is a lyricisist and will take you on a journey.If you’ve never seen her live, you will not want to miss her performance.

Bsheba will open for Meklit Hadero at our 4th year anniversary event on Sat May 29th, 2010.

For more information about the event and to purchase advance tickets, please click here.

As a music lover, I’ve always been open to different genres and musicians. I always want to hear the next best thing.  Over the last few years,  I’ve been privy to a lot of new and good music.

Meklit and I have never met. We have mutual friends and have heard about each other. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that she is an amazing artist.  It wasn’t also until recently that I received her album, “On A Day Like This“  in my inbox to listen to it. One dreary Saturday afternoon, while working with Nolawi and the Blen Team,  I decided to listen to it. We were all in awe.

Usually when listening to an EP/LP, I pick out 1 or 2 of my favorite tracks. I’m pretty good at memorizing album names, lyrics and track lists. Over the years though, I’ve been very picky about what I’ll commit to memory.  Meklit’s “On A Day Like This“  has been on repeat, loop, shuffle in my iPod for the last month and half. Every single track speaks volume and will move you.

However,  her rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” was an unexpected surprise.  As soon as I heard the washint playing in the beginning of the song, I was sold.  The way the washint is played in the intro will leave you with goose bumps. As Meklit begins singing the first verse, you can feel the power in her voice and almost as if she feels liberated.

Her album will make you feel good,  her songs will enchant you and her voice will mesmerize you.

As her bio eloquently puts it, “If Joni Mitchell were East African and met Nina Simone for tea in San Francisco’s Mission District, she might end up sounding like Meklit Hadero.” I cannot stress enough how amazing she is. She’s been featured on NPR’s “Tell Me More” (3/24), as well as several blogs.  In amazon.com pre-sales, Meklit’s album reached #9 for sales in the category of Jazz vocals, #20 in the category of broadway/vocals, and #42 for pop vocals. It reached the #1 slot for music movers and shakers.

Meklit will be on tour in the East Coast. We are pleased to announce that her first stop will be in DC for  Bernos’ 4th year Anniversary .  Please mark your calendars for:

Saturday, May 29^th @ the Warehouse Loft – 411 New York Ave NE , Wash DC.  More details to follow soon.

And she’ll be in NYC, as well – at the New Africa Live at Le Poisson Rouge on June 1st.

The Album is already out on Amazon only and will be released nationally on April 20th.

You can find Meklit on Facebook & Twitter .

Political hopefuls who once courted rappers, before suddenly realizing that “filthy rap lyrics” are the leading cause of all problems in society, are now calling for hip-hop’s head on a platter.

Ignoring the larger issue at hand, the role played by corporate sponsors who make huge dividends from derogatory rap songs and the socio-economic climate that breeds such music; politicians have been quick to rail against the usual scapegoat, hip-hop.

The truth of the matter is hip-hop as we know it is packaged and dumbed-down to degrade our society, blacks and whites all alike. Rock and Roll used to be the tool of Mass Mind Control, but now it is hip-hop.

Rappers that are famous or being pushed into mainstream are the least talented of the lyricists out there and with the emptiest message. The easiest to control, are the hungriest for fame, are the ones that will do what their handlers will tell them and rap what they are given for a small IOTA of success. Most rappers don’t have any wealth but yet that’s what they rap about and portray however they influence people’s priorities and push a Dopeboy lifestyle.

The funny thing is they are using our skills and talents for purposes that are not of our own making or for our betterment.

Who do you know in the hood, that wants to stay there, that doesn’t dream of getting out? Nonetheless rappers glamorize negative aspects of our society, and flip the script to change what’s important or acceptable, and No they are not just describing the environment.

They are setting the backdrop and influencing the youth to a lifestyle. Selling drugs and being a kingpin is not the only way to be successful, and even more glaring is Most of these rappers don’t actually do what they said they Did. They are lying to you! Every rapper that glamorizes the hood doesn’t live there anymore and only goes to visit, for ‘street cred.’

So what’s the solution…I only listen to underground rappers that are so much more talented lyrically and have a message, that is I don’t listen to anybody in the mainstream. At the very least these famous rappers don’t even elaborate on why ‘They are the Best, and The Illest, and Sickest’…their songs are all chorus, mainly repetition of an Idiotic Motto  and limited verses.

I am not calling for hip-hop’s head on a platter like the politicians, but I am asking how come they don’t push rappers with a positive message or excellent vocabulary?

Anyways this is a local rapper from Maryland doing his thing, he used to rap like the industry, and wanted to be in the industry. Until he realized you have to sell your soul, compromise who you are and your message in addition to having no positive messages to make it mainstream.

He was approached by Virgin records, and would have signed a deal, however they wanted to REPACKAGE his whole being, I for one am glad he did not do it. Listen to MYRAGE and tell me what you think of his skills, he is currently based out of Houston and is touring nationwide.

December 24, 2009 marked the one year anniversary of the passing of the wonderful, incredibly talented singer, music writer and lyricist, Menelik Wossenachew.  Below is a piece I wrote for Horizon Ethiopia’s November issue.

What makes one artist a legend and another with equal or more talent obscure?  That was the question that popped in my head when I saw the reaction to Tilahun Gessesse’s passing.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved the man.  He was an incredible performer and had one of the best voices I’ve come across.

And I believe the reaction he received was well deserved. The question for me was, how come I didn’t see 1% of the same reaction when the veteran and amazing talent, Menelik Wossenachew passed away four months prior? A scan in the life and times of the gentle crooner might answer the question.

Early Years

Menelik Wossenachew was born in 1940 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; although he grew up in the city of Harar where he went to a French school. Later on, he dropped out of high school and joined Alliance Ethio-Française in Addis Ababa for five years. In 1960 he joined the Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra.  He was fist hired as a backup vocalist but quickly became a favorite of the director of the Orchestra, the grandfather of all arrangers; Nerses Nalbandian.

The first two songs he sang on stage were Almaz Eyasebkush and Fiqer Lemn Yiqer. Other hits continued including Afer Atinfegign, Fiker Bastergwami, Yachi Lij Konjo Nat, Teyaqiyew Biaschegregn (Ene Wushetenew,) YeHarerwa WeTat, Fiker Ayarjim, and Sukar Sukar. The last two were written by clarinet player, Merawi Sitot and their music was taken from two popular Sudanese tunes.  Nerses Nalbandian was so impressed with Menelik’s vocal range that he had him sing opera as well.

Coming Of Age

In 1965, while still at the orchestra, Menelik joined the second Ras Band which had been assembled by Girma Beyene when the first band left to play at the newly built Ghion Hotel.  The second Ras Band consisted of Girma Beyene (piano & English vocals), Tesfamariam Kidane (saxophone), Hailu “Zehon” Kebede (bass), Girma Zemariam (drums), Menelik Wossenachew and Seyfu Yohannes (vocalists). The songs Wub Natand Tikura were performed by Menelik Wossenachew while he was at the Ras Band.  Menelik Wossenachew and Girma Beyene continued their friendship and collaboration after the Ras Band disbanded in the late 1960’s.

In the early 1970s Menelik recorded several tracks for Phillips Ethiopia including Fikrachin, Mambo Sambo, Aderch Arada and Tebeb Teqami New.  The first two were recorded with the All Star Band and arranged by Mulatu Astatqe while the last two were recorded with the Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra and arranged by Nerses Nalbandian.

Tebeb Teqami New was very famous as it was used as the opening to an education program on Ethiopian Radio. Around the same time period he recorded: Nefes Eko Nat (Sele Wubetwa Sadenq,) Asha Gedawo, Menew Bacher Qere, Eshet Eshet, Chereqa, Meqabren Liyew, Tizeta, Belew Bedubaye, Bati and Min Nekash. With the exception of Bati> and Min Nekash (Phillips Ethiopia) all of these tracks were recorded by Amha Eshete (Amha Records).  By this time, Menelik’s smooth as silk voice was gaining recognition and his ballads invariably left listeners wanting to hear more.

Menelik was not only vocally talented but a wonderful lyricist as well. Apart from what he wrote for himself (Fikrachin, Mambo Sambo, Nefes Eko Nat, Asha Gedawo, Menew Bacher Qere, Eshet Eshet, Chereqa, Meqabren Liyew, Tizeta, Belew Bedubaye, and Bati) he wrote two incredible songs: Tilahun Gessesse’s Lanchi Biye (he also composed the music for this) and Mahmoud Ahmed’s Fitsum Dinq Lij Nesh.

Parts of Lanchi Biye were recently sampled by the Somalian hip hop artist, K’Naan for his song America.  Chereqa(Moon) is a song based on the children song Chereqa Dembulboqa. The beautiful Meqabren Liyew (Let me see my grave) is an eerie song about Menelik’s wish to see his resting place before his death, an unimaginable thought to a majority of Ethiopians.

In the mid 70’s Menelik joined the Walias Band where his friend and old colleague, Girma Beyene was a member.  At that time the Walias Band was performing at the Hilton Hotel and Menelik was welcomed as a seasoned performer, regularly performing in Italian and Sudanese as well as Amharic. By that time though, the political climate brought about by the Derg’s revolution in 1974, had begun to make Menelik feel acutely uncomfortable.

Though he stayed several years after the revolution his unwavering independence made him a target from all sides of the political spectrum.  He decided to end his collaboration with the Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra and the Walias Band and go on a self-imposed exile, first to Sudan and later to Egypt. Though he became a distant figure to his fans in Ethiopia, he became a sought after performer both in Sudan and Egypt.

Late Years

After a total of 14 years in exile Menelik returned to Ethiopia in 1993 with the help of Mohammed Al-Amoudi, the Ethiopian-Saudi businessman.  In 1995 Menelik Wossenachew released a CD entitled, Gash Jembere on Ethio-Grooves record.  The CD was a compilation of his best hits including the title track which Menelik sang as an ode to Mohammed Al-Amoudi for his kindness and assistance shown to him.  It should be noted that Gash Jemebere was a taxi driver near the Itege Hotel (named Awraris Hotel during the Derg) who was known for his kindness.

Apart from special occasions Menelik didn’t perform. I was very fortunate to see him perform one song, Teyaqiyew Biaschegregn (Ene Wushetenew,) in Addis Ababa for the Millennium (GC) festivities. The man still had the voice. One of the last shows he performed was at the 50^th Anniversary celebrating the creation of the Haile Selassie Theatre in December 2005.

Menelik Wossenachew’s private life was just that, private!  Getachew Debalqe, his friend and old colleague remembers Menelik as a very discreet and shy person but a very talented soul.  He shares a story how one of Menelik’s brother was surprised to see Menelik perform live at the theatre as he was not aware of his sibling’s musical career at that time.

Menelik remained a bachelor up until his death and was known to have fathered several children.  Menelik died on December 24, 2008 from pneumonia.  He was contemplating a comeback and had gone to South Africa to fix an ear problem. Girma Beyene, upon learning of Menelik’s passing, paid the ultimate tribute to his fallen friend,

“He was a one man show.  Not only was he one of the most talented singers I came across but also one of the smartest [Menelik could speak Amharic, Tigrigna, English, French, Italian and Arabic]. I’ll miss his kindness, his voice and above all I’ll miss his friendship.”

So coming back to the question I raised on the onset of this piece.  Why fame for one and obscurity for another?  I guess there are no clear answers. Maybe its luck or because he had stayed away from music during his exile or that he didn’t have quite the discography as others (Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Alemayehu Eshete) or that he didn’t jump start his career upon his return. Whatever the reason in the end what is important is that his contribution to the development of contemporary Ethiopian music should be recognized and not forgotten.

Enjoy a mix of some of Menelik’s songs

• Wub Nat: Written and arranged by Girma Beyene when Menelik was a member of the second Ras Band
• Yachi Lij Qonjo Nat: backed by Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra–arranged by Nerses Nalbandian
• Aderech Arada: Lyrics by Getachew Debalqe arranged by Nerses Nalbandian; backed by Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra
• Chereqa: a children’s song-arranged by Girma Beyene backed by All Star Band
• Meqaberen Liyew: Lyrics and music by Menelik Wossenachew arranged by Girma Beyene backed by the All Star Band
• Tebeb Teqami New: arranged by Nerses Nalbandian backed by Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra
• Fiqrachin: Lyrics  by Menelik Wossenachew: music and arrangement  by Mulatu Astatqe; backed by the All Star Band
• Mambo Sambo: Lyrics by Menelik Wossenachew; music and arrangement  by Mulatu Astatqe; backed by All Star Band
• Bati: Lyrics traditional and Menelik Wossenachew; arranged by Girma Beyene; backed by Marathon Band
• Tizita: Lyrics traditional and Menelik Wossenachew; arranged by Mulatu Astatqe

Audio Podcast

** As always my thanks to Francis Falceto for the wonderful Ethiopiques series and for his wonderful book Abyssinie Swing: A Pictorial History of Modern Ethiopian Music

In recent years I have been bewildered by the route Ethiopian music has taken. There have been a few bright lights here and there but those are the exception to the rule. The rule has been to market over produced and over synthesized music. And then, I came across Tommy T’s (Thomas Temesgen Gobena) CD called “The Prester John Sessions.”

It has to be said that the CD, anEasy Star Records release, is not entirely Ethiopian but also encompasses genres of funk, reggae and dub. The CD, which is on sale on iTunes right now, will be released Tuesday, November 10^th. Tommy T, the bassist for the Gypsy-punk group Gogol Bordello is also the younger brother of bass extraordinaire, Henock Temesgen, who also collaborated with Tommy T. Although this is Tommy T’s first solo album, he is definitely not new to the music scene. Before joining Gogol Bordello, Tommy had been a well sought after studio and tour bassist in the Ethiopian music scene. In the past he has managed musicians such as Admas, Gigi and Wayna. In addition he ran his own label called C-Side Entertainment.

The Brothers
The Brothers

The Prester John Sessions consists of 11 tracks. Backed by the Abyssinia Roots Collective, Tommy T plays the bass guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards and bouzouki (a stringed instrument from Greece).

The Collective also includes Mikias Abebayehu on drums and percussion; Zakki Jawad on guitar; Beniam Bedru on keyboards; Andrea Fabbri on tenor and alto saxophones and David Sislen on alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. Additional musicians include Henock Temesgen on bass; Jorga Mesfin on tenor saxophone and ewi; Setegne Atenaw on massinko; DeAndre Shaifer on trumpet and flugelhorn; Pedro Erazo on percussion; Adu on African congas and talking drums; Derek Wille on keyboards; Gigi, Abdi Nuressa, Eugene Hutz and Pedro Erazo on vocals.

From L to R: Zakki Jawad, Andrea Fabbri, Tommy T, David Sislen, Mikias Abebayehu and Beniam Bedru

From the first song to the last song the CD takes you on a tour of Ethiopia via various music genres. The first song, “Brothers” was co-written with old brother Henock. Beniam on organ does a beautiful job—simple but to the point. And then Setegne with his massinko takes the song to another level. I swear the gods of the massinko must have breathed on him. The “Call” is straight up reggae, where Tommy tells his beloved that he has come to her.

The “Response” is where his lady (Gigi) declares her love for him. “The Eighth Wonder” and “Beyond Fasiladas” are Tommy’s ode to Lalibela and Gondar. Lailbela (a town in Wello) is known as the Eighth Wonder of the world for its hand-carved churches and Gondar is known for the castle built by King Fasiladas. “Tribute to A King” is a wonderful tribute to the late great Tilahun Gessesse (although the song was conceptualized and recorded before his death on April 19, 2009) and The Imperial Bodyguard Band. Here Tommy adapts the horns from “Aykedashem Libe” (My heart will not betray you). “September Blues” is adapted from “Minew Teleyshegn” (Why did you leave me?) a song sung by Girma Negash.

The Response Tommy T feat Gigi
The Response feat Gigi

The piece starts with the sound from an LP as the needle makes contact. Jorga plays the intro to the song repeatedly throughout the song while Andrea goes on a rampage. Gigi wrote and performed “Eden” right there in the studio. The vocals intertwining with the flugelhorn is breathtaking. “Oromo Dub (Cushitic Dub)” incorporates two famous songs in Oromiffa. The same song is re-mixed to give life to “Lifers” where his band mates from Gogol: Eugene and Pedro lend their vocals in English and Spanish.

This was an indeed a labor of love for Tommy and it shows.

From the opening track to the closing track you can see the passion and hard work he and his fellow musicians put in. Encourage him to do something even more extraordinary by buying his CD and for those who are in the DC area by attending his CD premier concert on Friday, November 27, 2009 at Station 9 in Washington DC. Yes, contemporary Ethiopian music is in trouble but with the likes of Tommy T and friends it might make a turn for the better.

More information about Tommy T and his music can be found at the following sites:
Tommy T website
Tommy T on Myspace
Tommy T on Facebook

At a New York tribute for the late great Miriam Makeba, I was lucky enough to be sitting in close proximity to my personal old man crush, Mr. Harry Belafonte (he may be old but he’s still hot) when this new artist hit the stage and performed one of my favorite Makeba hits, “Soweto Blues” and for some reason I wanted to see the reaction on Mr. Belafonte’s face as he heard this young beautiful woman’s tribute to Makeba’s Soweto Blues.

Would he be offended and feel like she didn’t do it justice? Or would he see in her what he saw in Miriam when he first heard her sing in London? Would he hear that rawness and beauty in her African voice?

Who knows, as unfortunately, I didn’t overhear him say anything but if the gleaming smile on his face were any indication, I would have to say that he was proud and enamored as he intently listened to Loide bellow out “Soweto Blues”. Her voice was breathtaking, and that we could all agree on!

So who is Loide (pronounced “Loy-deh”)? She is a 04’ Miss Africa International pageant runner up of Bissau/Mozambiqueian linage with a voice that is captivating and raw. Though born in France and raised in California it’s clear to see that she has a deep-rooted connection with Mama Africa both the legend and the continent. As her debut LP “LOIDE, Live at Bohemian Caverns”, which will be available on October 25,2009 is a clear reflection of her Lusophone ancestry.

“LOIDE, Live at the Bohemian Caverns” is a 12 track LP that takes you on a musical and cultural journey that can be enjoyed by everyone, it’s jazzy, it’s raw, and she reflects this new era of the “Afropolitian” representing for those of us that embrace the complexities of our cultures.  Loide finds a way to intertwine the contemporary jazz ranges of Nancy Wilson with the soul of Cesaria Evora, as she eases back and forth from English to her native tongue, Portuguese offering with each track a unique sound and perspective.

Of the 11 tracks, there is a song for everyone but for me there are three (3) favorites “Thank Heaven for You”, as a newlywed who is constantly thankful that I found an African man who adores me, as much as I adore him.  This spiritual love song speaks directly to my soul and my relationship.

Then there is “Don’t Forget” a tribute to Loide’s deceased father about their love and the wisdoms he passed on to his baby girl, forward to another track “Fallin” where she speaks to the hearts of “fast lovers”, singing “my heart fell in love on a Sunday, daydreaming on Monday, by Tuesday cant for wait for the next day”…

Falling

Her vocals are backed by some of the greatest African musicians, such as Mongezi Ntaka, the original guitarist of the late South African Reggae vocalist, Lucky Dube.

Ntaka who also co-wrote this project with Loide gives her interpretation of Dube’s  “Daddy Remember Me” an air of authenticity.  Other notable mentions are her interpretations of Sade’s “Love is Stronger than Pride” and “Sodade” which is sung entirely in Portuguese-Creole.

This album and her music serves as my ammunition for my next musical debate with my father who is constantly challenging me find music that is comparable to the music of his era. So the next time he asks “what are you listening too?” I will say to him Loide, this is my music.
Article by: Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo
Daddy Remember Me

Every year around this time we, at bernos, begin losing our minds, in a good way.

We start brainstorming on new shirts, Nolawi starts designing and the feedback process is never ending. We have to choose the color scheme, how much inventory we have to get, how many designs we should do for our fall collection… I could go on and on with the details but I won’t bore you to death. We love it, we never complain.

But all of this leads to our open house; For those who had the chance to visit our open houses know that it’s a ritual.

We started doing them  so that we can meet our customers. We rarely get to connect with our customers, except via email when purchases are made, or when we get requests online through Facebook, twitter or our blog. So yes, this is an opportunity for us to meet you and you to meet us. In addition, we get to introduce our latest Fall Collection.

For the last three months, Bernos tees have been available at our DC store DEKKA. DEKKA is a Fashion, Art, and Music Showroom & Retail Store in the heart of DC’s most exciting area, the U Street corridor. We’re going to showcase our fall collection at DEKKA. We’re doing a BLOCK PARTY, the bernos way.

So we are inviting all of you in the area to join us for some music, refreshments, and NEW SHIRTS. I can give you a hint, we’re bringing back some classics and some new shirts! You’ll get a chance to meet some of your fave models, connect with people and hang with us on U st. Mark your calendars!!

Bernos BLOCK PARTY:
Presenting our Fall Collection | New Tees & Classic Comebacks

Saturday Oct 24th at 3:00pm til 8pm

DEKKA :1338 U st NW 2nd flr , DC

RSVP here

Every year, I go to the ESFNA Soccer I find one or two albums that are worth buying. Ethiopian music is completely junk these days. They ruined it, and the public at least in Ethiopia doesn’t have good taste.

So they listen and party with Ethiopian disco, led by the Evangadi and Teddy Afro, who happen to be a great talents and performers, not caring about making muziqa that lasts more than 5 years.

I boycotted all Ethiopian current music, except hip-hop and traditional music. This year though I found Teddy Yo’s album. So much better than any one the mainstream music.  I actually had heard a few tracks from the album via You Tube. And I am impressed.

Teddy Yo Rocks… I was planning to podcast a few songs I liked but luckily one songs are found via music videos.

Track 2 called Maren Cha Cha based on KebetbaTa Wetat by Seyfu Kebede and the Army Band (bernos theme song as I call it) is actually what impressed me. They sampled the Seyfu Kebede’s classic in a very professional way where they didn’t repeat the chorus  again and again like some of the American Ethiopian rappers do. 

Podcasted Maren Cha Cha by Teddy Yo. Enjoy!

Maren Cha Cha

I got a tweet, via my TwitterFox and its said praying for MJ. I was thinking Michael Jordan for some reason. I left it go and searched the web.  Later I heard he went to the hospital and then he died. I got a lot of text messages.

Eventually it was confirmed. I am so sad! Recently I found out someone I knew that was really young had died and I was and have been thinking that I should make the best out of my life because you never know what could happen tomorrow.

Rest in Peace MJ

The 25th of the Ethiopian soccer tournament in DC was well organized and well executed. Now it is on to the windy city of Chicago, and ESFNA has been steadily improving as an organization. The vendors are becoming more noteworthy and offering better products for our niche market. The facilities have noticeably improved, since the venues of high schools and community colleges and so has commercial and monetary aspects of the tournament. People often complained about ESFNA and their inadequacies. However, we must disagree because they have come a long way, and love going.

What if any problems do you have with ESFNA?

AND what are you looking forward to in Chicago?

This year bernos is looking forward to topping the fashion show we had at LOVE, DC’s biggest nightclub, with a live photo shoot in one of Chicago’s hottest nightclubs.

We’ve decided to put a twist on our event this year. We will have Model’s and a photographer in one of Chicago’s state of the art Avila nightclub.

What is a Fashionista?

You. We believe that everyone has their own style and sets their own trends. We don’t believe in following a trend, we believe in making a statement. We’re working with Bernos’ own Beshou and her Rendez-Vous crew to pull off Thursday night, July 2nd, at Avila Night club.

The bernos booth

We are going to live for 7 days in Chicago, full time, full crew, stocked and ready to meet new Midwestern folks.  Come by the bernos booth to get your tees (including a limited edition of the original Addis Ababa Classic). Take a picture and get to know us.

A couple of months ago, we told you about this artist named K’naan. We also told you that we attended his concert in DC and that was great. I also wrote a short review of his album , Troubadour. We also had the chance to meet K’naan, his band and his management team.

At that particular moment, we gave them some Bernos shirts. Now, we didn’t think they were going to wear the shirts on stage for any concert. Most of the time, artists have a set wardrobe for their shows, or some prefer to wear what they feel. A few nights later, they had a show in philly, which I attended (yes again, sue me). Rayzak, one of the band members wore the ET ALIEN shirt. It was such a surprise! I did not expect it.

Yesterday morning on my way to work, I read online that K’naan’s wearing the MADE IN AFRICA shirt on his new music video, T.I.A (This Is Africa). Mind you, this on the train with a phone that I can’t really stream videos. I call Nolawi and he doesn’t pick up.

I call Dawit 6:30am and he thinks that something happened to me. When I informed him, he said “what? beshou I thought something was wrong with you! Call me back later” and hung up the phone. I don’t think it registered. So here I am on my way to work and no access to VIMEO.

Long story short, I saw the video later that day and was blown away. Not only is the video visually stimulating, but  K’naan was wearing the Bernos shirt throughout the video. It litterally made our day. Dawit and I were calling each other throughout the day and could not hide our excitement. I finally got a hold of Nolawi and expressed how excited I was.

We want to thank all of you for your support the last few years. We have a positive artist sending out a great message wearing our shirt. This is the greatest gift to us. Next on our list is to be in your local store, to go national and international. This is just the beginning for us and we hope you join us on our journey. Because without you, our customers, supporters, friends and family, Bernos would not be where it is at. Thank you!

Enjoy the following videos!

K’NAAN “T.I.A” music video directed by: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Wavin’ Flag

I actually have posted a few finds over the last month, from the films of Habesha Life and music video of Munit.

As a whole it seems like the Ethiopian readers of bernos are very harsh critics of the arts they are provided for free.

It seems to me like there are disproportionately higher numbers of Ethiopian haters compared with other societies.

I have also noticed that credibility for an artist for the Ethiopian community comes only after there has been a societal consensus.

This is like the empty weyiyite cab, no one wants to use because it’s going to use a time to fill — once it gets half way people fight to get it.

I have seen it over and over and over — 5 years ago I read a review of Wayna were the author basically ripped up her talent and music for no apparent reason. I don’t remember the details but I wonder what his reply is going to be if he/she was confronted with the details of his/her words and a Grammy nomination.

In conclusion, what I am saying is that ‘most of you are talentless assembly line workers,’ think about that before you start hating what your mind is not capable of comprehending.

Supporting the arts and artist is an enlightening experience which can possibly upgrade your simple existence. Or go get married to someone like you, have a baby and move to the suburbs.

The first time I saw Tilahun live, I couldn’t help the tears that fell down my cheeks. He was so humble when people would come and talk to him. He was on a wheel chair but yet he would try to raise himself up to show respect.

There are a few song by Tilahun I constantly listen too. He is the undisputed king of modern Ethiopian Music and I think that title is going to stay with him for the rest of my lifetime.

Tilahun Gessesse, 69, passed away at midnight on Sunday while he was being taken to the hospital feeling serious pain.

Rest in Peace Tilahun!

I’ve posted some old school videos of the Late singer so some of you youngins can listen and appreciate the style and grace.

I do have a few Tilahun jokes as well, which I would like to share with you guys but since it doesn’t translate that well, I might just podcast.

I have often complained whenever I hear new music from Ethiopia or by Ethiopians. Obviously I’ve heard a few sounds over the last 5 years that doesn’t make me cringe.

I do not like synthesized music — Melaku Sahluof Addis Connexion wrote a nice piece explaining our complaints as well as the thought from the musicians perspective.

An audience that is largely ambivalent to the precipitously detrimental effects of unlicensed copying and distribution (especially given the increasingly easy ways to do this) results in untold amounts of lost revenue and the forms of music copyrights and distribution traditionally practiced, leave many artists at a distinct financial disadvantage.  The net effect may be that some amount of talent may not enter the field at all or produce work that is not of the quality that it could be.  Many music purists have complained about the proliferation of synthesized sounds throughout contemporary Ethiopian music but the prohibitive costs of using live musicians for endless recording sessions cannot be practical to all but the most successful artists unless the current business model is changed quite a bit.

Now when I want to hear something new that is from Ethiopia, I listen to Azmari musica, I haven’t liked anything out of Ethiopia since forever.

Ere  Bati Bati: Etenshe & Gashaw

I do like stuff by Ethiopians that are not in Ethiopia. I like Ethiopian Hip Hop or jazzist like Either Orchestra or Dereb Desalegn and Nicky Bomba.

I know and have heard Munit from the above for years when she was backup for Wayna or singing live with Burntface. I like her style and music.

Take me to the streets of Bamako
Camel trekking to Timbuktu
Lead me to a silent prayer in Djenné
Barefoot dancing with the Tuareg in Essakane

N’Tesse by Bamada
N’Tesse by Bamada

Strike the balafon
“Anke dje, anke be” – Everyone gather together
Strike the djembe

The griot spins oral tales
He weaves me into a fabric of Malian existence
Hips oscillating to a talking drum
Head flings back, arms raised high, legs flaying back and forth
To a sounou dance – I’m in a trance

Rhythms of nostalgia
Caressing to calm my gooseflesh
Chants of an ancient kingdom
Engulfing me with euphoria
I’m set into vibration
The shaking, the rubbing, the scraping
Being made love to in sweet percussion.

Massakè by Bamada
Massakè by Bamada

It was the fall of 2000, in my dorm room and as I was setting up my desktop when I fell in Love with Hip Hop. Outkast’s “spottieottiedopaliscious” was the first song I downloaded. My brother had some of the best tapes and records growing up. Eventually, music became some sort of therapy for me. When I hit a wall or some hard times, I end up listening to all kinds of music.

In 2004, I remember watching this video on MTV from a up-and-coming rapper from Somalia called ‘Soobax‘. I was fascinated how he was able to get away with a hook that is entirely sung in Somali and get featured on MTV. Even though I didn’t understand it, I was in love with the beat and his rap verses.

His name is K’naan and little did I know, his journey and story is one to be told. And that’s exactly what he is, a storyller. His latest album is aptly titled Troubadour, which according to wiki has Latin roots and loosely translates to “invent” or compose”. Also, its lesser known etymology in Arabic points to its various meanings of ‘finding’, ‘love’, and ‘music’. The latter would be a better representation of the album. Troubadour is filled with 14 solid tracks. With his opening track, “T.I.A (This Is Africa)” which K’naan clearly demonstrates his street cred to rappers and takes listeners on a trip through the streets of Africa while sampling Bob Marley’s “Simmer Down”  which is quickly recognizable.

Forward to another track ‘Somalia’ where he introduces the listener to the current troubles of the country and its people by putting a face to the struggle. My personal favorite is “Dreamer” and is pretty much self explanatory/ It’s about following and chasing your dreams even if it’s hard. ‘Bang Bang’ feat Adam Levine opens up with a classic line from Pharcyde’s “Passin’ Me By”: “and there she goes again, the dope is ethiopian…”, which clearly is a nod to his fellow East Africans. Other honorable mentions are “ABC’s” and “Africa” in which he samples a few Ethiopian jazz tracks.

I am not going to give you a detailed account of each track, but there is a track for everyone, representing every emotion that will speak to you in more ways than one.  I feel as though he is the new face of hip hop. His art of storyteller will bring something new and fresh that we can all look forward to in music.

Recently, I was lucky enough to attend 2 of his concert, in DC and Philly. The one in DC was held at the Kennedy Center and the line was literally wrapping around the building, given that it was a free show. This is not my first time seeing him perform, however, the crowd in attendance was one of the most diverse I had ever seen. You could definitely feel the love, the unity and the positive energy in the crowd. Not only is he a great performer, but an engaging one.

It doesn’t matter if there were 20 people or 1,000 people in the room, you felt like you part of his show. He did a spoken word piece entitled ‘Love’ which literally blew the crowd away. I don’t want to give too much away of his live show, but it is a must see. I caught up with Dawit at the end of the show and we wanted to give his crew and management Bernos Shirts.

So we had to wait one hour as he was gracious enough to sign each and every single CD, poster or what have you for his fans. It was worth the wait. This humble, soft spoken man allowed us 3 minutes out of his busy schedule to accept tshirts on behalf of himself and his crew. K’naan is now officially a Bernos fan, and especially a fan of the ‘Made in Africa’ shirt. Rayzak, his lead singer, wore the ‘ET Alien’ Shirt’ to the Philly show.

So a big THANK YOU goes out to K’naan, his band and his management team, who are all equally humble and incredibly generous for accepting our shirts.

Gofere or Afro in English, is one of my favorite hairstyles on a lady. The first thing that comes in my mind when thinking about gofere are the women patriots (arbegnoch) that fought the Italians during the war and occupation of Ethiopia (1935-1941)  These freedom fighters fought side by side with their male counterparts and sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Ethiopia.

To me, a lady sporting a Gofere says, “I’m confident & smart,” (Angela Davis) ”I’m sexy” (Pam Grier & Tamara Dobson) and “I’m chic” (Esperanza Spalding.) I describe the latter as all four.  There something about the hairstyle that makes my head spin ala Linda Blair in “The Exorcist.”

But, I digress. This is not a piece on my obsession with the gofere, the hairstyle, but my obsession with the song “Gofere Hugnilign” (be my afro). The first time I heard “Gofere Hugnilign” it was in an instrumental version.

The piece was by Getachew Mekuria. Even back then (in the mid 1980s) there was something about the music that made me imagine what the lyrics were going to be like. A few years later another instrumental version graced my ears. This time it was a piece with Mulatu Astatqe on vibraphone that included Hailu Mergia on organ.  I love, love this piece…the vibraphone, the organ with a wonderful saxophone solo make this a standout.

Gofere by Getachew Mekuria
Gofere by Getachew Mekuria

Gofere by Mulatu & Friends
Gofere by Mulatu & Friends

The instrumentals were always a favorite but I could not for the life of me find a vocal version of the song. That changed when a few months ago I was going through my box of cassettes and came through an obscure tape with a hidden gem. A vocal version by Getachew Kassa backed by The Walking Brothers, a band I can’t find any information on (the band’s inclusion on the 45 might be a mistake–a seasoned musician I talked to had never heard of them before). Wow! What a piece! The band is very smooth and along with Getachew’s vocals creates a beautiful and heartfelt combination.

Gofere Hugnilign by Getachew Kassa
Gofere Hugnilign by Getachew Kassa

The next surprise came a few weeks later while going through that same box I came across a cassette with the cover gracing Aster Aweke’s and Wubshet Fisseha’s photos. Among the many familiar titles was Gofere Hugnilign. Now, I’ve never heard this cassette before. I do, however, remember buying it at Mahmoud Records Shop in Addis Ababa back in 2007. The majority of the songs are duets with only the acoustic guitar as a back-up. Wubshet Fisseha is said to be the one playing.

At times I could swear I hear 2 guitars but, I could be mistaken. Both Aster’s and Wubshet’s voice intertwine giving this listener the notion that they might, just might, be lovers. This is by far my favorite version.

Gofere Hugnilign by Aster Aweke & Wubshet
Gofere Hugnilign by Aster Aweke & Wubshet

The simplistic acoustic version makes me think maybe this is where its at.  I mean, I may be dreaming too much thinking that there might be a resurrection of the full band mode to combat the new onslaught of over-produced and over-synthesized Ethiopian music.

So, Zeritu, Teddy Afro, Gossaye and all the current producers in Ethiopia and the diaspora take NOTE!

For your listening pleasure I post the two vocal versions as well as the instrumental versions.

Cuz, I don’t need confusion, now there is a theme song!

It’s hot and on point via lyrics. Cuz I don’t need it, I got options, ya wanna spend my time, ya got love for sell… Well, I don’t need it!

Update: I woke up this morning feeling refreshed. I was driving and listening to Steve Harvey on the radio… At the end of the show he said something about this song and they played it. And I loved the lyrics. I don’t need it. And I started to think about Ethiofused article and how this song would be the perfect theme song for it.

It’s obvious, although you ladies don’t get the song that he is talking about gold diggers who “wanna spend my time, wanna spend my dough got love for sell. ” if you listen to the give it to me part, its Timbaland voice.

The point is saying don’t waste my time.

I don’t need it [Bitch](Chick)8x
I don’t need it {come on}
{Give it to me} Oww yeah
Oww yeah, yeah {Give it to me}
I don’t need it, hey
{Gi, give it to me} heey
Don’t need it
{Gi, give it to me}Don’t need it
{I don’t need it}

[Verse 2]
I got options{A Oow)
It ain’t mine anymore
Had a man and
It was a long time ago

Do you know that my all time favorite Ethiopian Musician is Bizunesh Bekele. I love her more than anything in the world. She makes me feel like I should cry or something when I listen to her music.

Isn’t that weird?”

Here are two video’s of her of which the links were sent to me from a bernos fan in Nepal. My god Abeshoch, is there a place in the world you have not conquered.

So we lost the comments from last week till Thursday – I was transferring files from one server to the other and we lost it all.

I am very very very upset by this because I am somewhat anal.

Thus we can make it up in here. I am glad I have you guys.

Irony — today makes 2001 in the Ethiopian calendar.

It’s New Years on Sep 11th but here in the US Sept 11th is remembered for some else.

I am not happy about this, Osama and the home boys picked the worst day in the Ethiopian Calendar to do this.

I hope as we get going through time that day 7 years ago will have less significance in the American psyche, because it’s cramping my style.

Today I will podcast a song by my home girl GiGi that signifies so much in my home base.

Now please stop sending me those mass text messages that you send to everyone. Its not like you remembered me, it’s just that I am in your phone book.