“Mariama”, a programme with African music. This week in Mariama singers from Ethiopia.
The best known singer from Ethiopia is undoubtedly Mahmoud Ahmed. This popular vocalist started his career in 1960 as professional singer in the Imperial Body Guards. After 1974 he performed in many orchestras, like among others the Idan Raichel Project. He is a welcome guest in the international world music concert halls.
Female singer AsterAweke, born in Gonder in North Ethiopia, knew at a young age that she wanted to become a singer. This wasn’t an easy choice because the status of singers in Ethiopia was low. She started her professional career in the Hager Fikir Theater. At the end of 1970 she sung in the nightclubs of Addis Ababa. She also performed in many clubs, including the well-known Hotel d’Afrique, at which she was accompanied by the Continental Band, Shebele Band and Ibex Band (later the Roha Band). During the civil war she settled, like many Ethiopians, in the United States, in which she performed for enthusiastic compatriots in the United States since 1985. She is also very popular in her own country. Some songs of her album ‘Aster’s Ballads’ and ‘Hagere’ will be played in this programme.There will also be some time left for two songs by Ejigayehu Shibabaw, also called Gigi. She made the beautiful album: ‘Zion Roots’ together with the group Abyssinia Infinite in 2003.
‘Aster’s Ballad’, 2004, Aster Aweke. Kabu records
1. Hodë Terebeshe. Aster Aweke.
2. Besebara Follë. Aster Aweke.
3. Menew. Aster Aweke.
‘Tizita deel II’ 2008, Mahmoud Ahmed. Alt Records
4. Tizita Garedew. Mahmoud Ahmed.
5. Yeshegga Lij Neger. Mahmoud Ahmed.
‘In Search of my Roots, vol. I’ 2008. Abiyou Solomon. AIT Records, AIT036
6. Kelala New Bëtu Wello. Abiyou Solomon.
7. Yabebako Oromo. Abiyou Solomon.
‘Zion roots’ (2003). Abyssinia Infinite met Ejigayehu ‘Gigi’ Shibabaw. Network 24.971
8. Gela. Ejigayehu ‘Gigi’ Shibabaw.
9. Aba Alem Lemenea. Ejigayehu ‘Gigi’ Shibabaw.
