Day 17: Habtamu Assefa – Gubiliye

Day 17 of our charity Advent Calendar in aid of Help Musicians.

Well known for the heavily-sampled Ethio-jazz and funk of composers like Mulatu Astatke, Imperial era Ethopia proved to be fertile ground for musical creativity. Four decades on and a tradition of producing homegrown talent hasn’t died out. Quite the opposite, in fact, but many of these gifted individuals fall under the radar in a vast and predominantly rural land, so we’re indebted to label’s like Sheba Sound that actively seek out contemporary sounds from both sides of the Great Rift Valley.

Finding kindred spirits in Paradise Bangkok, the labels have teamed up for a compilation that sets it sights on providing at platform to some of the best Ethiopia has to offer today. It’s a charming selection of East African treats and we’re delighted to make the intricate masenqo melodies and quivering vocal stylings of Habtamu Assefa’s ‘Gubiliye’ the latest addition to our advent calendar series.

Download ‘Gubiliye’ from our Bandcamp. It’s pay-what-you-like, with all donations going to Help Musicians, a charity that supports musicians in times of crisis.

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