The music scene has been particularly vibrant this year, with a diverse range of albums coming out one after the other. From chart-topping hits to critically acclaimed projects, the musicians are leveraging social media for promotion to influence streaming metrics and sales trends.

Ethiopia’s music scene has long been a reflection of its cultural depth and diversity, where both tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. Among the country's most dynamic figures shaping this evolving space, are Gutu Abera, Mastewal Eyayu, Aschalew Fetene, and Yemariam Cherinet. From the legends, Michael Belayneh has made a comeback after 12 years. These artists, though coming from different backgrounds and generations, share a commitment to blending rich musical heritage with contemporary sounds. Their unique journeys—shaped by upbringing, influences, and personal challenges—paint a broader picture of the country’s music industry in transition.

Gutu Abera's journey begins in the rolling hills of Western Wallaga, Oromia, where his exposure to the Oromo musical tradition left an indelible mark on him. Born into a culture steeped in music but lacking a direct familial link to it, Gutu’s love for sound developed naturally. His relocation to Norway in his youth might have distanced him from the physicality of his roots, but not from his cultural identity. His first album, Gaaffii Koo ("My Question"), fuses the pastoral and the modern, combining Oromiffa sounds with blues, classical, and hip-hop. Gutu’s story is one of cultural intersection, merging traditional storytelling with futuristic soundscapes.

In contrast, Michael Belayneh’s musical journey is deeply rooted in Addis Abeba, the bustling capital that gave birth to Ethiopian jazz and iconic musicians like Tilahun Gessesse and Mahmoud Ahmed. Michael’s connection to these legends is evident in his style, which maintains a more classic approach. But, it was not until his 30s that he embraced music as a full-time career. After studying industrial electricity at Bahirdar Polytechnic College, Michael discovered his talent for singing and piano playing, leading to his debut single "Sayesh Esasalehu". Now in his early 50s, Michael reflects on how the music industry has evolved over the years, balancing nostalgia for the old days with the challenges of staying relevant in the digital age. His latest album, A'nd Qal ("One Word"), which took nearly a decade to complete, speaks to his dedication to creating soulful, thoughtful music in an era dominated by fast consumption.

Mastewal Eyayu, like Gutu and Michael, has roots in both traditional and modern music, but his rise in the industry was shaped by a remix of a classic—Neway Debebe’s "Hagere Sew Atash Woy". Born in Bahir Dar, Mastewal grew up immersed in the sounds of his father and brother, which eventually led him to Addis Abeba, where he made a name for himself. His debut album Enzira ("Harmonise") is a reflection of his eclectic influences, blending ancient Ethiopian melodies with modern genres. His path, marked by participation in Ethiopian Idol, displays the fusion of local and global trends—using a platform that mirrors Western talent shows to achieve stardom. Despite the competition-driven start, Mastewal’s music has retained a deeply personal and traditional touch, reflecting themes of harmony and cultural pride.

On the other hand, Aschalew Fetene’s story is one of rediscovery. Born into a family of music lovers, he grew up watching his father play the Kirar under the trees of his hometown. However, Aschalew initially chose a different path, pursuing a degree in agriculture and working as an expert in the field. It was not until he moved to Addis Abeba at the age of 27 that his latent musical talents were fully realised. His debut album Aschale, released only six months ago, draws heavily from his childhood memories of traditional instruments.

Much like Gutu, Aschalew’s music seeks to connect the past with the present, but with an emphasis on preserving Ethiopia’s rural soundscapes in a rapidly urbanising world. His attachment to traditional instruments, which he custom-builds using materials like animal skulls and tendons, sets him apart as a preservationist in a field increasingly dominated by electronic beats.

Yemariam Cherinet, known by her stage name YEMa, represents the next generation of artists who are pushing boundaries while remaining grounded in cultural heritage. Born and raised in Addis Abeba, Yemariam was exposed to music from an early age, thanks to her father, the owner of Zema Lastas and Classic Band. Sneaking into rehearsals and absorbing the sounds of her father’s bands, she developed an early love for music that blossomed into a professional career by the age of 20. Her album Yedega Sew blends Ethiopian sounds with West and North African influences, marking her as an artist capable of crossing regional borders with ease.

Technology plays a powerful role in this evolution as they are benefiting from digital platforms that offer wider distribution. Whether it’s Gutu's transcontinental fusion, Michael's soulful nostalgia, Mastewal’s cultural remixes, Aschalew’s rural preservationism, or YEMa’s contemporary take, they continue to experiment, adapt, and push boundaries, serving custodians of the musical legacy.

AKSAH ITALO, our reporter, takes a moment with each of them to gain insights into their strategies and broader take on the industry.

GUTU ABERA

Gutu stands as a musical revolutionist, channelling his ancestry to his youthful energy and making his mark on the Ethiopian music industry. Hailing from Western Wallaga, Mendi, Gutu's journey began before he relocated to Norway at a young age. Exposed to the rich traditions of Affan Oromo music while incorporating modern melodies, he discovered his lyrical prowess through a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary influence. His candid reflections reveal a musician dedicated to merging tradition with modernity, crafting a global soundscape.

In his early 30s, Gutu's musical admiration extends to icons like the late Ali Birra and Alemayehu Eshete, whose influence he has embraced despite lacking a familial musical background.

His first album, Gaaffii Koo ("My Question"), is a fusion of traditional and futuristic sounds. He sought to blend elements from the past and the future, drawing on his childhood experiences of singing while shepherding and participating in church choirs. With the help of his wife, Mira Thiruchelvam, and a talented producer, the album integrates genres such as blues, classical, and hip-hop, resulting in a diverse and innovative body of work.

SPECIAL ONE

For me, "Jaalala Namaa" is a deeply personal track because it is connected to the memory of my father. He passed away when I was 11 years old, and this song became a way for me to reconnect with him. I was thinking about him when I wrote the song.

UPBRINGING

I attended primary school in Mendi town in Western Wallaga, Oromia Regional State before moving to Norway. I studied Social Work and Social Anthropology, and eventually earned a master’s degree in Family Therapy. Although I have not come from a musical background, I learned the basics and continued developing my skills for the past 15 years.

MUSIC

My interest in music was guided through the alleys of sound and melody in the traditional sounds of Oromiffa. Growing up I listened to Ali Bira and Alemayehu Eshete.

FIRST ALBUM

I wanted to connect the past and the future with my new album. It is about my dreams and my questions. Art is deeper than what we usually see, and I was inspired to blend traditional and futuristic elements. With my wife Mira Thiruchelvam, we experimented with a lot of sounds and ended up with the pop genre. It is a combination of different genres like blues, classical, and hip-hop. The partnership has helped in guiding the business and financial aspects and we are very pleased with how it turned out.

FEEDBACK

I have received both positive feedback and constructive criticism. It was valuable and overall, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

MICHAEL BELAYNEH

After 12 years, the seasoned Michael Belayneh has made a return to the music scene with his album A'nd Qal (One Word) rekindling his fans' love for his soulful artistry. Born and raised in Addis Abeba, Michael’s career has been inspired by legendary figures like Tilahun Gessesse and Mahmoud Ahmed.

After completing a college program in Industrial Electricity at Bahirdar Polytechnic College, Michael discovered his talent for singing at the age of 21, while learning to play the piano at Yared Music School. He joined a band, singing English songs, and eventually launched his career at the age of 32 with the release of his first single, "Sayesh Esasalehu." Now in his early 50s, Michael believes the early musical training and years spent performing in clubs laid the foundation for his unique sound.

WHY THE WAIT?

The album took over nine years to complete. I had to take intermittent breaks due to other priorities and when my creative space drifted away during the pandemic. The first track to be completed was "Teyim," nine years ago.

GOOD THINGS COME IN THREE

I was deeply involved in the creative process, overseeing melodies, and production of the third album. The songwriting process was accompanied by four lyricists. The reaction truly left me in awe. Some said that listening to the music made them fall in love with a person they had not even known. I have received a range of comments, some of which were quite negative. I had to delete a few, thinking they might have been from angry individuals. [lol]

FAVOURITE

"Bemaleda" because of the songwriting while "WusteWeyra" translates to deep meaning.

ADVENTURES

I plan on entering the international market and am currently working on the possibilities.

NOW & THEN

Technology and digital platforms have given musicians a powerful tool to support businesses. I believe returns were quicker before although the artist did not know where to sell the music. The current difficulty is finding sponsors whereas before, music has been supported by breweries until the ban on advertisements for the industry. We now have to cover our expenses or collect funds to release an album.

MASTEWAL EYAYU

Mastewal’s musical journey started in Bahir Dar city, nurtured by his brother and his late father. At 20, he ventured into the music industry, making a name for himself with a remix of Neway Debebe’s "Hagere Sew Atash Woy." It marked his first breakthrough and opened the door to his promising career.