FORTUNE+ VIDEO SPONSORED CONTENTS ADVERTORIALS FORTUNE AUDIO Fortune Careers New TRADE AFRICA New

Fortune Logo

Imagine a breathtaking symphony of soundscapes where tradition dances with modernity, guiding listeners on an exhilarating musical voyage through the vibrant heart of a country. Pulsating beats sync with the indomitable spirit of people, as a series of interviews here connected with musical trailblazers — Gutu Abera, Michael Belayneh, Mastewal Eyayu, Aschalew Fetene, and Yemariam Cherinet. Together, they unveil a dynamic lyrical scene that boldly breaks new ground while staying deeply rooted in their cultural soul.


Meet Gutu, a fearless musical explorer who masterfully weaves the melodic whispers of his Afan Oromo roots with contemporary hip-hop and blues. His debut record, "Gaaffii Koo," is a clever showcase of a cross-genre fusion, a vibrant kaleidoscope of sounds echoing from Western Wallaga all the way to the frosty Fjords of Norway. While Gutu strides forward, Michael takes his fans on an introspective journey. His latest play, "A'nd Qal," acts as a lyrical mirror, reflecting his innermost self after a decade-long hiatus from the spotlight. Each note resonates with the epic refrains of legends like Tilahun Gessesse and Mahmoud Ahmed, capturing the turbulent waves of artistry, creation, and pause.


Likewise, Mastewal seeks to bridge the past and the present through his debut album, "Enzira." Emerging after a decade of hard work, this 14-track marvel celebrates resilience in a challenging industry, harmonising diverse musical elements through a rich cultural heritage. Aschalew steps back to honour musical roots with his album "Aschale." Drawing inspiration from the "Kirar", a traditional instrument, he crafts evocative narratives that echo themes of loss, nostalgia, and cultural pride, creating a poignant counterpoint to the contemporary digital age. Then there is Yemariam, fondly called Yema, a spirited performer rising from the music industry with her album "Yedega Sew." This masterful blend of Amharic rhythms and pan-African tunes plies a new wave of artists ready to conquer international stages, packing their bags for European tours and the sun-kissed shores of Zanzibar.


One theme shines brightly through these eclectic sounds and stories: the tug-of-war between tradition and modernity. Gutu and Yemariam deftly juggle global influences, while Aschalew and Mastewal treasure the echoes of Ethiopia's rich musical past. Michael finds his unique place along this spectrum. Together, their contributions stand as a powerful reminder to the creative spirit of Ethiopian artists, bravely steering a maze of barriers to redefine the vibrant musical identity.


You can read the full story    here    


PUBLISHED ON Sep 08,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1271]

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.



Related Posts

[ssba-buttons]

Put your comments here

N.B: A submit button will appear once you fill out all the required fields.

Editors' Pick

Exclusive Interviews

State Enterprises from Oracles to Apprentices

Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...

Agenda

Rising Costs, Inflation Threaten Insurance Industry

Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO

Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...

Agenda

BREWING DISCONTENT

Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...

Fortune News

Electric Vehicle Push Leaves Investors in the Lurch

Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO

Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...

Commentaries

How to Put Development Finance Back on Track

lobal growth this year is expected to slow to its lowest rate (outside of a crisis) s...

A New Vision for Development Cooperation

he global system of financing for development, including that of development cooperat...

Fineline

Leaders of the National . . .

Leaders of the National Election Board are in a charm offensive mood, of a sort. Last week, they organised a rare tour for members of the me...

When the country’s most. . .

When the country's most senior diplomats and envoys return back to their posts after two-week debriefings, they leave behind a point or two...

Editorial

Civil Society Feels the Squeeze as Reform Era Unravels

Jul 5 , 2025

Six years ago, Ethiopia was the darling of international liberal commentators. A year...

Soaring Taxes Fail to Plug Holes as Audit Reveals Enduring Waste

Jun 28 , 2025

Meseret Damtie, the assertive auditor general, has never been shy about naming names...

Expanding Federal Budget Tests Limits of Fiscal Discipline

Jun 21 , 2025

A well-worn adage says, “Budget is not destiny, but it is direction.” Examining t...

Desire to March to the Sea Should Spill Reason on the Way

Jun 14 , 2025

Yet again, the Horn of Africa is bracing for trouble. A region already frayed by wars...

Gallery

Parliament Approves New Cabinet Members

Oct 6 , 2021

Parliament Approves New Cabinet, Incorporates Opposition Leaders Lawmakers have approved today the nominations of 22 ministers, including three opposition leaders. Two MPs have voted against, while 12 abstained...

2020 in Posterity

Jan 5 , 2021

TIGRAY VOTES DESPITE "NULL & VOID" THREAT

Sep 9 , 2020

IN-PICTURE: LAUREATE'S RECEPTION  

Dec 14 , 2019

PM Abiy Ahmed (PhD) at a Gala Dinner Called for the Awarding of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize

May 6 , 2019

Faces, Voices of Addis Abeba

Apr 26 , 2019

Sunday With Eden

Rise Without Ruin

At times, the pursuit of opportunity quietly takes on a ruthless tone. Success begins to feel like a zero-sum game, where someone must lose...

Real Respect Shows Up First

A couple of weeks ago, I found myself at a social gathering where strangers and old acquaintances mix in a haze of small talk and light laug...

Life Matters

The Nuances of Baby Carrying

Each morning, just beyond the compound gates, a familiar image greets the day: a mother walking briskly with her baby snug in a front carrie...

The Quiet Roar Beneath the Calm

There is often a sense of awe when encountering someone who appears to have everything under control. Impeccably dressed, composed, and seem...