Ethiocolor

ABOUT ETHIOCOLOR It is with great joy that we are able to re-release Ethiocolor's debut album from 2014. A unique band that paid their dues in the musical hotspots in and around Addis Ababa for over two decades. Ethiocolor has locally become much appreciated due to their vibrant live shows, and for their ability to bridge the gaps between the post and the present. The band was originally founded on the initiative of Melaku Belay, Misalie Legesse and Endris Hassen. Many members have come and gone since the start, and today the band is a six piece ensemble with the current addition of Fasika Kebede, Tesfaye Taye and Anteneh Teklemariam to the original setting. One thing that makes this album stand out is that the featured musicians and singers playing together here spans three generations. The legendary Washint player Yohannis Afework plays on several tracks on the album, and he has been a part of the musical scene since the imperial period. Hawa Talen (featured on track 3) and Tokato Mena (featured on track 2) are equally seasoned singers and are known for rendering melodies coming from the long marginalized, but nonetheless rich and diverse musical landscapes of the easlern and southern parts of the country. The singer Dereje Zemedu represents a bridge between old and new generations, and can be heard on track 9. Ethiocolor creates something new from standing with one foot respectfully placed in regional sounds and culture, and the other one adding youthfulness by bringing in amplified versions of traditional instruments as well as new influences and own musical compositions. The band combines Azmari culture from northern Ethiopia (traditional songs/bards) with music forms from other regions and cultures of the country. They also add youthfulness to the brew by bringing in amplified versions of traditional instruments as well as new influences and modern compositions. Ethiocolor is not about playing "traditional" music mixed with "modern" sounds. It is rather a new creation by conjuring up old musical traditions with contemporary enes lo come up with "modern traditions" of Ethiopian music. The most common theme in these compositions is the notion of love. Furthermore, many of the songs are one way or another also sung for a specific place or the nation. They praise the sense of community, social interdependence, unity and freedom. The lyrics make frequent parallels and comparisons between courage and falling in love. Often falling in love is seen as a weakness, a sign of defeat, but all the same time it represents the brave soul that dares to be vulnerable and search for true love and affection. Bravery is seen as a highly esteemed virtue, and is considered an attractive attribute. ALBUM CREDITS Musical Arrangement by Ethiocolor Produced by Andreas Unge Co-production work by Girum Mezmur Engineered by Andreas Unge & Stefan Sundström Assisting Technician work by Surafel Mulualem Mixed by Stefan Sundström Mastered by Claes Persson Artwork & design by Lewis Heriz & Tres Multimedia Label: Muzikawi Publishing: Muzikawi