By Elias Wondimu
TSEHAI Picks: Ethio-American Musicians to Watch
For decades, TSEHAI has published books and journals to educate, inspire, and empower its readers with comprehensive and diverse narratives. In keeping with this tradition, TSEHAI is delighted to announce the launch of the quarterly TSEHAI Picks Series.
From cultural tastemakers to historical figures, TSEHAI Picks celebrates individuals from all walks of life and fields of expertise. In this first edition, the TSEHAI team is giving your summer playlist a makeover with a list ten songs from phenomenal musicians of Ethiopian origin whose art represents the rich and diverse Ethiopian heritage and narratives on the world stage.
“Rewind”-Kelela
https://youtu.be/py6PgXq0yDM
Kelela. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
The combination of Kelela’s sultry vocals with the hypnotic synthesizer and beat in “Rewind” immediately pull you in. On the podcast, Song Exploder, Kelela talks about her process of working with five different producers on this song. I was blown away by how she melded together elements from each producer to create one dynamic layered sound. “Rewind” is a great testament to Kelela as an artist: complex, unique, and forged from a melting pot of experiences.
“Danjahrous”–Haile Supreme
https://youtu.be/XJJjXFjkZKQ
Haile Supreme. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
Drawing from many genres including jazz, blues, reggae and funk music, Haile Supreme creates a unique blend of Ethiopian culture with contemporary hip-hop/R&B in both his music and his persona. “Danjahrous” is a chill jam that goes down as smooth as honey wine.
“Black Truck”–Mereba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGojZ12cZRQ
Mereba. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
Mereba is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, producer, and rapper. Her brilliant album, The
Jungle is the Only Way Out, is a must listen for soulful vocals, intricate production, and poetically incisive lyrics. Her song “Black Truck” is an ode to her father who immigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia and the perseverance of her ancestors.
“Walk Up”–Meklit
https://youtu.be/hGK6VUlaJmw
Meklit.(Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
In “Walk Up,” Meklit’ssoft vocals are accompanied by an eclectic assemblage of instrumental sounds. The lyrics of this song reminds me of Meklit’s brilliant TED talk, “The Unexpected Beauty of Everyday Sounds” on how music can be found all around — from the emphatic lilt of Amharic language to the sound of birds.
“W.I.A”–SIIMBA SELASSIIE
https://youtu.be/oN36HaYaZdc
SIIMBA SELASSIIE. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
SIIMBA SELASSIIE serves up clever and honest lyricism in an irreverent package that expands the definition of a hip-hop artist. Donning traditional dress and referencing his Ethiopian roots in his lyrics, SIIMBA is not one to shy away from his heritage.
“Abune”–Kibrom Birhane
https://youtu.be/2qwebzVcKAc
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Kibrom Birhane. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
Kibrom is a humble music visionary who embraces traditions in EthioJazz and EthioFolk music. His talent in piano and vocals shine in “Abune.” The powerful artistry of his music is truly arresting.
“Free Again”–Arima Ederra
https://youtu.be/OaYAE2lneD0
Arima Ederra. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
Arima Ederra has the kind of angelic voice that will capture your attention within the first few notes. “Free Again” evokes the feeling of the first day of summer, ripe with infinite possibilities and childlike energy. I also love how the album art for this record draws from traditional Ethiopian illustration styles.
“Slow Fade”–Ruth B.
https://youtu.be/4HEUfU2CrEM
Ruth B. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
Ruth B.’s regal voice remains soothing and pleasant, even as she takes you through her innermostfeelings. Currently signed with Columbia Records, it is exciting to see what she will do next.
“Process”–Gabriel Teodros, Shakiah
https://youtu.be/GUC31bcfAfM
Gabriel Teodros. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
Gabriel Teodros is an Ethiopian-American son of a refugee, which strongly influences his music. He creates music motivated to heal and promote positive social change. When he’s not creating music, Gabriel is actively involved in local youth communities and advocates on the treatment of immigrants in the US.
“Eye”–Helen Hailu
https://youtu.be/YAvdusDoDCE
Helen Hailu. (Courtesy of TSEHAI Publishers)
For my last pick, I chose “Eye” by Helen Hailu. “Eye” is the perfect song for a slow Sunday morning. Her jazzy vocals and instrumentals rock steady as she invites listeners to join in her proclamation of independence: “I’d rather be me, myself, and I.”
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