In memory of Bahru Kegne (1929-2000), Ethiopia’s greatest azmari. The cassette years 1988-1996.

Bahru Kegne was a legendary azmari, who was even a private court-player under Haile Selassie, then the ‘free newspaper’ in the communist days and recording some amazing ‘modern’ cassettes in the last years of his life. Deep, hypnotic, trance-like music, and unlike things published before.

• Bahru Kegne - masinko, vocals
• Yared Tefera - saxophone
• Berhane Kidane - keyboard
• Abijou Solomon - bass guitar

Tracklist

1. Sela Beyligne (6:25)
2. Ambassel (6:39)
3. Ye Gebere Leza (7:42)
4. Tezetaye (6:10)
5. Endet New Gedawo (4:36)
6. Bati (5:53)
7. Mela Mela (6:42)
8. Tew Tew (5:59)
9. Derbabaye (6:23)
10. Shemounmoun (4:57)
11. Yehuna (7:10)
12. Tenayewa (9:41)

Credits

• Music and text: Bahru Kegne.
• Additional music and text arrangements: Abebe Melesse and Yilma Gebreab.
• Released and licenced in agreement with Bahru’s children Teshager, Meseret and Negat.
• Interviews: Emma Fischer, Getatchew Debalke, Zerihun Engidashet and Henok Ashager.
• Translation lyrics: Prof. Dr. Hailu Habtu.
• Translation interviews: Zerihun Engidashet and Simeneh Betreyohannes.
• Artwork and layout: Emma Fischer.
• Bahru Kegne photos: family collection.
• Youtube stills, Ethiopia photos: Emma Fischer.

www.terprecords.nl/as23.html