Pre-order the vinyl here:

Bandcamp – https://ibexband.bandcamp.com/…/stereo-instrumental-music

HHV (DE) – https://www.hhv.de/…/ibex-band-stereo-instrumental…

Diskunion (JP) – https://diskunion.net/latin/ct/detail/1008997501…

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/1R6OnmrdNezA7oILT2KDeV

Apple Music – https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1794417738

Deezer – https://www.deezer.com/album/707949851

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Mathew Tembo is an acclaimed Afropop musician from Zambia, Southern Africa, and a vital ambassador for Zambian music both at home and internationally. He has toured and recorded extensively around the globe. During his European tours, he produced popular tracks like “Nela” and “Kumalya Ndimu,” which are featured on his second album, “Save My Soul,” a reggae collection recorded in the Netherlands in 2001. In 2008, he won the Best Afro-Fusion award at the Born and Bred Awards in Zambia for his song “Nandunge” from his debut album, “Anthem,” which showcased Zambia’s indigenous musical instruments. Currently, Tembo is promoting his latest album, “Mtendere” (Peace).

Don’t miss his full performance video on the Muzikawi YouTube Channel!

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The audience was captivated by Anis’s electrifying performance, singing and moving in unison. His jazz-infused Afaan Oromoo track “Haadha Milkii” perfectly complemented the festival’s theme, adding a fresh flavor to the event.

Anis made waves in the music scene with his debut single and music video “Haadha Milkii,” released in collaboration with Muzikawi at the end of 2022. The track, which he composed himself and rearranged with Jorga Mesfin, earned him the Best Composer award at the Hachalu Hundessa Award, along with nominations for Best Contemporary Song and Best Male Artist.

In April 2023, he released his second single and music video, “Koottumee,” again teaming up with Muzikawi.

Don’t miss out! Head over to the Muzikawi YouTube channel to watch Anis’s full performance from the 2023 Addis Jazz Festival, and enjoy his latest single “Koottumee” alongside “Haadha Milkii.”

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On May 25th, the second day of the festival, Selmor captivated a packed audience in a celebration that honored both the festival and Africa Day. People from various nationalities and backgrounds came together to enjoy the unforgettable evening.

Selmor Mtukudzi is an exceptional musician from Zimbabwe. Her musical journey began at the age of 10 when her father, the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, took her to record for the movie soundtrack of ”I Am The Future”. She has garnered numerous awards both in Zimbabwe and internationally, including accolades from the United States, with nominations from Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

To date, Selmor has released eight albums. Her fourth album, ”Expressions”, launched in 2013, quickly became a sensation, with the track “Nguva Yangu” earning nominations for the NAMA (The National Arts Merit Awards are the flagship & premier recognition in Zimbabwean Arts) and ZIMA Awards  (an annual Zimbabwe Music Award ceremony to acknowledge and honor musical excellence and creativity), along with winning the Africa Entertainment Award USA and the Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce WECA Award. Her fifth album, ”I Am Woman”, released in 2015, featured the hit “Zvidikidiki,” which also won the NAMA Award and the Africa Entertainment Award USA, while receiving nominations for the ZIMA and ZIWA (The annual awards are held to celebrate the achievements of Zimbabwean women)

Be sure to tune in to her full performance video on the Muzikawi YouTube Channel!

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At the heart of this creation is the stunning vocal performance of Atsedemariam. With her beautiful tone color and deeply expressive sound, she brings the “Anchihoye Lene” mode to life in a way that is both authentic and deeply moving. Atsedemariam’s voice carries the legacy of Ethiopia’s rich musical heritage, deeply influenced by the iconic voices of Aster Aweke, Bizunesh Bekele, and Kuku Sebsebie. Her technique and vocal color bear a striking resemblance to Aster Aweke, capturing the same depth of emotion and effortless grace that have made Aster a legend in Ethiopian music.

Atsedemariam honed her craft by listening to and performing the music of these legendary artists in her local town of Bahirdar. There, she captivated audiences in local clubs and public gatherings, immersing herself in the sounds that shaped her artistry.

Atsede’s journey took a significant turn in 2019 when she was scouted by Muzikawi during her performance at the Selam Festival in Bahir Dar. At this festival, she had the rare opportunity to perform alongside top musicians who had traveled to Bahir Dar to accompany the legendary Mahamud Ahmed. This band included renowned artists such as Henock Temesgen, Abegasu Shiota, Girum Mezmur, and Yared Tefera. Atsedemariam’s performance that day, marked by her powerful vocal presence and deep connection to Ethiopian musical traditions, caught the attention of these established musicians and led to her collaboration with Muzik

‘Biruh’ is not only a new release but a celebration of Ethiopia’s rich musical traditions and a testament to its evolving soundscape.

Head on over to Muzikawi YouTube channel and digital streaming platforms to give the music a listen!

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In collaboration with Muzikawi, it’s to be recalled that Sintayehu released her EP, ‘Tsedey,’ about two years ago, featuring 5 tracks. The track “Abanenegn” has been made into a music video, while the remaining four have visualizers. Additionally, Sintayehu recently released two duet songs with Balkew Alemu, titled “Kehasabe” and “Yigermal.” Don’t miss out—watch and listen to her Addis Jazz Festival performance on the Muzikawi YouTube channel!

More full Addis Jazz Festival performance videos coming your way soon! Stay Tuned!

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Experience a special jazz treat featuring the incredibly talented Jorga Mesfin and the father of Ethio Jazz, Mulatu Astatke, live from this year’s Addis Jazz Festival, held at the iconic African Jazz Village. The complete performance, showcasing seven remarkable jazz tracks, is now available on Muzikawi’s YouTube channel.

Jorga Mesfin, who grew up immersed in the sounds of jazz greats like John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Kassa Tessema, Dr. Mulatu Astatke, and Jimmy Smith, has been deeply influenced by the rich traditions of Ethio Jazz. Since transitioning to a full-time musician in 2006, he has built an impressive career spanning over two decades. His journey includes founding the Latin jazz ensemble Conjunto Sareunge and co-founding the Ethio Jazz group Wudasse in Atlanta.

In addition to his performance career, Jorga Mesfin has made notable contributions to film music, scoring acclaimed Ethiopian films such as Teza, Taza, Min Alesh, and Qurangaye. His exceptional work has earned him prestigious accolades, including Best Music Selection at the Carthage Film Festival and Best Composer Award at the Dubai International Film Festival.

Jorga Mesfin’s newly released album, ‘The Kindest One,’ originally known as ‘The Kind Ones’ from 2007, is a meditative Ethio jazz masterpiece that showcases his profound connection with music as a language of liberation and boundless imagination. 

The ‘The Kindest One’ vinyl is now available for purchase at Selam Ethiopia’s office, located on the 7th floor of Rewina Building, Hayahulet, Addis Ababa.

About Addis Jazz Festival

The Addis Jazz Festival (AJF) is presented by Muzikawi, one of Ethiopia’s premier music and event production companies. First held in 2019, the festival aims to introduce jazz to Addis Ababa, promote Ethio Jazz, and provide a platform for both local and international artists to connect and showcase new work.

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This unique album, featuring eight tracks with lyrics and melodies in the public domain, is dedicated entirely to showcasing cultural traditions that have been underrepresented.

Shadey, Ashendye, and Solele are annual celebrations held from August 22nd to 27th in the Waghemra Sekota, Lasta Lalibela and Kobo areas of the Amhara region. These festivities, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, mark the end of the Filseta fasting season observed by Orthodox Christians. During the celebrations, communities come together to share resources, with wealthier individuals providing meat, butter, milk, and other provisions to less fortunate neighbors. If a girl does not have an appropriate dress for the occasion, others generously lend her their finest clothing.

During the celebration, groups of girls and women visit the church, singing and removing pieces of Ashenda (papyrus) from their waists to lay them on the church floor as a gesture of gratitude and prayer for the coming year. They also travel from home to home, singing traditional songs, including a notable one with the line, “The priest says, ‘Let the servant die,’ but isn’t it the servant who becomes the lord?” While  Shadey, Ashendye and Solele are primarily a celebration for girls, boys also participate, dressing well, protecting the girls from the winter floods, and even considering future partners.

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 The album showcases a unique musical project, bringing together six singers from various regions in Tigray (Raya, Tembene, Agame, Enderta, and Axum) for the first time. The album features instruments crafted by the Tigray Cultural Group and includes public lyrics and melodies.

 Most of the songs on the album are sung around Enderta and Tembene area and focus around praising girls who play Ashenda, announcing the arrival of Ashenda and the adornments girls who play Ashenda use to beautify themselves with.  

The Ashenda festival, celebrated in Tigray from August 22 to August 30 among Orthodox Christians, honors the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and marks the end of the Filseta fasting season. During the festival, women and girls celebrate by adorning themselves with papyrus, paper reed, and Nile grass, which they tie around their waists. They engage in lively movements, clapping, and drumming, performing traditional songs, including the popular chant “Ashenda is here.”

Recorded in 2013 E.C., Sounds of Ashenda stands as a tribute to Tigray’s enduring cultural legacy and vibrant musical traditions.

The Tigray Cultural Group, a cornerstone of cultural preservation since its inception in the 1960s and revitalized in August 2004, remains dedicated to celebrating Tigray’s rich traditions. This ensemble of musicians, dancers, and artists has graced prestigious stages both in Ethiopia and abroad, including notable performances in Angola and Qatar.

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We’re thrilled to announce that, starting today, we’re releasing full performances from the 2023 and 2024 Addis Jazz Festival every two weeks on the Muzikawi YouTube channel!

The Addis Jazz Festival (AJF) is the flagship event of Muzikawi, Ethiopia’s leading music and event production company. As the only jazz festival of its kind in East Africa, AJF has become a cornerstone event, introducing jazz to Addis Ababa, promoting Ethio Jazz, and creating valuable networking opportunities for both local and international artists.

Since its inaugural event in 2019, the festival has grown significantly. Last year, the Swedish Embassy hosted our performances, while this year’s festival celebrated Africa Day at the African Jazz Village, showcasing an incredible lineup of talent from across the continent and beyond.

To kick off our bi-weekly video releases, we’re excited to present Balkew Alemu’s remarkable performances of “Felege,” “Yetizita Feres,” and “Zewditu” from the 2023 festival, which is available now! Don’t miss out—subscribe to the Muzikawi YouTube channel and enjoy the magic of the Addis Jazz Festival every two weeks!

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