Emebet Mekonnen (aka Shadey), Aster Welde, Sara Mamo, Awetu Eyasu, Talem Addis, and Mekides Zewdu, collectively known as the Shadey Collective, are a group of singers from the Amhara region. These artists hail from the Sekota, Kobo, and Lasta areas and have come together to create the album “The Sounds of Shadey Ashendye.” A few members of the group have previously released music: Emebet has produced two singles, while both Sara and Aster each have their own singles. In addition to their singing careers, some of the members have also worked as traditional dancers.

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 unite to share resources, with wealthier individuals providing meat, butter, milk, and other provisions to those in need. If a girl lacks 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 potential future partners.

To honor these celebrations, Muzikawi has released the “Sounds of Shadey Ashendye” album, featuring the six talented artists on August 20, 2024 on Muzikawi’s YouTube channel and all digital streaming platforms.
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.