Muzikawi Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The Ethiopian Ibex Band's 1976 album Stereo Instrumental Music is being re-released as a cornerstone of Ethiopian music. This record is credited with shaping the modern sound of Ethiopian music and the band's enduring influence can be felt in the works of legends like Aster Aweke, Girma Beyene and Mulatu Astatke. Created by Giovanni Rico and Selam Woldemariam, Stereo Instrumental Music is part of a significant legacy that challenges the idea of a "golden age" of Ethiopian music and highlights the constant evolution of the sound. The Ibex Band, later known as The Roha Band, has remained central to that and Ethiopia's wider scene.

Review: Jorga Mesfin's debut album marks a significant milestone in the realm of Ethio-jazz, showing his exceptional talent as a saxophonist and composer. Under the mentorship of the legendary Mulatu Astatke, Mesfin takes a courageous leap into spiritual experimentation, fusing elements from various traditions within Ethiopian music and jazz. Widely acclaimed as one of Ethiopia's most talented contemporary musicians, Mesfin's journey began at the age of 17, leading to collaborations with esteemed artists such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Aweke, and Vijay Iyer. His residency at Astatke's African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa further shaped his musical prowess. With this debut album, Mesfin continues to push the boundaries of Ethio-jazz, cementing his position as a visionary in the genre.