Ethiopian music is a term that can mean any music of Ethiopian origin, however, often it is applied to a genre, a distinct modal system that is pentatonic, with characteristically long intervals between some notes.
Amharas are a Semitic-speaking ethnic group which is indigenous to Ethiopia, traditionally inhabiting parts of the northwest Highlands of Ethiopia, particularly inhabiting the Amhara Region. According to the 2007 national census, Amharas numbered 19,867,817 individuals, comprising 26.9% of Ethiopia's population, and they are mostly Oriental Orthodox Christian.
Éthiopiques is a series of compact discs featuring Ethiopian singers and musicians. Many of the CDs compile songs from various singles and albums that Amha Records, Kaifa Records and Philips-Ethiopia released during the 1960s and 1970s in Ethiopia. Prominent singers and musicians from this era appearing on Éthiopiques releases include Alemayehu Eshete, Asnaketch Worku, Mahmoud Ahmed, Mulatu Astatke and Tilahun Gessesse. However, some other releases contain new recordings.
The culture of Ethiopia is diverse and generally structured along ethnolinguistic lines. Ethiopian culture is a tapestry woven with diverse traditions, reflecting the country's rich history and unique blend of influences. The country's Amharic-speaking majority at its core, Ethiopian culture encompasses a multitude of ethnic groups, each contributing distinct customs, languages, and artistic expressions. The Amhara people, who predominantly speak Amharic, have played a significant role in shaping Ethiopia's cultural identity, from their traditional music and dance Eskista to their cuisine and religious practices. Additionally, the Tigrayan, Somali, Oromo, Afar, Nuer, Anuak, and ethnic groups have also left indelible marks on Ethiopian culture. Their languages, traditions, and artistic expressions have contributed to the colorful mosaic of Ethiopian heritage. Furthermore, Ethiopia's interactions with its neighboring countries, such as Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, have infused its culture with diverse elements, highlighting its position as a crossroads of cultures where diversity thrives and influences merge, creating a dynamic and vibrant cultural landscape.
Mulatu Astatke is an Ethiopian musician and arranger considered as the father of "Ethio-jazz".
Tewodros Kassahun Germamo, known professionally as Teddy Afro, is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter. Known by his revolutionary songs and political dissent sentiment, Teddy is considered one of the most significant Ethiopian artists of all time. Teddy has had a huge cultural impact on the Ethiopian music industry and has been a big influence on many young artists.
Getatchew Mekurya was an Ethiopian jazz saxophonist.
Tizita is one of the Pentatonic scales or Qañat of the Amhara ethnic group.
Walias Band were an Ethiopian jazz and funk band active from the early 1970s until the early 1990s. Formed by members of the Venus Band, Walias backed up many prominent singers with a hard polyrhythmic funk sound influenced by western artists like King Curtis, Junior Walker and Maceo Parker. In 1977 they recorded one of the few albums of Ethiopian instrumental music in collaboration with vibraphonist Mulatu Astatke, whose role as a bandleader and composer was also a major influence on Ethiopian popular music.
Ester Rada is an Israeli actress and singer.
Black Jesus Experience are a nine piece Ethio-jazz band based in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2009 they have been best known for collaborations with Mulatu Astatke as well as a growing discography of independent work. Black Jesus Experience blend traditional Ethiopian music with hip-hop and funk.
The Cinema of Ethiopia and the film industry in general are relatively recent phenomena in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian film industry is growing but faces many problems that have prevented it from fully flourishing. Historically, live stage theater enjoyed more popularity in Ethiopia, creating a handful of relatively successful stage actors. Ethiopian films began modernizing in the 2000s, implementing Amharic, but due to wide home video and DVD distribution, they are often frustrated by copyright infringement in the presence of piracy. This was reduced in the early 2010s with the intervention of the government and the imposition of policy. Despite recent developments, the Ethiopian film industry continues to lack quality compared to modern world cinema and has a low budget amateurish style.
Francis Falceto is a contemporary French musicologist and music producer, specialising in World music and in particular music of Ethiopia which he helped propagate internationally from 1986 onwards.
Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument, also known as Shemonmuanaye, is a 1985 studio album by Ethiopian jazz musician Hailu Mergia, formerly of the Walias Band. After the band split up in 1983, Mergia moved to the United States and began studying music at Howard University, during which time he discovered an accordion and began playing it. Initially intending to record a cassette of himself playing the accordion in a small studio belonging to an acquaintance at Howard, he also incorporated other instruments in the studio, such as a Rhodes piano and synthesiser.
Menelik Wossenachew was an Ethiopian singer who was known for his famous singles "Fikir Ayarejim", "Sukar Sukar" "Teyaqiyew Biaschegregn " and later "Gash Jembere".
The Ethiopian Golden Age of Music was an era of Ethiopian music that began around the 1960s to 1970s, until the Derg regime progressively diminished its presence through politically motivated persecutions and retributions against musicians and companies, which left many to self-imposed exile to North America and Europe. Several artists and musical companies, as well as recording groups, emerged to produce their own singles and albums; the first being Amha Records, and Philips Records, Ethiopia Records and Kaifa Records, which is primarily based in Addis Ababa.
Hip hop music emerged in Ethiopia from early to mid 2000s combining traditional Ethiopian music to modern one. Early musicians were appeared MCs including Algorash, Mad Boys, Abyssinia Boys and Afaris. Furthermore, Teddy Yo and Lij Michael popularized this genre, becoming one of the most iconic rappers in the genre.
Popular music in Ethiopia started in 20th century with the advent of western influence and mostly blended with the traditional Ethiopian music genre. The first band was formed in 1924, which came from Armenia and served as the royal band of Emperor Haile Selassie. After the World War II, large orchestras accompanied the singers such as Army Band, Police Band, and Imperial Bodyguard Band. From 1960s to 1970s, the Ethiopian Golden Age of music altered the popular music industry with numerous singers marked their popularity such as Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed and Alemayehu Eshete.
