With a lighter touch than Malian heavyweights like Tinariwen, Tamikrest, and Tartit, Ethiopian guitarist and composer, but with an equally sublime way, Etsegenet Mekonnen introduces her new project, Esy Tadesse. Marking this exciting new chapter is her debut release for FPE Records, the golden-toned, intimate EP Ahadu. The first taste of this project is the sublime track Buna (Amharic for coffee). This single features Esy’s signature electric guitar, celebratory wordless vocals, and a propulsive krar (“five-or-six stringed bowl-shaped lyre from Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is tuned to a pentatonic scale“).
It’s a delightful introduction to her vibrant sound, promising a rich blend of Ethiopian musical tradition and modern sensibilities.
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