The rich culture in Ethiopia has greatly influenced its music as each song has that soulful vibe and patriotic traditional harmony. It is not surprising that in a country that has endured many severe wars and anguish, such profound events influenced their great culture and musicianship. Music is indeed a creative way to express yourself. Traditional music forms the foundation of Ethiopian culture and tradition. Ethiopian musicuses basically only five notes – Thu, Re,Wed, So, La, but despite the fewer notes used, Ethiopian music is one of the musical sounds of the world that has captivated its audience in an unusual way with music and lyrics. Since some of the interesting forms of Ethiopian music are written in the local dialect, not everyone can understand the words. Expressive and soulful, it shows how much they really love music. Their music tells not only about the love between two people, but also about the endless love for the country that longs for freedom and the simple life.
Today, Ethiopian music has evolved and developed better over the years as Ethiopian songs make their way into the international music industry; driven by music videos and use of modern synthesizers. Here are 20 Ethiopian music you should definitely listen to:
Interesting Ethiopian music
1. Yene Deha – Mikiya’s chernet
It’s a modern song about a manlonging for love and missing his partner who decided to work abroad. Yene Deha literally means “my poor ones”. It’s a relaxing music that has a deeper meaning and is very sentimental.
2. Elelta-Samvod
A feel-good hip-hop dance hit with a new take on Ethiopian musicianship and talent. The music and video show how the artist has expressed the influence of hip-hop culture, which identifies primarily with the West. It is one of the newest musical vibes emerging from the modern generation of Ethiopian music performers.
3. Tew Man Nehe – Sayat Demissie
It’s beautiful music by a model and a beauty queen with a song that reflects the fusion of new music and tradition as seen by the younger generation.
4. Alex – Wey Mela Nesh Alu
It’s a modern song that focuses on Habesha hip hop music but still carries the major Amharic traditional influence. It is one of the interesting Ethiopian music to listen to.
5. Alebsise – Zema Sabawiyan
It is the perfect example of what Hadiya music is. The girl group led by Bethlehem Belete showed the world what traditional music and singing is all about.
6. Hasrabum Mesekie- Sayat Demissie
It’s a fantastic new song with the familiar cool beat associated with Ethiopian music. It’s mostly aimed at the younger audience as it features a happy pacing and a sleek music video.
7. Selamawit Gebru – Konjo Mewded
An ideal example of how the Ethiopian sound came about. The video projects various unique dance moves with dancers dressed in purple and white against a yellow background.
8. Yezina Negash – Gedamu
It underscores Ethiopians’ great love of party and self-expression. It very much shows her fondness and love for the good and sweet life. A song from 2009 remains evergreen.
9. Abby Lakew – Audra / Awo Bel
It’s modern and great dance music that evokes her sense of fun. Sang in English and has a happy, cool tempo with hints of traditional melodies in the background.
10. Fesum Yelesh Acha – TilaHun Gessese
TilaHun Gessese is a late contemporary music artist who has always shown his patriotism in most of the songs he sang. The song shows great love for one’s country and hunger for freedom.
11. Yageren Libs Lebishe – Nati Haile
It’s a great song coming from a modern music artist with a new groove and pop music appeal. Yageren Libs Lebishe is one of the coolest Ethiopian songs to listen to.
12. Zeritu Kebede – Yenem Ayne Aytobal
It is a deeply harmonious and meaningful song that shows their passion and dedication to how humanity can change the world. This song is a call to humanity, specifically regarding our role in making the world and our community a better place.
13. Bye Bye – Netsanet Melesse
It shows how much they love life and how everyone needs to hold on to all their hopes and dreams. It’s a meaningful song that expresses the pain of separation and loneliness.
14. Ahla Eyun – Sami Berhane
This is traditional Eritrean music popularly sung in Arabic with a cool and relaxing happy tempo. It is one of the songs that are most comfortable in a relaxed atmosphere.
15. Emhalelu – Mahlet Gebregiorgis
It is a fine example of the traditional music of Ethiopia, commonly known as Tigrigna (an Afroasiatic language spoken mainly by the residents of the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia (65%) and those occupying the adjacent borders of southern Eritrea (35th century). %), is spoken.
16. Sela Bey – Jacky Goose
The tile literally means “very good” and shows how much they love the good things in life and the attachments that come with them. This is a song by one of the hottest young artists – Jacky Goose
17. Yelben Adarsh - Teddy Afro
It is another trending song that has great influence on modern pop music and western culture as it is one of the latest songs released this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2l88R7P2pQ
18. Mamaye – Mikiya’s Charnet
It’s a great song with the message of expressing love for mother or country and among other songs released by Mikiya’s Charnet this is one that demands responsibility.
19. Alchilim – Dina Anteneh
This Ethiopian music is a beautifully sung piece with fabulous dancing to accompany it. The music video is great and shows Ethiopia’s love for arts and dance. The song was released by the beautiful Dina Anteneh.
20. Goyam – Mehari Degefaw
It’s traditional music that’s just powerful and interesting. A patriotic song with so much emotion and emphasis on love for their motherland.
Note: We also included some Eritrean music tracks in this article as the overall playstyle between the two neighboring countries is somewhat similar.
New Ethiopian Music
With all the advancements in music, no wonder Ethiopian music has evolved over time. African music in general is conquering the world; We have African artists in the US, UK and Canada – and we’re proud of that. Here is some new Ethiopian music to be proud of:
1. Etsegenet Hailemariam ft. Asgegnew Ashko (Asge) – Mahelando
2. Meselu Fantahun – Velelaw
3. Adera Tigabu – Tolo Ney
4. Gizachev Teklemariam – Ligabav Beyene
5. Niway Damte (Suke) – Tenesabig
Traditional Ethiopian music
No matter how the music has developed over time. Traditional Ethiopian music cannot be replaced. Traditional music set the pace and created the basis for new music. Here are some that will always deserve their due:
1. Solomon Demle – Mech Ayeshiwuna
2. Gizachev Teklemariam – Ligabav Beyene
3. Ishmael Mohammed – Tenegrolet
4. Fikeru Yilkal-Arada
5. Getish Mamo – Tekebel
Instrumental Ethiopian music
Instrumental music is always soothing, which is why many prefer it. Ethiopian instrumental music will always bring you to a peaceful state.
Here is a compilation of the most popular music in this genre: