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| AKOTET |
| Label: Terp Records |
| Cat
No: AS12 |
| Format: CD |
| Genre: World |
| Barcode: 8717677740338 |
Release Date: 31/03/08 |
Zerfu Demissie, from Addis Abeba, is the son of Demissie Desta, the court-player of Haile
Selassie. Zerfu keeps a long family tradition going as his grandmother was also a well known Begena player.
Here are 11 songs of the Begena, the 10 string “Harp of David”, which dates back thousands of years, but is still played in Ethiopia. A mesmerizing buzzing sound which is dark, heavy and serious, but also light, fragile and spiritual. Rooted in the Orthodox Christian tradition it is about meditation, concentration and prayer and mainly listened to in the fasting periods, of which there are many in Ethiopia.
Includes fascinating lyrics which are both historical & contemporary - at times biblical, at other times tapped from different sources, incuding social commentary. But all including this typical Ethiopian phenomenon known as “Wax’n‘Gold”, the subtle poetry with double meaning, which is deciphered as an abstract art form.
The 24 page booklet has photos, lyrics, a history of the begena and an interview with Zerfu.
Tracks: Alayenem Belu, Alsemanem Belu / Degwawen Kitekut / Arb Yetaredewn / Ahadu Belo / Arb, Rob, Inegedef / Ne’i, Ne’i Kidane Mehret / Efoy Ta’ageseke / Sek’let / Dingelim / Esme Ante / Godana |
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