Birabiro

The centres of Ethiopian traditional music are known as azmari betoch, places to enjoy the songs, dance and stories of the azmari troubadours. The Fendika azmari bet, run by dancer and artistic director Melaku Belay, is one of the most renowned in Addis Ababa, and its house band record and tour internationally as two ensembles – Fendika and Ethiocolor. Their reputation is now international.

Reflecting Addis Ababa's standing as a cultural hub, Fendika's repertoire covers the many regions and ethnicities of Ethiopia, and their third album shows it off well. Birabiro captures an authentic aural experience of the azmari bet. The ensemble is small and acoustic: just voice, kebero (drums) and overtone-rich masenko (fiddle). But together they provide a whole range of atmospheres from dark and bluesy on ‘Zelesegna’ to the party vibe of ‘Ywolalya Weyo’. It's just a shame that we've not yet found a way to present the full impact of dancers on CD or vinyl. Next time you're in Addis Ababa, head over to Fendika azmari bet for a great evening of music and dance – in the meantime, get this album and go there with your ears.