Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument: Shemonmuanaye

Whilst we’re used to hearing lilting scales from vintage Ethiopia, this latest reissue from Awesome Tapes from Africa is like nothing else from the golden era celebrated by the Ethiopiques compilations, despite its strong connection to that period. Hailu Mergia is an arranger and keyboard player, a contemporary of Mulatu Astatke and Mahmoud Ahmed, and leader of one of the country’s pioneering groups, The Wallias Band. He is perhaps best known for his version of ‘Muziqawi Silt', as well as an incredibly rare album of instrumentals.

This curio emerged after the band toured the US in the early 80s, and some of its members opted to relocate. Wanting to reinvigorate the accordion sound of his youth, Hailu Mergia set about this solo project, which merged the acoustic instrument with layers of electronics to mesmerising effect. The title-track and opener slithers along, as the accordion glides up and down the scales over Fender Rhodes stabs, anchored by a Moog bassline and tinny drum box. It’s like the Radiophonic Workshop relocated to Addis Ababa. ‘Ambasel’ is recast as a jazzy and eerie soundtrack, whilst the driving ‘Belew Beduby’ gathers pace as Mergia plays a measured Rhodes solo over the hypnotic melody. Of its time, and yet totally modern, this is one of the biggest musical surprises of the year so far.