Mikael Seifu has been playing around these parts for over a year now but upon each listen, I discover another genius nuance I hadn’t heard in the listen before. The 27-year-old producer is based in and influenced by Addis Ababa and offers a sound with a reach far beyond the underground music scene in Ethiopia. His music is electronic in the broadest sense, with hints of traditional Ethiopian instrumentalism. BIG UPS to Mikael and his label, 1432 R, for pushing this sound out of East Africa–we can’t wait to hear more from this trailblazer. In the meantime (instead of twiddling your thumbs in anticipation for his next project, a second EP titled Zelalem), check out this insightful piece on him via Pitchfork (!!!) and fall in love with his debut EP below:
Month: August 2015
Listen: Mélat’s latest EP, “It Happens So Fast”
Austin-based Ethiopian singer-songwriter Mélat has been making moves on the low, taking advantage of the ever-so-accommodating Internet and the ability to self-release just about anything. With her sweet voice and accompanying airy-production, she’s garnered the attention of many listeners and blogs like The Fader. It will only be a matter of time until we hear of her online and on the radio. Listen to her newly released EP “It Happens So Fast” below:
HabeshaLA presents: the 1st Annual Summer Soul Sessions
On Friday August 14th, HabeshaLA launched the second Summer Soul Sessions event. Created to bring together creative Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora in Los Angeles, the Summer Soul Sessions will be an annual summer series’ that showcases musical talent. Our event featured hip hop artists Yonas Michael as well as LA-based rapper Mikey Amare. Sounds were provided by Mekonnen Garedew.
