Free Music Articles

The music of Ethiopia is diverse. It differs between ethnic groups throughout Ethiopia. The sound and dance differs greatly, and yet compliments each other country wise. National TV stations broadcast music and culture of the ethnic groups on a regular basis.

The Oromo, Guragie, Amhara, Afar and Tigray songs are the most widely listened within and outside the country. With some artists singing in multiple languages in the same album. The Amharic language dominates the market by far as far more Ethiopians speak the language. Amharic language is widely accepted as the official language in the country.

The Amharic music is widely influenced by earlier Christian origins, Jazz and Blues to a great extent. Most singers also mix traditional songs as well, with the popular music gaining more strength by the day. There are several singers widely known inside the country and abroad. Artists like Tilahun Gessesse, Bizunesh Bekele Mahmoud Ahmed and Alemayehu Eshete are some of the ones who are widely heard inside Ethiopia. Gigi, Aster Aweke and Mulatu Astatke has gained a more wider popularity outside the country as well as within. Music of Ethiopia has been featured in many international movies and events in Holywood and around the world.

Christian songs in both Orthodox and Evangelical are also very widely listened to within the country and the diaspora. The Christian music is referred to as mezmur and the Orthodox christian songs are simply referred to as Orthodox mezmur.

Both the traditional and modern songs of Ethiopia have influenced the musical culture in the neighouring countries. Many Sudanese TV and radio stations play Ethiopian and Eritrean music on regular basis, while the Somali songs are influenced by the Oromo music culture of Ethiopia.

Popular Oromo singers include Ali Birra (by far the most famous), Aadam Haruun, Abbabaa-Abbashuu, Addisuu Furgaasaa, Biqilaa Guyyootaa, Elemo Ali and Shambel Debele.

About the Author: Meron Zg is a voluteer at mezmur