After yesterday’s hardcore we need to swing East and take it down a notch.

Aster Aweke is one of contemporary Ethiopian music’s finest voices. She was born in Gonda, Ethiopia, but grew-up in Addis Ababa. By the mid-1970s she had developed an interest in local music and started singing with some groups in Addis. Her powerful voice attracted the attention of musician Ali Tango who would go on to support her musically and financially as her career developed.

In 1978 she got a break when she started singing with the Roha Band. By ’79, however, Ethiopia was descending into political chaos. Aweke fled the country, eventually settling in Washington DC by 1979. In the USA she quickly gained popularity among the American-Ethiopian community and eventually attracted quite a large following back home.

Two songs today, one from 1991′s album Kabu and another off the first volume of the wonderful Desert Blues compilation.

Aster Aweke – Tchewata
Aster Aweke – Y’shebellu