20.8.26

Alemayehu Eshete - Alteleyeshegnem (Philophon)

Representing a new reissue from Philophon

‍

Alemayehu Eshete is widely regarded as the Golden Voice of Ethiopia. 

Since his first hit single, Seul, in 1961, he has become one of the defining figures of Ethiopian soul music. No other Ethiopian musician embraced and adapted the latest trends from the American soul scene as consistently as Alemayehu, combining the energy of James Brown, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett with Ethiopia's rich melodic traditions to forge a sound that was entirely his own.

Born in Addis Ababa, Alemayehu rose to prominence during the golden age of Ethiopian popular music in the 1960s and early 1970s. Performing with leading orchestras such as the Police Orchestra, the Ibex Band and the Ras Band, he became one of the country's most charismatic live performers. His powerful voice, electrifying stage presence and unmistakable phrasing earned him a devoted following and secured his place among the great icons of Ethiopian music. His recordings remain essential classics of the Ethio-soul repertoire and have introduced generations of listeners around the world to the unique sound of Ethiopia's musical renaissance.

This reissue brings together two highlights from Alemayehu Eshete's collaboration with Philophon. On “Alteleyeshegnem", the Philophon house band reimagines the singer's funky classic with a driving beat, mystical harmonies and a pumping bassline, while preserving the spirit of the original recording. “Feqer Feqer Nèw” captures Alemayehu at his soulful best, showcasing the unmistakable vocal style that made him one of Ethiopia's most celebrated singers.

Both tracks have been specially remastered for this reissue, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless artistry of one of Africa's greatest vocalists.

The collaboration between Alemayehu Eshete and Philophon was initiated by Listros e.V. Berlin with the support of the German Federal Cultural Foundation, creating a unique musical dialogue between Ethiopia's legendary Golden Voice and a new generation of musicians.

Main image: Alemayehu Eshete by Schorle, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

‍

No items found.
Alemayehu Eshete - Alteleyeshegnem

Alemayehu Eshete - Alteleyeshegnem (Philophon)

Representing a new reissue from Philophon

‍

Alemayehu Eshete is widely regarded as the Golden Voice of Ethiopia. 

Since his first hit single, Seul, in 1961, he has become one of the defining figures of Ethiopian soul music. No other Ethiopian musician embraced and adapted the latest trends from the American soul scene as consistently as Alemayehu, combining the energy of James Brown, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett with Ethiopia's rich melodic traditions to forge a sound that was entirely his own.

Born in Addis Ababa, Alemayehu rose to prominence during the golden age of Ethiopian popular music in the 1960s and early 1970s. Performing with leading orchestras such as the Police Orchestra, the Ibex Band and the Ras Band, he became one of the country's most charismatic live performers. His powerful voice, electrifying stage presence and unmistakable phrasing earned him a devoted following and secured his place among the great icons of Ethiopian music. His recordings remain essential classics of the Ethio-soul repertoire and have introduced generations of listeners around the world to the unique sound of Ethiopia's musical renaissance.

This reissue brings together two highlights from Alemayehu Eshete's collaboration with Philophon. On “Alteleyeshegnem", the Philophon house band reimagines the singer's funky classic with a driving beat, mystical harmonies and a pumping bassline, while preserving the spirit of the original recording. “Feqer Feqer Nèw” captures Alemayehu at his soulful best, showcasing the unmistakable vocal style that made him one of Ethiopia's most celebrated singers.

Both tracks have been specially remastered for this reissue, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless artistry of one of Africa's greatest vocalists.

The collaboration between Alemayehu Eshete and Philophon was initiated by Listros e.V. Berlin with the support of the German Federal Cultural Foundation, creating a unique musical dialogue between Ethiopia's legendary Golden Voice and a new generation of musicians.

Main image: Alemayehu Eshete by Schorle, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

‍

Alemayehu Eshete - Alteleyeshegnem (Philophon)

Representing a new reissue from Philophon

‍

Alemayehu Eshete is widely regarded as the Golden Voice of Ethiopia. 

Since his first hit single, Seul, in 1961, he has become one of the defining figures of Ethiopian soul music. No other Ethiopian musician embraced and adapted the latest trends from the American soul scene as consistently as Alemayehu, combining the energy of James Brown, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett with Ethiopia's rich melodic traditions to forge a sound that was entirely his own.

Born in Addis Ababa, Alemayehu rose to prominence during the golden age of Ethiopian popular music in the 1960s and early 1970s. Performing with leading orchestras such as the Police Orchestra, the Ibex Band and the Ras Band, he became one of the country's most charismatic live performers. His powerful voice, electrifying stage presence and unmistakable phrasing earned him a devoted following and secured his place among the great icons of Ethiopian music. His recordings remain essential classics of the Ethio-soul repertoire and have introduced generations of listeners around the world to the unique sound of Ethiopia's musical renaissance.

This reissue brings together two highlights from Alemayehu Eshete's collaboration with Philophon. On “Alteleyeshegnem", the Philophon house band reimagines the singer's funky classic with a driving beat, mystical harmonies and a pumping bassline, while preserving the spirit of the original recording. “Feqer Feqer Nèw” captures Alemayehu at his soulful best, showcasing the unmistakable vocal style that made him one of Ethiopia's most celebrated singers.

Both tracks have been specially remastered for this reissue, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless artistry of one of Africa's greatest vocalists.

The collaboration between Alemayehu Eshete and Philophon was initiated by Listros e.V. Berlin with the support of the German Federal Cultural Foundation, creating a unique musical dialogue between Ethiopia's legendary Golden Voice and a new generation of musicians.

Main image: Alemayehu Eshete by Schorle, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

‍