Tsehay Yohannes - Letinish [2012] [ethiopia]

Tsehay Yohannes - Yewahlibe

       The fact that Tsehay Yohannes (ፀሃየ ዮሃንስ) has not been featured on the voluminous Ethiopiques series is a testament to the richness of Ethiopia's musical history. 

       Born in 1961, Yohannes (also spelled Yohanis) started singing for the Kebur Zebegna band at age 14 and recorded his debut album, Tey Munit, in 1974. He later played with the Roha Band and Dadimos Band. 

         Having grown up in Tigrai but born in Gondar, Yohannes sang both in Amharic and Tigrinya and promoted cultural unity in his lyrics. Great dissension remains today between separatist Eritreans, Habesha, and Ethiopians alike. Because Amharic is considered an invasive language to the other cultures, illiteracy is a complicated issue in Ethiopia. Yohannes' hit song "Berta Zemede," a tribute to activist Edeget Beheberet Zemecha, became the official theme for the the "Manbebena Mestaf" and "Meseret Temehert" movements which almost doubled the literacy rate of the country in the 70s and 80s. 

  

      Tsehay Yohannes has yet again graced Ethiopian music lovers everywhere with another impeccably crafted album. For the past few decades Tsehay has continually indulged his fans with his own brand of music that sets him apart from all other artists in the music industry. 

        His rich blend of traditional Ethiopian melodies and modern rhythm has again left his fans in awe at his musical talent and unsurpassed vocal ability. He is delighted at now being able to entertain his fans with what can be described as one of his best ever musical projects, in a career which has spanned several decades. 

     Tsehay is arguably one of the most gifted Ethiopian artists of his generation and has proved to be an inspiration for many of the up and coming young artists of today. With the song and music video named ‘Beanew Bey’, otherwise known as ‘Welayta’, he serves to express his love and admiration for all cultures and traditions that encompass Ethiopia. The entire album provides listeners with a variety of traditional styles that convey Tsehay’s patriotism and love for his country and his people. This is a wonderful album which will be sure to be popular amongst all Ethiopian music enthusiasts.

01 - Tsehay Yohannes - Selantiya (5:41)

02 - Tsehay Yohannes - Atamirim Woy (5:29)

03 - Tsehay Yohannes - Nefse (5:25)

04 - Tsehay Yohannes - Lela (5:40)

05 - Tsehay Yohannes - Min Yewitegne Neber (5:30)

06 - Tsehay Yohannes - Fikiri (3:21)

07 - Tsehay Yohannes - Leba (4:46)

08 - Tsehay Yohannes - Letinish (4:41)

08 - Tsehay Yohannes - Yamilak Sira (5:36)

09 - Tsehay Yohannes - Yetizita Esregna (4:59)

10 - Tsehay Yohannes - Limegi (4:25)

11 - Tsehay Yohannes - Eweraredalehu (4:25)

   Partial Discography:   

Tey Munit (1974)

Fenchettwa (1975)

Sab Sam (1977)

Tur New (1979)

Tebale Ende (1982)