The Life and Times of Menelik Wossenachew December 24, 2009 marked the one year anniversary of the passing of the wonderful, incredibly talented singer, music writer and lyricist, Menelik Wossenachew. Below is a piece I wrote for Horizon Ethiopia’s November issue. What makes one artist a legend and another with equal or more talent obscure? [...]
Published by Ethio Jazz December 30th, 2009 in African, Music and Podcast.
Every two years or so I would read an article similar to this published today on the Independent; Out of Africa: The stolen prince. The articles are usually good ones; they are descriptive and “historically accurate,” per say. Oxymoronic phrases like the ‘Royal Orphan’ and the ‘Stolen Prince’ thrown around quite a bit. I once [...]
Published by Nolawi June 18th, 2008 in Current Issues, History and Thoughts.
My Grandfather, he passed away at the beginning of this year. He was 87 years old. I am not in bereavement. I am looking at it as a conclusion to a great and fruitful life. The older I get, the more I realize that Abaye, I called him that, had a great influence on me. [...]
Published by Nolawi February 23rd, 2007 in Family.
I would go run to him to do one of the many things that he does to entertain or teach me. That is when he would put his hand on my back and start singing. Aba woldiye gedel gebu biye! Shiskerekeru bedem tenekeru! Shiskerekeru bedem tenekeru! Achuldra achuldra! Achuldra achuldra! He would tap my back [...]
Published by Nolawi November 18th, 2006 in Childhood, Music and Podcast.
If you have never been in love stop reading right now. You will never get it! Have ever felt pain? A pain caused by love! I once heard the below quote in a play: I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than [...]
Published by Nolawi November 3rd, 2006 in History and Music.