Soulful Sounds from Ethiopia

Posted July 15th, 2013 at 6:52 pm (UTC-4)
19 comments

A colleague told me about a duo act from Ethiopia coming through town by the name Munit & Jörg. I gave their music a listen on bandcamp and, though different than the more traditional or fusion  sound I generally go for, there was something new and fresh in it I liked. A few days later Munit & Jörg came into Studio 4 here in Washington.

They were on tour in the Eastern US from Ethiopia to promote the release of their new CD, called 2.  The stop in Washington was to perform at one my favorite D.C. venues, a chic little world music spot with a contemporary psychedelic decor called Tropicalia.

They coined the name Ethio-Acoustic Soul to describe their musical style. They play original compositions as well as arrangements of classic works such as “Yekermo Sew” by Ethio-Jazz master Mulatu Astatke and Ethiopian folk music.

Check out our interview and their live performance of three tracks off 2: “Trans-Africa Highway” (written by Munit & Jorg), “Yekermo Sew” (music by Mulatu Astatke), and “Hagare” (written by Munit & Jorg).

 

 

Heather Maxwell
Heather Maxwell produces and hosts the award winning radio program "Music Time in Africa" and is the African Music Editor for the Voice of America. Heather is an ethnomusicologist with a Ph.D. from Indiana University specializing in African Music. She is also an accomplished jazz and Afrojazz/Afrosoul vocalist and has been working, researching, and performing in Africa and the U.S. since 1987.

19 responses to “Soulful Sounds from Ethiopia”

  1. eyob says:

    Thank you for profiling the two talented artists. I loved their style. I will definitely buy their CD. May the Lord be with the two of them.

  2. munit says:

    thank you so much for this wonderful time, heather! you can follow us at: http://www.facebook.com/munitandjorg – appreciate the support!

    • Heather Maxwell Heather Maxwell says:

      Munit, you were a pleasure to interview and hear. Best of luck and may our paths cross again soon.

  3. Kassahun says:

    Munit & Jorg thriving

  4. Kassahun says:

    Munit & Jorg thriving…

  5. Heather Maxwell Heather Maxwell says:

    Yes, Kassahun, isn’t it wonderful?

  6. kassahun says:

    I like wish I could sing & be invited to your studio

  7. Daniel says:

    Oh …. How sweet these two are! How can I miss this? Thanks VOA introducing Munit & Jorg. I really enjoyed them. Will buy the CD.

  8. sonja stoikovska says:

    Wow what a refreshing change.I Came across this site while checking out something else. I have a feeling this couple would do very well in Asia too, both among the local and expat audiences . What a blessing. thanks for the post.

    Sonja

  9. Feleke says:

    I like those artists.
    I wonde Munit, she Wes singing incredibly!
    God bless you.

  10. Natasha says:

    Really cool songs. Came across this while researching some extra songs for an African music playlist post that I put together, would be interested to get your opinion! http://20greatsongs.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/20-great-songs-african/

  11. […] Voice of America Sharing?Like this:Like Loading… Tagged Munit & Jorg, Munit and […]

  12. Meron says:

    Experiencing a jetlag and ran into this – how amazing are these duet, especially singing Mulatu’s song..keep representing!

  13. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

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Heather Maxwell produces and hosts the award-winning radio program “Music Time in Africa” and is the African Music Editor for the Voice of America. Heather is an ethnomusicologist with Doctorate and Master’s degrees from Indiana University specializing in African Music. She is also an accomplished jazz and Afrojazz/Afrosoul vocalist and has been working, researching, and performing in Africa and the U.S. since 1987.

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