Let’s try to not projectile vomit at the mere mention of ‘looking back at this year.’ If anything, music (and other forms of entertainment) has been the thread by which we (I) are ~hanging in there~ (barely). Not to belabor a point, but this year has been a hot mess. And not in a cute way either, if there’s such thing. Beyond The Pandemic™, Ethiopia, the country I deem my true spiritual home, the genesis for all of me (and from where the music on my yearly lists derive from), is experiencing widening crises. Namely, a war that sees no end. May love, hope, and faith sustain us, justice prevail, and the war end.
My mood and spirit have thus soured much at the end of this year. When so much has gone awry, the one constant has been the music that served as a (light! fun!) soundtrack to this thriller/sci-fi/horror movie of a year. Here are my favorites.
“Fikir Tewedede” – Hayleyesus Feyssa: This was an earworm of sorts, wasn’t it?! Lyrically and vocally his best work.
“Shenen” – Saba Andemariam: Yeah this is Eritrean but I’mma throw this one in for the CHOKEHOLD it had me in. I just love Saba’s dramatics– it makes a great song even better!
“Rora” – Ephrem Amare: Ephrem rarely misses, why start now?
“Halal Meret” – Sertsebirhan Tadesse – A beautiful song and ode to homeland that took on a greater depth as the year went on…
“Zufanu New” – Getish Mamo – The video is as important to the song as the lyrics are..
“qaH” – Timnit Welday: Another that doesn’t miss <3
“Neay Mehasheni” – Shewit Mezgebo: Shewit’s endearing voice made this song what it is.
“Keminew” – Hewan Gebrewold: The Jano Band ladies came out swinging this year!
“Lalibela” – Lemlem Hailemichael: Lemlem’s soprano voice floated on “Lalibela”.
“BeAnd Gojo” – Haleluya Tekletsadik x Henok Kibru: I love a good duet (and it’s bilingual!)
“Barsiisaa” – Hayleyesus Feyssa: SUCH a heartwarming song and video.
“Ziyoze” – Mikyas Chernet: More guraginya music please!!!
“Beka” – Dagi D: Lots of fun youthful energy in this one <3
“Diro” – Leul Tug: Just straight catchy!
“Ayshagnim” – Worku Molla: I love a mashup, here of the Amhara variety.
