Part of the Small World Music Festival presented in association with Batuki Music Society
Dinner Reservations guarantee seating: 416-588-0307
Krar Collective will serve up mind-blowing Ethiopian grooves on their Toronto debut. Armed with their krar, kebero drums and stunning vocals, they have created Ethiopia Super Krar – a sound rooted in tradition and soaked with attitude.
“unlike any other music from Africa in recent years. It’s at once accessible, beautiful, and energetic.” – All Music Guide
The unstoppable trio, dubbed ‘the White Stripes of Ethiopia’ for their minimalist rocky sound, are favourites on the London scene and increasingly on the international live circuit. They are renowned for dynamic performances of their contagious music and dance moves. The instrumental line-up features the krar and bass krar lyre, kebero drums, a one stringed masenqo fiddle and a washint flute accompanying the band’s distinctive vocals.
Band leader Temesgen Zeleke and Genet Assefa share lead singer role. Genet is magnetic in performance – her soaring ululations and perfectly delivered melodies fill the spacious sound. Temesgen Zeleke is a revolutionary krar player – standing to strum and pick his electrified instrument, often kneeling to the floor during his killer solos in intense Hendrix fashion, all on just six open strings. As a young student Temesgen was mentored and encouraged by legendary Ethio-jazzman Mulatu Astatke, and an instrumental arrangement by Astatke features on their debut CD. The famous Ethiopian actress Asnakech Worku, who pioneered the krar as an accompaniment to her emotional ballads during the 1960s and 70s, is also paid a tribute via a cover of her spine-tingling song ‘Endye Eyerusalem’.
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