Fantahun Shewankochew Album Release Concert: Jun 16, 2023
Ethiopian-Canadian musician Fantahun Shewankochew is set to release his new album, Lemen, at the Alliance Francaise de Toronto theatre on Friday June 16th at 8 PM. Lemen?! (literally meaning Why) is a rediscovery of Ethio-jazz, traditional and popular Ethiopian music with a modern twist.
Fantahun Shewankochew is an accomplished krar player, vocalist, composer and arranger. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Fantahun hails from a country with a diverse mix of rich culture, traditions and music. A graduate of the Yared School of Music in Addis Ababa, Fantahun is well experienced in the unique tunings of Ethiopian music. Before moving to Toronto he worked as the music department coordinator of the Ethiopian National Theatre in Addis Ababa.
Fantahun has toured widely, from China in the East, to Venezuela in the west, and recorded profusely, including an album of Ethiopian love songs with the popular young singer Gigi. Since his arrival in Toronto in 2011, he has performed at Harbourfront Centre, the Music Gallery, Habari Africa Festival, What is Classical Festival, Lula Lounge, Small World Music Festival, Alliance Francaise Toronto Theatre, Daniel’s Spectrum, Gladstone Hotel, and most notably with an all-star collective at the Glenn Gould Studio for CBC’s Canada Live and the Luminato Festival.
Shewankochew released his fifth album titled, “Adera (An Undertaking)” in April 2016. His new album Lemen?! (Why?!) is set for release on June 16th at Alliance Francaise Theatre in Toronto. He will be accompanied by an ensemble of talented musicians for this concert.
Fantahun Shewankochew CD Launch Concert
DATE: Friday June 16, 2023
VENUE: Alliance Francaise Theatre, 24 Spadina Rd. (north of Bloor St.), Toronto, M5R 2S7
TIME: Doors 7:30pm, Concert 8pm
TICKETS: Advance at EventBrite
INFO: fantahunko@gmail.com, batukimusic@yahoo.com
Fantahun Shewankochew thanks the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Ethiopian Airlines and Batuki Music Society for their generous support.
