Alternative R&B/POP Ethiopian TALENT SIGNS WITH SONY MUSIC AFRICA, announces debut ep ‘brana’,
Ethiopian singer-songwriter Ebne Hakim (ዕብነ ሐኪም) announces his debut EP “Brana” (ብራና), to be released on May 17th and unveils “Brana (Intro)”, accompanied with a visualizer shot in Addis Ababa. This comes with the announcement of his signing with Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
“Brana (Intro)” serves as a prelude to his upcoming EP, “Brana”, following the release of the emotional song “Gela” last March HERE. The spoken word introductory track in Amharic further reveals Ebne Hakim’s captivating soundscape, blending Ethiopian musical heritage with contemporary sounds spanning Alternative R&B, Pop, Funk, Soul, and Electronic – which he describes as Ethio-Fusion.
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Mikiyas Mengistu’s adopted the moniker Ebne Hakim, as he began sharing his poetry anonymously, finding freedom in the creative expression this anonymity afforded him. With profound passion and belief in the power of music as a universal language for emotions, his transition from poetry to music was seamless.
Ebne Hakim’s artistry was shaped between the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, the pulse of deep-rooted traditions, and the diverse range of musical influences within his family. The visionary talent has crafted a universe that captures the essence of the fascinating and immensely rich culture of Ethiopia, while embracing a global outlook, and merging aspects of both tradition and modernity.
Powered by his hypnotic melodies and vocals, Ebne Hakim’s music is a reflection of his journey, transforming personal experiences into a universal narrative, and singing stories that speak to the hearts and souls.
“Brana (Intro)” offers a cryptic glimpse into the soul-baring tale of “Brana,” where the character Ebne Hakim, a masterful student in literature returns home to a broken promise, finding his first love marrying another. As his protective facade crumbles, he seeks acceptance in unsavory parts of the city, compromising his morals, to eventually find peace, resilience, and balance.
“Brana” explores the path of self-discovery, the intricacies of human emotions and the dualities of life – encompassing love and heartbreak, sins and virtues, ideals and reality, the past and the new.
