Legendary Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed has announced the release of his 26th studio album, LeTarik—meaning “For History”—which he described as the final work of his long artistic career spanning six decades.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel on August 26. Mahmoud Ahmed, widely regarded as one of the defining voices of Ethiopian music, said the album is intended to preserve the country’s musical heritage and pass its melody, spirit and identity to younger generations.
The title LeTarik reflects the album’s purpose, according to the organisers: to honour the legacy of earlier Ethiopian music while creating a work that can serve as a cultural record for the future.
The album draws on Mahmoud Ahmed’s distinctive vocal and performance style, blending contemporary instruments with traditional Ethiopian musical sounds. It includes both new compositions and nostalgia-infused songs, with lyrics exploring love, life philosophy and social values.
Veteran and younger lyricists, composers, arrangers and music producers collaborated on the project. Mahmoud used the occasion to reflect on his decades-long journey in music and called on a new generation of artists to embrace modern production without abandoning the country’s cultural identity, traditional musical scales and artistic heritage.
The new release follows Mahmoud Ahmed’s final public stage performance, held last year, which marked the conclusion of his live-performance career. While he has stepped away from public concerts, LeTarik will serve as his final major artistic statement and a lasting contribution to Ethiopian music.
LeTarik will be distributed through major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, as well as other outlets. A single from the album is expected to be released on the eve of Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, ahead of the full album’s planned release in end of September.
The project is being coordinated by Yisakal Entertainment in partnership with an international music-distribution company. The organisers said the collaboration is intended to give the album wider global reach while preserving the authenticity of Mahmoud Ahmed’s music.
Yisakal Entertainment said it is working to honour established Ethiopian artists, promote their legacy and introduce Ethiopian culture and history to international audiences through the entertainment industry.
The company organises and coordinates local and international music events, concert platforms and arts programmes. It also promotes the work of veteran and emerging artists, distributes albums, manages contracts, produces audio-visual and digital content, and works with media organisations on promotional campaigns.
