Music enthusiasts in Ethiopia and beyond are in for a treat as Muzikawi, in collaboration with the esteemed Tigray Cultural Group, announces the release of a new single titled “Ebuney.” This track is available as of July 19th, on Muzikawi’s YouTube channel and all major digital streaming platforms, ahead of the highly anticipated album “Sounds of Ashenda” set to drop in August.
The Tigray Cultural Group, originally established in the 1960s, has long been a beacon of cultural preservation in the Tigray region. The group was revitalized in 2004 by a new generation of 37 members, including musicians, dancers, and artists, who have continued to honor and showcase the rich traditions of Tigray through captivating performances both at home and internationally.
“Sounds of Ashenda,” the upcoming album by Muzikawi and the Tigray Cultural Group, is a significant work that includes ten tracks, each representing the diverse cultural sounds of the Tigray region, with contributions from Tigrigna, Erob, Kunama, Raya, Tenben, and more. Recorded in 2013, this album is a testament to the enduring cultural heritage and vibrant musical traditions of Tigray.
The release of “Ebuney” is particularly exciting as it coincides with the Ashenda festival, a highly anticipated event in the northern parts of Ethiopia celebrated annually in August. During Ashenda, young women and girls gather to celebrate with new dresses, elaborate hairstyles, jewelry, and hand drums, chanting traditional songs for days and even weeks. This festival has seen a surge in popularity both locally and internationally in recent years, thanks to its rich history and cultural significance.
“Ebuney” is a traditional song from the Enderta area around Mekelle, traditionally sung by young women aged 15 to 21 during the Ashenda festival. The release of this single provides a glimpse into the vibrant musical heritage celebrated in “Sounds of Ashenda,” which promises to be a captivating exploration of the region’s cultural richness.
“We are thrilled to share the sound of ‘Ebuney’ with the world as a precursor to the ‘Sounds of Ashenda’ album,” said Muzikawi’s lead artist. “This collaboration with the Tigray Cultural Group has been a labor of love, and we hope that this music will inspire deeper appreciation for the enduring cultural traditions of Tigray.”
