Aselefech Ashine & Getenesh Kebret, Army Band – ሸገኔዎች (Beauties) [Ethiopia 1976] – New LP

 Release date: June 16, 2023

"BEAUTIES, a never-before-reissued classic of the Ethiopian Golden Age - all woozy horns, heavy rhythms, and stunning intertwined female vocals. It’s been a dream release for us for many years, and it’s finally coming out in collaboration with our friends at Domino Sound in New Orleans. Across ten tracks, the “beauties” Aselefech Ashine and Getenesh Kebret duet in close harmony, backed by the Army Band in top form. Arranger Teshome Sisay’s flute weaves through Mulatu-esque minor key piano runs, interlocking percussion, and rocksteady bass. The greatest elements of Ethiopia’s Golden Age combine here, in one of the final records of the era.

Aselefech and Getenesh were raised in the bustling cosmopolitan world of late-empire Addis Ababa. They met at the Hager Fikir Theatre, the legendary center for art and cultural learning in Addis, where they were trained in centuries-old vocal techniques as well as acting. BEAUTIES was their first album and an instant hit, selling out upon release in 1976. But its glory was short lived. Ethiopia was undergoing full takeover by a military regime that would outlaw all recording and live performance for the next two decades. Targeted as allies of the deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, the artists (and most musicians) had to keep a low profile. That BEAUTIES was even released is a miracle. Though she was never able to make a second record, Aselefech Ashine is proud of her work. In an interview at her home in Addis this year, she said, 'I have full confidence that this album will be popular and a hit when it is released again now!'  This reissue is released in collaboration with the artists and comes in old-school tip on jacket with short artist interview and lyric translations. We’re ecstatic to see this music back in the world!!!

Arranged By, Composed By – Teshome Sisaye*