{"title":"Ayalew Mesfin","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAyalew Mesfin is a renowned Ethiopian artist known for his contributions to the music industry. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as one of the most influential musicians in Ethiopia. His unique style blends traditional Ethiopian sounds with modern elements, creating a captivating and distinct sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar to artists such as Samuel Belay, Bezuayene Zegeye, and Muluqèn Mèllèssè, Ayalew Mesfin's music resonates with audiences across generations. His soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics have made him a favorite among fans of Ethiopian music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout his career, Ayalew Mesfin has collaborated with notable performers including Girma Bèyènè, Tsehaytu Beraki, and Tekle Tesfa-ezghi. Together, they have created timeless classics that continue to be celebrated by music enthusiasts worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"che-belew-march-forward","title":"Che Belew (March Forward)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAyalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin’s music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin’s recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin’s uber-rare 7” single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Che Belew gives us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7” single releases. Contains an oversized 11” x 11” 16 page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin’s role within it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Now Again Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50382776107339,"sku":"1101927","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Gold LP","offer_id":50382776959307,"sku":"2046986","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50382774075723,"sku":"1101926","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/282dcb49-6c6d-46c7-9d01-c80d1df1575c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726258967"},{"product_id":"wegene-my-countryman-2","title":"Wegene (My Countryman)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAyalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin’s music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMesfin’s recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums – the first time that his music has been presented in this form. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin’s uber-rare 7” single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Wegene gives us 3 a chance to discover a rare \u0026amp; beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7” single releases. Contains an oversized 11” x 11” 16 page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin’s role within it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Now Again Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50383144419659,"sku":"2050421","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/AYALEW_MESFIN_Wegene_LP_653aa7d2_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726264430"},{"product_id":"mot-aykerim-you-can-t-cheat-death","title":"Mot Aykerim (You Can't Cheat Death)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAyalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin’s music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin’s recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums – the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin’s uber-rare 7” single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Mot Aykerim gives us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7” single releases. Contains an oversized 11” x 11” 16 page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin’s role within it. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Now Again Records","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50393846088011,"sku":"1105576","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red LP","offer_id":50393846219083,"sku":"2051256","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/ac86a721-acab-4401-92d7-a358f34a092b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726428361"},{"product_id":"good-aderegechegn-blindsided-by-love","title":"Good Aderegechegn (Blindsided By Love)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAyalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin’s music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin’s recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin’s uber-rare 7” single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. \u003ci\u003eGood Aderegechegn\u003c\/i\u003e gives us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7” single releases. Vinyl Contains an oversized 11” x 11” 16 page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin’s role within it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Now Again Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50452435140939,"sku":"1100642","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Clear LP","offer_id":50452435927371,"sku":"2029952","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50452435468619,"sku":"1100641","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/46cf1239-ab2e-46cd-85bd-b9ae2c5ab2d9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727152455"},{"product_id":"tewedije-limut-let-me-die-loved","title":"Tewedije Limut (Let Me Die Loved)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAyalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin’s music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin’s recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums – the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin’s uber-rare 7” single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Tewedije Limut gives us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7” single releases.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Now Again Records","offers":[{"title":"White LP","offer_id":50484317847883,"sku":"2050225","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50484317684043,"sku":"1103051","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/4b4b37da-0690-4e15-8f82-9a4171991c2c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727588138"},{"product_id":"wegene-my-countryman","title":"Wegene (My Countryman)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis re-issue is on vinyl only. Ayalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin’s music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin’s recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums –the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin’s uber-rare 7” single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Wegene gives us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7” single releases. Contains an oversized 11” x 11” 16 page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin’s role within it. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Now Again Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50489232589131,"sku":"1103571","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/f6602d1d-fea8-4abe-97b9-39e97720d96e_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727640122"},{"product_id":"hasabe-my-worries-hn","title":"Hasabe (My Worries)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHasabe\u003c\/em\u003e is a thoughtfully curated collection of Ethio-groove recordings from one of the overlooked pioneers of 1970s Addis Ababa’s vibrant music scene—Ayalew Mesfin and his Black Lion Band. Reissued once again thanks to our collaboration with Now Again. Pressed on 180g vinyl. For many, the music created in 1970s Ethiopia will sound both familiar and alien: while the trappings of ’70s Ethiopian music carry some aspects that those in the West will easily identify with—trap drum kits, jazz big-band styled horn sections, guitars played through wah wah and fuzz pedals—the Ethiopian style of singing, and the modes in which the musicians move, may confound. Perhaps some who have delved into the instrumental Ethio-Jazz of Mulatu Astatke—a well-known Ethiopian musical export, relatively unknown in his homeland—will have a context in which to engage this great compilation of ’70s Ethiopian music by Ayalew Mesfin. The music Mesfin created with his Black Lion Band is amongst the funkiest to arise from Addis Ababa; his recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7” singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia’s 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of the unconquerable East African nation. Ayalew was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of the country in 1974. Until recently, only four of Ayalew Mesfin’s tracks had been reissued, appearing in the well-known “Éthiopiques” series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHasabe\u003c\/em\u003e, a carefully curated collection of his singles, marks the first comprehensive release of this powerful and long-overlooked body of work by an artist whose originality and resistance defined a genre: Ethio-groove.More than four decades later, this album offers the rare opportunity to rediscover a vital and beautiful chapter in global music history. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53173889663307,"sku":"R3512-7924","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/p_65f38287-5f1a-4685-8da2-e849c5efa45f.jpg?v=1755120025"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_d97b406d_thumbnail_4096_9d59a503-507b-4ad1-b71a-69f0e5497e2c.jpg?v=1726258926","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/ayalew-mesfin.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}