Rich Ethio-Traditional Styles and Jazz Rhythms - Atse Tewodros Project Scintillates as the Only Existing Ethio-Italian Band
On the crossroads of divergent genres, the Gabriella Ghermandi-led collective of 9 musicians & guests shines with their stunning, narratively powerful release, “Maqeda”
Bologna, Bo, Italy —May 17th, 2023 – Having recently dropped their new album “Maqeda”, dedicated to historical and mythological female figures of Ethiopia and the rituals of an ethnic group that has women at its center, the artistic group is establishing their own unique identity.
“Maqeda” marks the Ethiopian name of the Queen of Sheba, who according to the Ethiopian epic went to the court of the Emperor Solomon to propose a challenge on mutual knowledge. The result of a long and prolific four-year project, volleying between Ethiopia and Italy, “Maqeda” features composers of various ethnic groups, with songs in amharic, gamo, gofa and kunama languages.
Singing in 8 differente Ethiopian languages to celebrate Ethiopian cultural diversity, the new record has been sculpted by 8 talented musicians, part of Atse Tewodros Project and Misikir Minday Baranche, a singer and composer of Gofa Ethnic group. Several tracks on the record also display the talents of Italian and Senegalese special guests- with overall participation extending to 17 musicians.
Atse Tewodros Project is the only existing Ethio-Italian band in the world and with their new record the eclectic artists blend traditional Ethiopian music with a jazz influenced soundscapes. Coordinated by ethio-italian writer/performer and passionate vocalist Gabriella Ghermandi, the ensemble is sending waves in the music world.
Not just scintillating sounds, the songs in “Ethiopia celebrating Emperor Tewodros II” are also a rich representation of stories of magical encounters with Ethiopian & Italian musicians, intellectuals, poets, composers, and ordinary people.
The titular face- Emperor Atse Tewodros (1818–1868) was an iconic historical personality who broke the age-old tradition of rule through royal lineage known as ‘Zemene Mesafint’, Ethiopian for ‘rule of princes’, taking power as a military leader of great strength, charisma, and conviction. Tewodros’ legacy as one of Ethiopia’s greatest freedom fighters is greatly celebrated by Gabriella in ‘Ethiopia’.
“I believe music must be engaged. There is no music just made to be performed. Music is a way of taking place and give volume to unexpressed voices. Music doesn’t mean politic but goes into politics, into building society, into ones life. Music is a way of giving the vision of a possible or impossible future,” affirms the project lead Gabriella Ghermandi.
Ghermandi continues to work towards her goal of creating an ensemble which promotes Ethiopian music in Ethiopia and around the world and giving space to traditional Ethiopian instruments. With her talented musicians, the artist hopes to share stories about a country “as old as humanity” around the world.
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ABOUT
The Atse Tewodros Project brings together a talented group of artists and musicians, each contributing their unique skills to create a captivating musical experience. Fabrizio Puglisi, an underrated master of European jazz, is a pianist with a diverse portfolio, including his avant-latin project Guantanamo and exploration of Gnawa music with Fawda Trio. Camilla Missio, an accomplished bass player, has toured with notable Italian artists and performed in live orchestras for national TV shows. Endris Hassen, a dynamic masenqo player, merges Ethiopian traditions with jazz improvisation, collaborating with renowned musicians like Samuel Yirga. Anteneh Teklemariam is a skilled krar player and composer, adding his talent to the EthioColor Band and Qwanqwa band.
The project also includes Tommy Ruggero, a percussionist, has studied drumset and West African percussions, specializing in the fusion of musical cultures. Misale Legesse, a traditional percussionist, shines in projects like the Ethio Color Band and Fendika. Abu Gebre Keto, an experienced washint flute player, has worked with Ethiopia’s National Theater and jazz musician Mulatu Astatke. Misikir Mindaye Baranche is a Gamo and Gofa composer. Leading the project is Gabriella Ghermandi, an extraordinary singer, performer, and writer renowned for her narratives rooted in Ethiopian traditions. Her novel “Regina di fiori e di perle” received critical acclaim. Together, they create a vibrant and captivating musical experience, celebrating Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
CONTACT
Atse Tewodros Project
Name: gabriella ghermandi
Email: gabriella.ghermandi@gmail.com
Phone: +393479499657
LINKS
Website: https://www.gabriella-ghermandi.it/music/music/discography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQiExpbT4Y6JEdL2G41Zzg
Genres: World Music
Source: ArtistPR Music Press Release
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