National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

The fifth volume from the Ethiopiques series is dedicated to the music of Tigray and Eritrea. The majorities in each of these territories share the same language: Tigrigna which is an evolution of Ge'ez, as Amharic is. The Eritrea is a part of Tigray. In 1962, Haylè Sellasié anounced the annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia. 30 years of war later, Erytrea was declared independant by referendum. Tigrina music is of course sung in the Tigrina language, but derives its main originality from its own disctinctive rhythms, radiccaly different from those apparent in other music from this part of Africa. What remains of ancient Abyssinia still harbours an incredibly rich and diverse musical heritage. We may speak of Ethiopian music, but in fact this is a catchworld for many very different musical styles. Released in 1999.

— CalabashMusic.com