Ethiopia is one of the most diverse countries in the world.
If you drive five minutes you might be in a area that speaks an entirely
different language.
Each region and sub-region has a unique culture. One of the
ways that I have explored each of the regions is through music. Whether it’s
the steady heart beat of Tigraian music or the hip shaking of the south each is
distinct.
I’m going to take you through a musical tour of the regions
of Ethiopia that volunteers serve in to show some of the differences.
Lets start up north in Tigray. Tigray is one of the easier
regions to identify by music. The back ground beat reminds me of a steady heart
beat.
Amhara is a large region with many different types of
music. Amhara is best known for the
Eskista , a type of shoulder dancing. This song comes from the Gondar region or
Amhara.
Oromia is the largest region in Ethiopia. It also happens to
be my home so I have quite a bit of pride for this region. The women wear
beautiful beaded jewelry and the dance is more in the chest then shoulders.
SNNPR is an extremely diverse region. The music from this
region is some of my favorite to dance to. The first song is from the Gurage
region where I first lived when I came to Ethiopia.
This second song from
SNNPR comes from an area called Wolayta. This regions dance is mostly in the
hips.
There is even more diversity than this but I would be here
all day if I were to show you them all. To be honest when I first came to
Ethiopia it all kind of sounded the same. But I have found myself in love with
Ethiopian music. I find that being able to sing along and knowing the dances is
a great way for me to integrate with this amazing culture.
Just because I love them so I am leaving you with a modern
Ethiopian rock band that I love.
Sending you all the love from Ethiopia!
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