A. Mulatu Astatke ft. Frank Holder - Assiyo Bellema / AA. Teshome Meteku - Hasabe

Africa 45, number 13.

‘Assiyo Bellema’ – Mulatu goes afro-latin, plus steel drums courtesy of Frank Holder. Assiyo Bellema was recorded during Mulatu’s time in London, during which he met Frank, along with many others including Tubby Hayes and Joe Harriott.

‘Hasabe’ was originally released on Amha in 1969. Soaring Ethiopian vocals and horns create a classic Ethiopian sound. Teshome Meteku was leader of Soul Ekos Band - they lived together! - and were very active in Addis in the 1960’s.