Addis Ababa-born, LA-based cultural worker Maheder Aekalu (mahiishaa) guides listeners through a lush soundscape of sultry ambassel, spiritual mensfesawi jazz, and tizita bati-infused instrumentals. Drawing inspiration from recent Muzikawi reissues of Jorga Mesfin and Ibex Band, as well as the newly reissued recordings of Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru via Mississippi Records, this mix pays homage to the meditative soul of the Horn of Africa.
Expect lesser known deep cuts from the 1990s and 2000s by Admas Band, Tigist Egiju, Theodros Mitiku, Ermias, and more—woven with contemporary jazz arrangements from artists like Hermon Mehari and Kibrom Birhane.