Valentine Comar continues her “Breakfast in…” series, where she invites DJs and collectors from around the world to curate a guest mix under the breakfast theme; offering a window into their local sounds, stories, and rituals.
This week, we're having "Breakfast in Asmara" with Nahom, the founder of Eritrean Anthology, a project dedicated to preserving Eritrea’s rich musical heritage. The initiative focuses on rare vinyl from the late 1970s, a golden era when Eritrean artists blended jazz, funk, soul and traditional rhythms into something both deeply rooted and globally resonant.
Now in its fifth year, Eritrean Anthology continues to unearth and share the sounds that shaped generations, ensuring this music lives on far beyond its origin.
Reflecting on the mix, Nahom says:
"At home, there’s always a lively debate about which Eritrean breakfast reigns supreme. Is it the comforting Ga’at, often served to celebrate a newborn? Or the spiced delight of Kitcha Fit-fit? Or the much-loved Ful medames, a dish enjoyed across many neighbouring countries. One thing is certain: by the end of this episode, the debate won’t be settled. But I’ve put together a setlist of records celebrating Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, to carry you through the hour as you ponder which breakfast truly wins your heart."
As always, Valentine prepares a selection of tunes around the mix!
Worldwide Breakfast: Valentine Comar w/ Eritrean Anthology (guest mix)
Breakfast in Asmara
Camera Libera - Egzio Meharene Kirstos- እግዚኦ መሐረነ ክርስቶስ - Tewahedo Orthodox Church of Eritrea in Bologna
Chants Et Danses D'Erythree - Peuple Erythreen Prends Patience
Chants Et Danses D'Erythree - Ouvriers Et Paysans Luttons Ensemble
Yemane Barya - Bsrah Tegedide
Sami Berhane ሳሚ ብርሃነ - Ahla Eyun ኣሕላ ዕዩን
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BREAKFAST IN ASMARA W/ ERITREAN ANTHOLOGY
Hermon Mehari – Melsi’ – from the LP Asmara (Komos Records, 2022)
Ghirmai Kidane feat. I Cobra Orchestra – Kit-telmini diki (Cinelux, 1970)
Zerai Deres Band – Kemzi diyu neru ‘ti wuulna (Yetba Records, early 70s)
Hailemariam G. Ghiorgis – Tanzlied aus Eritrea (dance song from Eritrea) – Tigill Lemenor (Pentaton Records, 1985)
Alamin Abdullatif – Awalid Aje (Philips Records, 1974)
Hussein M. Ali – Sendeleytat (Philips, 1975)
Adam Faid Amir & Asmara All Stars – Derekam – Eritrea’s Got Soul (Out Here Records, 2010)
Dambisa – Eritrea (Castor, 1984)
OASI feat. Abraham Afewerki – Il cavaliere azzuro – Il Cavaliere Azzurro (IRA, 1986)
Osman Abdulrahim feat. Zerai Deres Band – Aqli Tsibet (Yared Records, 1973)
Tewolde Redda – Gamey (Philips, 1972)
Zerai Deres Band – Haderchi (Emporio Musicale, early 70s)
Ghirmai Kidane – Aythdemni (Esso, 1971)
Eritrean Cultural Group Stuttgart – Asmara (Tonstudio Bauer, 1989)
Tsehaytu Beraki – Ab may jah jah (Yared Records, 1973)
Tekle Tesfazghi – A’iwaf (Axum Records, 1975)
Ghirmay Solomon – Asmara (Axum Records, 1975)
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Hermon Mehari - Anthem For Independence
Tebèreh Tèsfa-Hunègn - Adèy wèladitèy
Tèklé Tèsfa-Ezghi - Sèlam tèmagwèt
Tèwèldè Rèdda - Nehadar zèytkèwen
Haile M. Ghiorgis - A Happy Disco Song
Awalom Gebremariam - Eritrea
Bereket Mengisteab - Tselaley
ሉላ ባንድ (Lula Band) - ትጽቢት