Eyob Mekonnen’s new CD

 

It was my colleague Selam who brought Eyob Mekonen’s CD to our office a week ago. And since the day I’ve discovered it, I’ve fallen under its spell. I loved this CD. I loved every second of it.

The debut from this deadlocked, heavily Bob-Marley influenced singer is beautiful and inventive.  It is a lovely record of alternately soulful, reggae and traditional Ethiopian folk. 

I also enjoyed its brilliant poetic sensibility.The lyrics are very much personal statements reflecting his experience on matters of the heart, be it praising his lover who doesn’t have a shiny looks but has a manner that outranks all other good-looking ladies in ‘Debzezesh’ or how crestfallen he became after his lover told friends and acquaintances that he was a nagging type when he tried to forward her advises for her own good in ‘Yemedir Dirshaye’.

The opener ‘Nekchalehu’ written by Elyas Melka seems like a gratitude to God fro helping him to transform into a better person after having a tumulus life. It comes as honey-sweetened and easy to swallow.

Elyas’s instrumental contributions are found in every of the track but he has also lend in composing more than seven lyrics.

Joining him with vocals is Zeritu Kebede on one of the tracks, “yene konjo’, a romantic duet. Gossaye Tesfaye and Haile Root have also helped with the melody.The bass player, Fasil Wuhib gave it a special twist to suit to the instruments.

The final track and the album’s title, ‘Man ende kal’ (Nothing like a promise) ends the album on an uplifting note. A fitting final to an emotional journey.

They say it took Eyob around four years to do this album. I would hate to think that you would have to suffer great pain to make great music, but on the evidence here it sure does help. 

I’m thankful for Selam for making me discover such a fabulous album.