A Talk with Teferi Assefa, Drummer
Teferi Assefa is a quiet, at times effervescent, and friendly person. A returnee from the United States, this thirty-eight-year-old drummer is one of the new generations of musicians leading the budding jazz scene in town. His entire life is centered on music. He is busy performing regularly, researching, and teaching.
Since childhood, Teferi has found his own sound on the drum. Influenced by a range of musical traditions, his percussion style was a key element of the Urban Vibes band’s distinctive sound that played recently at the acacia jazz festival. It is great to watch him play— the beat of his bass drum holding everything together. Not loud-felt more than heard. He hits a beat or drops an explosion on the tom-tom, making the drums ‘speak’ in a passionate and moody voice.
Find the full story at the Ethiopia Observer.
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Addis Journal 
Hi Arefe,
Your jazz blog is terrific. You clearly have the passion and poetry for jazz writing.
I will mention your blog on Sunday. I will include along with a link to your site.
The world’s a small place.
Best,
Marc
It was very nice to have the insights of a true born star, seeing Teferi’s love of music from childhood days right up to the present day and future aspirations was engaging.
I fully endorse the need for Jazz music collaborations.
Arefe,
I enjoyed the story, it is wonderful. Ah Saint Joe band, I start to reminisce here. What a band it was! I wonder if they are still doing it.
I came across woudasse band on youtube. Here is a link to it (in fact it has a two million hits)
Nice story. I am one of his students. Though there were a couple of things that I wanted to know about Teferi which are not answered in the profile.
Like why does he drive an old Peugeot car?
Thanks.
Peugeot is a good car, what is wrong in driving an old peugeot?????? enjoyed your story on Jazz musicians.
Hi Arefe, there was this drummer called Tamrat Kebede (Loti) who was member of Demera Band. Do you have any idea about his whereabouts?
Tamrat Loti has died many years ago. RIP Loti!!!
I missed you little bro.
I am very proud of you Teferi. Keep your eyes on the prize. For the shallow person who claim to be one of the lucky people to be his student, please use this opportunity to learn from a genius or go find a way to work with cars.
You’re a great and awesome uncle .Keep up with your great work , I am so proud of you.
And I love you soooooooooooo…… much!
Ak
am proud to be your student
Teferi is one of the greatest drummers alive, period. Seeing him play is so inspirational..
And the Peugeot is big enough to carry his drums..
keep up with your great work and talent. your dream was to give back to your people and take Ethiopian music beyond and above. it makes me feel so good and proud to be an Ethiopian when I see people like who are talented, educated and mostly who do not see themselves they are better. you are always willing to share your knowledge and help others to fulfill their dreams. Proud of you and may God protect you , bless you . one of your fans