Saluting the late great Tilahun Gessesse

When the legendary Tilahun Gessesse died from heart failure in Addis Ababa last year at the age of 68, Ethiopia lost more than a popular "golden age" singer. For many, Gessesse was and remains the de facto father of modern Ethiopian music.

Although he first rose to prominence in the late 50s as a member of the Imperial Bodyguard Band, it was during the 60s peak of the Swinging Addis scene that Gessesse really found his voice. Using elements of Western rock and R&B, he helped create a soulful new Ethiopian pop sound to convey his message of peace, harmony and social justice against a backdrop of environmental disaster, political turmoil and social upheaval. Those looking for an introduction to his powerful recordings will find that the thoughtfully compiled Ethiopiques Volume 17 (Buda Musique) is an excellent entry point.
Gessesse has been called "The Pavarotti of Ethiopia" but he's more like Ethiopia's Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan rolled into one. The big difference being Gessesse's popularity never waned for the five decades he was on top and he never allowed a financial institution to use one of his tunes to spruce up a television advertising campaign.
To mark the first anniversary of Gessesse's passing, Batuki Music Society in association with Afrosonic Entertainment are putting on a Tilahun Gessesse Tribute Concert tonight (Friday April 23) at the Evangadi Restaurant and Lounge (1220 Danforth) which will feature Gessesse's songs performed by a stellar cast of Toronto-based Ethiopian musicians including singer Ermias Assebework, saxophonist Girma Woldemichael, keyboardist Gezahegn Mamo, drummer Daniel Barnes and bassist Waleed Abdulhamid. Between sets DJ AfroSonic will be spinning a sweet selection of memorable Ethiopian classics. Doors open at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 with net proceeds donated to the People to People Canada organization. P2P Canada is a non-profit charitable organization that assists orphans in Ethiopia and also helps raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.

 

LINKS
www.batukimusic.ca/
www.p2pcanada.org