WOMAD

Alèmayèhu Eshèté

From Ethiopia

Along with Mahmoud and Tlahoun Gèssèssè, Alèmayèhu Eshèté is one of the most prolific singers in Ethiopian recorded music. Star vocalist of the Police Orchestra from 1960, he became one of the first artists to leave that institution and join the young guard of independent bands. Often described as the 'Ethiopian James Brown' or the 'Ethiopian Elvis', for his style and stage presence as well as for his music, Alèmayèhu has long symbolised modernist Ethiopia: in love with rhythm' n' blues and soul music, but still keeping hold of the unique roots of millennial Abyssinia.
(Biography supplied by artist's agent)

http://www.ethiopiques.info/
Click here to sample their sounds