Krar Collective – Ethiopian Roots Live In Copenhagen

“Krar Collective rock!” – fRoots Magazine

“I never expected to find this Ethiopian music gem hidden away in London. Krar Collective manage to achieve the right balance between the rawness of their roots and the subtleties of their innovative spirit. Precise without being too academic, funky without being too loose. I was really impressed.” – Andy Morgan, former manager of Tinariwen

Led by Temesgen Zeleke, a former star pupil of Ethiopian vibraphone legend Mulatu Astatke, Krar Collective perform a rootsy yet contemporary take on traditional music from Ethiopia based on other-worldy modes and driven by hypnotic rhythms. The 6-stringed krar lyre is associated with the azmari minstrel tradition; in the hands of Zeleke it becomes a gritty, ancient rock guitar. Accompanied just by drums and fronted by the stunning voice of Genet Assefa, Krar Collective create a surprisingly full band sound, leading one critic to name them ‘The Ethiopian White Stripes’. With gentle ballads and high-energy dance tunes, Krar Collective will surprise and delight. Selected in 2011 to give a showcase at the prestigious Womex World Music Expo in Copenhagen, their first album will be released on the Riverboat label of the World Music Network in 2012.