Alem (feat. Demisu Belete & Adyabo Ensemble)

Demisu Belete

Demisu Belete is from the city Adama in central Ethiopia. His singing career began in early 2000 when he was preforming with a traveling circus, learning and absorbing the craft of entertainment from his elders. After a few years, tired from the road, Demisu started working on the club circuit in and around Adis Ababa, performing with different bands and collaborating with artist and musicians, being heavily influenced by the old masters (especially Tilahun Gessese and Mahmoud Ahmed). Demisu started writing his own songs, and became known for his haunting and emotional lyrics. The collaboration with the Hoodna Orchestra started when Demisu wrote the words to a composition by Ilan Smilan. The song YELBEN was performed by the singer Tesfaye Negatu and was released as a single in early 2017.

ADYABO ENSEMBLE

ADYABO is a unique musical project that specializes in traditional Ethiopian music. The ensemble was formed in 2015 by Yaakov Lilay, a singer and krar player, and presents both original and traditional arrangements to many different styles of song and folklore from the different regions in Ethiopia.

ADYABO's performances includes song and dance and the use of ancient instruments such as Mesenko, Washint, and Krar.

Hoodna Orchestra

The Hoodna Orchestra is a 12 member orchestra who studies and investigates the African origins of western popular music. The Orchestra was formed in 2012, in the south side of Tel Aviv, by a group of musicians, and it functions as a collective and a record label.

Hoodna's musical director is The Guitarist and composer Ilan Smilan. The cultural and musical environment that surrounds the group has a great effect on its creative process. Exposure to Ethiopian', Eritrean and Arabic musical traditions, coupled with an ongoing study and exploration of different jazz styles, creates a unique blend which has made The Hoodna Orchestra one of the most appreciated and sought-after live shows in Israel.

Between 2012 and 2015, The orchestra played every major festival in Israel, as well as all the main venues around the country.