Ashenafi Chalachew & Ililta Band - Legendary Gondar Azmari (1966-2012)

2013 release featuring the last ever recordings from Chalachew Ashenafi (a tour mate of the Ex in recent years), backed by the Ililta Band. Azmaris are the voice of free speech in Ethiopian society. These tremendous improvisers comment on politics, religion and everyday life in a particular style which is both provocative and very humorous. The double meaning in the language, "semenawork" (wax n' gold) is an essential part of Ethiopian culture. CD comes with 40 page booklet with interviews, photos, lyrics, stories, histories, etc.