***“Qwanqwa” is the Amharic word for “language”, and also an instrumental quartet from Addis Abada, Ethopia. If you’ve heard the golden age of Ethiopian pop as immortalized by the Ethiopiques series and more recent releases on Mississippi Records and wondered why no group was rocking like that in the here and now—you can stop wondering. Their take on experimental traditional Ethiopian rock deserves to be on every radio station, in every living room and at every party from Gondar to Santa Cruz.
LP $35.95
01/17/2025
***Since their 2012 debut, QWANQWA has merged the richness and diversity of rooted tradition with a modern, experimental sensibility, inspired improvisation, and a mission to transcend genres and blur boundaries. In keeping with the inclusive spirit of QWANQWA’s previous two albums, Volume 3 reaches deep into Ethiopia’s regional traditions and beyond its borders, taking inspiration from the country’s diverse ethnic population and neighbors to the North, West, and East. Recorded in Addis Ababa over the course of a long weekend in February 2017, the album is a snapshot of a dynamic band in evolution.
CD $11.00
01/17/2025
LP $35.95
TBD
***QWANQWA is a five-piece ensemble based in Addis Ababa, dedicated to furthering Ethiopia’s unique string traditions. Inspired by a shared passion for Ethiopian music, the group brings together some of the most accomplished traditional players in the country; creating a space to explore new sounds and break the rules in a very traditional musical culture. Since their 2012 debut, QWANQWA has merged the richness and diversity of rooted tradition with a modern, experimental sensibility, inspired improvisation, and a mission to transcend genres and blur boundaries. All tracks selected from three live shows of QWANQWA’s 2022 Debut US tour: The Drake in Amherst, MA; Corazón in Topanga Canyon, CA; Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY
2XLP $44.50
01/17/2025
