Fendika

Melaku Belay of Fendika runs an amazing club in Addis Ababa. Over the years the Ex / Terp has spent many nights there and saw a lot of incredible music and dance — an Azmari-bet new style, with new ways of running the place and taking care of the artists, but still keeping all focus on the creativity and social function of a cultural bar. Melaku likes to call the music “Addis Tradition,” which means “new tradition.” One can feel the strong, traditional Ethiopian tunes, deeply rooted in the culture of many regions, but also sense a new generation of great dancers and musicians. 
Fendika are extremely talented and groundbreaking in their technique and approach. Since being discovered, they have been over to Europe, playing several tours and Ex Festivals, being on the road with the Ex and even playing a set together! Terp is happy to make this great acoustic recording and release it, with the input of many. Andy Moor’s great photos, Emma Fischer’s artwork and Arnold de Boer’s mixing and fixing in particular.