Call for support: Ethiopian Records collaborative EP

Ethiopian Records hopes to raise $41 500 that will go towards the production of 10 tracks, two music videos and a variety of artworks by 23 creatives including filmmakers, writers, photographers and graphic designers from Ethiopia as well as creatives from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

The EP's content will seek to highlight the effects of COVID-19 on the continent and the music industry as well as the political unrest experienced in Ethiopia following the death of musician and activist Hachalu Hundessa on 29 June.

"WEL means 'togetherness' or 'in common' and it will be self-released via our creative-run and -owned label and events company called WAG, which is also the building block of a creative space called GODJO," Ethiopian Records told Music In Africa.

"WEL, WAG and GODJO are all initiatives by artists for artists. There is no entity supporting jobless independent creatives like ourselves and our co-workers and friends in Ethiopia and Africa in general, so we are taking the initiative to do this, but we will need your help."

He added: "The pre-production for the double EP is already complete and, with the support of crowdfunding, it can be released in November 2020. We would appreciate your support and advocacy on our behalf."

Ethiopian Records says the double EP will make an impact in the following ways:

• Support experimental and traditional artists by allowing them to work, thus keeping their professional and artistic careers going.
• Link Ethiopian artists with those from across the African continent.
• Bring people together around common goals of intention and purpose.
• Advocate for a fairer, more caring and united world.

How to support

Support can be provided in the following ways:

• Interested individuals/institutions or organisations can donate via the WEL double EP Indiegogo account here.
• Those who wish to be spokespersons and shareholders of the project can access guidelines here.

For any inquiries, send an email to [email protected].