Watch Gondar Fasiledes Cultural Group at Addis Jazz Festival

25 Nov 2024 - 16:06

Ethiopian record label Muzikawi has unveiled the full performance video of the Gondar Fasiledes Cultural Group at the Addis Jazz Festival 2023.

Gondar Fasiledes Cultural Group performing at the 2023 edition of the Addis Jazz Festival. Photo: Muzikawi

This stunning showcase is a visual and auditory feast, featuring energetic music, vibrant costumes, rich culture, lively dances, harmonious melodies, and a dynamic blend of dialects.

Founded in 1977, the Gondar Fasiledes Cultural Music Group has been a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s artistic history. Initially known as Taglo Atagay, the group quickly gained popularity for its dynamic performances that merged music, dance, and theatre.

In 1979, the group was renamed Ras Dejen Kinet, expanding its repertoire to include social and political theatre. By 1983, the group became Yefasiledes Kinet, playing a pivotal role in promoting Ethiopian culture on the global stage, particularly through their influential Hizib Lehizib concert. However, following the regime change in 1990, the group disbanded, and Gondar’s cultural arts scene faced a decline.

In 2014, the Gondar City Administration revived the group as the Gondar Fasiledes Cultural Music Group. After getting new leadership, the group officially relaunched in 2018. Now with 34 members, it continues to celebrate and share Gondar’s rich cultural heritage through music and dance. The group’s contributions to Ethiopian culture have been recognised with various awards, including third place in the 2014 Amhara Region cultural competition.

In addition to its Addis Jazz Festival performance, the Gondar Fasiledes Cultural Group recently teamed up with Muzikawi to release the single ‘Eregnaw’ from their upcoming album, Gonder Fasiledes, on 10 May. The single is available on both the Muzikawi YouTube channel and its other digital streaming platforms, with the full album, featuring 12 tracks, set to be released soon.

The group hails from Gondar, a city in Ethiopia that was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilides, who also built the Fasil Ghebbi fortress complex. The Fasil Ghebbi complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the emperor’s castle, palaces, churches, and other buildings. The area was a centre of artistic, architectural, and literary achievement during the Gondarine period, which lasted from 1632 to 1769.

Enjoy the full performance from the Addis Jazz Festival 2023 on the Muzikawi YouTube channel.