Thomas Gobena

BIO

BIO – TOMMY T

Thomas ‘Tommy T’ Gobena is an Ethiopian American bassist and producer currently living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was a member of the multicultural gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello from 2006-2022.

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Thomas moved to the USA in the 80s to attend college. While studying, he began playing bass in the DC metro area – firstly with Ethiopian bands and then forming a reggae band called ADOLA, that backed many well-known Ethiopian artists, including Aster Aweke and Gigi.
Thomas also worked with Wayna Wondwossen, nominated for a best urban performance Grammy for her song Lovin’ U, and produced tracks on her Moments of Clarity album with Abegasu Shiota. He also produced and collaborated with the world-famous Ethiopian living legend, Mahmoud Ahmed.
While collaborating on a project with guitarist and producer Eran Tabib (Spin Doctors, Angie Stone) in 2006, he heard Gogol Bordello (described by All Music Guide as “one of the most explorative and inexhaustibly creative bands on the planet”) was looking for a bass player familiar with international grooves. Thomas’ knowledge of global rhythms became a key part of the band’s ever more expansive sound. He recorded four studio albums with the band (Super Taranta, 2007; Trans-Continental Hustle, 2010; Pura Vida Conspiracy, 2013, Seekers and Finders, 2017) plus the limited Russian release Моя Цыганиада (2011) and DVD Live from Axis Mundi (2009).
While on tour with his band Gogol Bordello, Tommy T produced his first solo album, The Prester John Sessions, in 2009. An aural travelogue that rages freely through the music and culture of Ethiopia interlaced with Ethio-Jazz and Dub, Prester John was well received by critics:
“Another reminder that the country once believed to be the source of the Prester John legend is also one of the musical powerhouses of Africa” (The Guardian).
“A love letter to the African state that is always affecting and occasionally magical” (The Skinny).

Tommy T now serves as a goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, while producing and developing young, up and coming artists in his country of birth.

“Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. It has guided my approach to life in ways that have enabled me to share valuable experiences with people from all over the world – several experiences of which have opened my eyes to the plight of the underprivileged. Being a member of Gogol Bordello, a band that stands for human rights, I have had the opportunity to address human rights issues through music. I believe music is a powerful medium for bringing awareness to the masses, especially young impressionable minds. When used in a positive way, music can be a powerful tool for social change. My intention is to build on my experiences by becoming more actively involved in effecting positive change in the lives of the less fortunate.”