The Cedar Presents
QWANQWA with Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet feat. Genet Abate
Friday, April 19, 2024 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00PM
All Ages
Standing
$30 Advance, $35 Day of Show
This is a standing show with an open floor. To request seating or other access accommodations, please go to our Access Page.
General Admission tickets are available online.
Listen
ABOUT THIS SHOW
QWANQWA , the Amharic word for “language", is an experimental, psychedelic, traditional, string based rock band that plays beloved and rare Ethiopian tunes with a unique twist! A highlight performance from our Global Roots Festival in 2022 - we are absolutely thrilled to welcome them back to our stage.
QWANQWA performing live courtesy of Kaethe Hostetter’s YouTube Channel.
QWANQWA
Beaming in from the sizzling Addis Ababa nightlife scene, QWANQWA shines an experimentalism based in the virtuosity of rooted traditions. With swirling masinko (one-stringed fiddle), wah-wah violin, bass krar grooves, the heavy riffs of goat skin kebero beats, and powerful melismatic lead African diva vocals, QWANQWA keeps the people rapt in celebratory attention. QWANQWA's debut US tour of 54 concerts in Fall 2022 brought the poignant euphoric experience to storied jazz clubs, sticker slapped rock clubs, folk festivals, prestigious music institutions, street festivals, universities, country opera houses and The Cedar's very own, Global Roots Festival - all the while unifying these audiences as they clap along "Music is Universal Language".
QWANQWA uncovers lesser known traditional sounds from East Africa regions of Ethiopia and beyond—a trance-like chant of the Eritrean tribe of Blen, a psychedelic Somalia cover, an extended Amhara wedding medley, a Mahmoud Ahmed sing-a-long. With Selamnesh Zemene, the Azmari diva powerhouse, at the helm, QWANQWA is a conversation of virtuosos through tight arrangements and extended experimental moments. The live show ranges from intimate to wild, from whispery conversations to full blown rock show, and it is hard to believe these psychedelic sounds are coming from traditional harps, one string fiddle, and violin. Driving, powerful, QWANQWA proves we are living during another Golden Age of Ethiopian music.
The ensemble was founded in 2012 by American violinist Kaethe Hostetter, who first worked in Ethiopian music as a founding member of the critically acclaimed Debo Band. Relocating to Addis in 2009, she participated in numerous exploratory and professional projects, immersing further into the culture of her surroundings. In this sense, QWANQWA, the Amharic word for “language,” is a project creating dialogues between cultures.
Members of QWANQWA are Endris Hassen (masinko), Kaethe Hostetter (violin), Bubu Teklemariam (bass krar), Selamnesh Zemene (vocalist), and Misale Legesse (kebero). They have appeared internationally with Getachew Mekuria, The EX, Thurston Moore, Fred Frith, Butch Morris, Debo Band, Badume’s Band, Nile Project, Fendika, Mahmoud Ahmed, Mulatu Astatke, Addis Acoustic, Ethiocolor, Atse Teodros, Mohammed “Jimmy” Mohammed, from Lincoln Center to Bonnaroo, Jazzfest (New Orleans), Moers Festival, Roskilde, WOMEX, WOMAD and more.
To learn more about Qwanqwa:
Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet አንድነት feat. Genet Abate
Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet አንድነት (Unity) pays respect to Ethiopian folk and popular music by exploring the rich instrumental legacy from across the country. Growing up in Virginia, Abinnet started his fascination with music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of the drums. Abinnet’s musically formative experiences took place in clubs across Richmond, Washington, DC and NYC. Having a reputation for being a passionate, explosive drummer, Abinnet has had the opportunity to professionally share the stage with the Steve Wilson Quartet, the Minnesota Orchestra, Bruce Harris, Allyn Johnson, John D’earth amongst others and appearing in venues including the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institute, Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, Twins Jazz Club, Twins Cities Jazz Festival, & the DC Jazz Festival amongst others.
To learn more about Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet አንድነት :
