![]() |
|
Aster
Aweke is often called “Africa’s Aretha Franklin” and
has in the past few years been based in America. She was born
in Ethiopia into the family of a well-to-do government official.
In the mid 1970s the young Aster began to orient herself with
the music of her homeland, and sang with several local groups
until 1977. She was backed by one of the leading figures in the
world of Ethiopian music, Ali Tango, not least financially. Aster
Aweke began to sing with the established group, Roha Band, but
broke up with them after a short time when Ethiopia was thrown
into political and economic chaos at the time of the revolution.
After a few years of traveling around she settled down in Washington,
D.C. Aster Aweke is a very competent vocalist who sings in an
American-influenced style but who nevertheless has preserved
an undiscovered core of Africa. Aster Aweke must be heard! |