Aha Gedawo by Getachew Mekuria: A Timeless Ethiopian Gem That Still Hits Different
Man, I gotta tell you—Aha Gedawo is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released way back in 1972 in Ethiopia under Philips label, this record feels like a warm hug from another time. It’s not just jazz, folk, or African music—it’s all of it rolled into something so raw and real it almost hurts to listen. You know when people say music can transport you? Yeah, this does exactly that. Straight to Addis Ababa, with its dusty streets alive with soul.
The opening track “Gedamay-Gedamay” slaps hard right off the bat. Like, hard. There’s no build-up, no fancy intro—just these horns hitting you square in the chest while Getachew Mekuria’s saxophone sings like he’s telling some deep secret only you’re allowed to hear. The rhythm is loose but tight enough to make your head nod uncontrollably. Honestly, every time I play it, I feel like I’m walking through an old marketplace somewhere far away, where life moves slower but means more. It sticks because it doesn’t try too hard; it just breathes.
Then there’s the title track, “Aha Gedawo.” Oh man, this one messes me up good. It starts slow, almost hesitant, like it’s unsure if it even wants to exist. But then—boom—it opens up into this hypnotic groove that grabs hold of your soul and won’t let go. The percussion here? Insane. Every beat feels like a heartbeat, steady yet wild. And Mekuria’s sax? Forget about it. He plays like someone who’s seen joy and pain in equal measure and decided to pour both into his instrument. This song always reminds me how beautiful imperfection can be. It’s messy, sure, but isn’t that what makes it human?
You’d think a nearly 50-year-old album would sound dated, but nah. Aha Gedawo still bangs. Maybe it’s the simplicity of it all—the lack of flashy production tricks, the focus on feeling over flash. Or maybe it’s just proof that great music doesn’t age; it matures, like fine wine or your favorite sweater.
Here’s the thing though—and stick with me here—I couldn’t help but laugh at how random my Spotify algorithm was being when it threw this at me. One minute I’m vibing to modern indie rock, the next I’m knee-deep in Ethiopian jazz folklore. Life’s weird like that sometimes. But hey, I ain’t complaining. Thanks, universe, for introducing me to Getachew Mekuria. Dude knew how to make magic without trying too hard.
So yeah, give Aha Gedawo a spin. Let it wash over you. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself googling flights to Ethiopia afterward.
