Music of East Africa Oromo Music
Artist Ali Birra
Ali Birra (born 1950) is a famous Oromo singer, composer, poet and nationalist. He was born in Lagaharre village in the city of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
In his early years, Ali used to do small on-sreet business so as to support himself as a means of livelihood. When he was 13, he joined Afran Qallo cultural group which was then oprerating unofficially to promote the Oromo music and culture. The first song that he sung on stage was called "Birra dha Bari'e" so that the people nicknamed him "Ali Birra," meaning "Ali the Spring". The Haile Selasie regime banned the group in 1965 and arrested some of its members. Ali escaped arrest and moved to Addis Ababa.
- Written by Super User
- Created on Wednesday, 10 November 2010 04:08
Oromo Music Collection
The soloist plays an electronic keyboard introduction and then his voice undulates, rising and falling in pitch. One would think the melody is a random improvisation until the notes are repeated, and the Western listener realizes the song has a chorus and verse. This is Oromo music, a tradition which was nearly lost, but it has become popular once more.
- Written by Joomla!
- Created on Saturday, 10 July 2010 22:11
