"Beyond Addis" is a collection of contemporary bands inspired by Ethiopian music from the 70's and features the likes of Akale Wube, The Heliocentrics, Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra and more.
The music of "Swinging Addis" of the 70's was a clash of opposite elements: western instruments (drums, bass, guitar, horns) and the stylistic influence of Jazz, Soul, R&B and Rock'n'Roll bumping into traditional techniques of singing and composing, a legacy of Ethiopian popular music. Mastermind of this revolutionary mix was Mulatu Astatke. Fascination and intrigue around these works has grown over the years. Now, this compilation gives an overview of the work of young bands around the world inspired by Ethiopian music.