Tche Belew - Hailu Mergia & The Walias Band
Album
Recorded in 1977 at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa during a period of mounting political turbulence, Tche Belew represents the high-water mark of instrumental Ethiopian funk. Bandleader Hailu Mergia layers swirling electric organ, Moog synthesizer and melodic accordion over the airtight rhythm section of the Walias Band. Featuring guest saxophone solos from Mulatu Astatke, tracks like Musicawi Silt pulse with an irresistible groove that became a global crate-digger grail.