Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARTS
The church, traditionally enjoying almost as much authority as the state, is responsible for
both inspiring Ethiopia's art forms and stifling them with its great conservatism and rigor-
ous adherence to convention.
Long neglected and ignored, the cultural contributions of Ethiopia's minority ethnic
groups are only now receiving due credit and attention.
Music
Whether it's the solemn sounds of drums resonating from a church, the hilarious ad-libbing
of an
azmari
(see the boxed text,
Click here
)
or Ethiopian pop blaring in a bus, Ethiopian
music is as interesting as it's unavoidable.
MINSTRELS & MASENKOS
An ancient entertainment that continues to this day is that provided by the singing
azmari
(wandering minstrel) and
his
masenko
(single-stringed fiddle). In the past,
azmaris
accompanied caravans of highland traders to make the
journey more amusing.
At court, resident
azmaris,
like European jesters, were permitted great freedom of expression as long as their
verses were witty, eloquent and clever.
Today,
azmaris
can be found at weddings and special occasions furnishing eulogies or poetic ballads in honour of
their hosts.
In certain
azmari bets
(azmari bars) in the larger towns, some
azmaris
have become celebrities in their own right.
They prance around grass-covered floors and sing about everything from history to sex, to your funny haircut. Al-
though you won't understand a word (it's all in Amharic), you'll end up laughing; the locals' laughter is simply that
contagious. And remember these two things: it's all done in good fun, and really your haircut isn't that bad!
Ethiopian music CDs are available throughout the country. Music stalls are everywhere -
keep an ear out.
Church Music
Yared the Deacon is traditionally credited with inventing church music, with the introduc-
tion in the 6th century of a system of musical notation.
