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Alemu Aga
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
Alemu Aga from Entoto near Addis Ababa is a master of the begena, a large lyre with ten strings that in Ethiopia is called the harp of King David. He learned to play from his neighbour, the begena master Aleqa Tessema. The begena accompanies neither dance nor feast, but personal prayer and reflection. His album The Harp of King David appeared in 1994 in the Éthiopiques series.
Listening
Listening tip. Listen to Abatatchin Hoy and notice the buzzing of the strings: it comes from leather tabs against which the strings vibrate.
Abatatchin Hoy · Alemu Aga, 1994- Medinana Zelesegna · Alemu Aga, 1994
- Sile Sine Siklet · Alemu Aga, 1994
Lofzang op de begena · Alemu Aga, 2006
See also
Categories: ArtistsEthiopian church chant