QWANQWA: Psychedelic Roots From Addis Ababa

Emerging from the vibrant nightlife of Addis Ababa, this ensemble showcases an experimental approach rooted in virtuosity and tradition. Infusing their performance with the mesmerizing sounds of masinko, wah-wah violin, bass krar grooves, resonant goat skin kebero beats, and the commanding mellismatic vocals of an African diva, QWANQWA captivates audiences, holding them in a joyous and celebratory trance. This ensemble was founded in 2012 by American violinist Kaethe Hostetter, who first worked in Ethiopian music as a founding member of critically acclaimed Debo Band. She participated in numerous exploratory and professional projects, immersing further into the culture of her surroundings when she relocated to Addis in 2009. In this sense, QWANQWA — the Amharic word for “language”, is a project creating dialogues between cultures.

Members of QWANQWA are Endris Hassen (masinko), Kaethe Hostetter (violin), Bubu Teklemariam (bass krar), Selamnesh Zemene (vocalist), and Misale Legesse (kebero). They have appeared internationally with Getachew Mekuria, The EX, Thurston Moore, Fred Frith, Butch Morris, Debo Band, Badume’s Band, Nile Project, Fendika, Mahmoud Ahmed, Mulatu Astatke, Addis Acoustic, Ethiocolor, Atse Teodros, Mohammed “Jimmy” Mohammed, from Lincoln Center to Bonnaroo, Jazzfest (New Orleans), Moers Festival, Roskilde, WOMEX, WOMAD and more.