Mahmoud Ahmed & Ibex Band “Tezeta”
from:Mahmoud Ahmed, 1974
(also on Ethiopiques, Vol. 10 : Ethiopian Blues & Ballads, 2002)
Tizita, aka Tezeta, is a huge concept in Ethiopian culture. The direct English translation of the word is “nostalgia” and can often be referred to as a mode of music in Ethiopia or, like the blues, can describe how someone is feeling. When a Tizita song played, the chattering adults slowly quieted down and entered a sort of trance. The coffee ceremony, a key staple in any Ethiopian gathering, would stop almost immediately. The clattering sounds of the porcelain china coffee cups and saucers would be replaced with the musings of the singer. Some would stare out the window with glassy eyes, others would lean back and look at the ceiling. The growing smoke coming from the incense burning in the corner of the room was the only proof that time had not stood still. The momentary silence was only punctuated when one of the adults clicked their tongue on the roof of their mouth, as if the past left a bad taste. Although they were physically there, mentally, and spiritually they were transported to another time and place.
I love the rhythms, the dreamy flow of the instruments, the haunting horns, and his extremely hypnotic, beautiful voice. When you listen to this, a traditional song of Ethiopia, give yourself some time and let yourself be moved to dance with the spirits who rise above oppression.
-Natasha Hanna- (with assistance of Charlie Blaum)
“Walking slowly and calmly in the evening with the sense of timelessness
Letting go of everything, including worries and desires
Feeling the emotions of nostalgia and longing, but accepting them as they come
Being deeply in love, even to the point where it feels like facing death
Feeling the pain of separation from loved ones, but knowing it’s a natural part of life
Melancholic memories that haunt the mind and soul
Love that is all-consuming, overpowering, and intoxicating
A lover who is both a protector and a tormentor
Feeling lost and confused about one’s own emotions
An instrumental music that captures the essence of nostalgia and longing
An instrumental music that expresses the pain and suffering of separation
Being transported to a different time and place through music
Love that is ineffable and beyond comprehension
Expressing the complexities of emotion through music
Feeling the power and intensity of instrumental music
Feeling the presence of a loved one, even when they are not there
Being reminded of past relationships and loves
Feeling the excitement and joy of memorable experiences
Wishing to be comforted by someone during difficult times
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and lost in thought
Feeling a sense of transcendence while listening to music
Wondering who else has felt the same emotions while listening to music
An exclamation of emotion and passion
— Trad., adapted by Mahmoud Ahmed
translation by “Kayla R”
”
Editor’s Note: The Ethiopiques Series is 30 volumes strong. Full of magnificent Ethopian singers and musicians from the 1960’s and 70’s. They can be found on some music search engines. All are listed below. Treasure trove!
(1998) Éthiopiques Volume 1: The Golden Years of Modern Ethiopian Music, various artists
(1998) Éthiopiques Volume 2: Tètchawèt! Urban Azmaris of the 90s, various artists
(1998) Éthiopiques Volume 3: Golden Years of Modern Ethiopian Music, various artists
(1998) Éthiopiques Volume 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969–1974, Mulatu Astatke
(1999) Éthiopiques Volume 5: Tigrigna Music, various artists
(1999) Éthiopiques Volume 6: Almaz, Mahmoud Ahmed
(1999) Éthiopiques Volume 7: Ere Mela Mela, Mahmoud Ahmed
(2000) Éthiopiques Volume 8: Swinging Addis, various artists
(2001) Éthiopiques Volume 9, Alemayehu Eshete
(2002) Éthiopiques Volume 10: Tezeta - Ethiopian Blues & Ballads, various artists
(2002) Éthiopiques Volume 11: The Harp of King David, Alemu Aga
(2003) Éthiopiques Volume 12: Konso Music and Songs, various artists
(2003) Éthiopiques Volume 13: Ethiopian Groove, various artists
(2003) Éthiopiques Volume 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax, Getatchew Mekurya
(2003) Éthiopiques Volume 15: Jump to Addis, various artists
(2004) Éthiopiques Volume 16: The Lady with the Krar, Asnaketch Worku
(2004) Éthiopiques Volume 17, Tilahun Gessesse
(2004) Éthiopiques Volume 18: Asguèbba! various artists
(2005) Éthiopiques Volume 19: Alemye, Mahmoud Ahmed
(2005) Éthiopiques Volume 20: Live in Addis, Either/Orchestra with Mulatu Astatke, Getatchew Mekurya, Tsedenia G. Markos, Bahta Hewet, Michael Belayneh
(2006) Éthiopiques Volume 21: Ethiopia Song, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
(2007) Éthiogroove (DVD): Mahmoud Ahmed & Either/Orchestra, with Tsedenia G. Markos
(2007) Éthiopiques Volume 22: Alèmayèhu Eshèté, featuring Girma Bèyènè
(2007) Éthiopiques Volume 23: Orchestra Ethiopia
(2007) The Very Best of Éthiopiques: Hypnotic Grooves from the Legendary Series
(2009) Éthiopiques Volume 24: Golden Years of Modern Ethiopian Music 1969–1975
(2009) Éthiopiques Volume 25: Modern Roots 1971–1975
(2010) Éthiopiques Volume 26: Mahmoud Ahmed & His Imperial Bodyguard Band 1972-74
(2010) Éthiopiques Volume 27: Centennial of the First Ethiopian Recordings, Azmari Tèssèma Eshèté 1910
(2011) The Very Best of Éthiopiques: Cult Hits from the Original Series
(2013) Éthiopiques Volume 28: Great Oromo Music, Ali Mohammed Birra
(2014) Éthiopiques Volume 29: Mastawesha, Kassa Tessema
(2017) Éthiopiques Volume 30: "Mistakes On Purpose", Girma Bèyènè & Akalé Wubé