Abichu by Chikchika

Chikchika began as a fun collaboration between Music Yared and Mulu Baqqalaa, and has grown to a powerful project in its own right. Mulu, a legend in Ethiopia, where she has been actively performing and recording music for over ten years, is joined by Anbessa Gebrehiwot and Haftu Reda, two Tigrinya vocalists and masters of their traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian stringed instruments, the krar and masinko. The trio is accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Dale Gorfinkel and Tawanda Gadzikwa on drums to create an innovative new sound that pays homage to the traditions of East Africa.

With a focus on their East African cultural heritage, Chikchika embraces new sonic territories with a beautiful modesty, camaraderie and a deep groove.

'Abichu' is Mulu’s version of a traditional song of praise and love from the mother and the people of Abichu, a young hero, fighting to protect his people and country.

Tracklist

1.	Abichu	4:50

Videos

Lyrics

Abichu naga naga tokkera marmarin achitu fayya naga qoren siwaranin
Mutullu rooba bulee baddan fixeensa qabu
Edaa sii yaada bulee garan hiyyessa qabu
Oromiyaa roba bulee baddan fixeensa qabu
Tullamas rooba bulee
Hararigesi rooba bulee
Jimma irrasi rooba bulee
Arsi irras rooba bulee
Walagga irras rooba bulee
Iluu irras Rooba bulee
Wallo irras rooba bulee
Finifinee rooba bulee baddan fixeensa qabu
Edaa siyada bulee garan hiyyessa qabu

Gudaari gudeelcha boobessa
Nama Dabarsu qorafu
Dubbi qillensatu odessa
Wali hin agaru sobafu.
Baleewoo baleewotara
Hiriyoo hiriyoo addan baanewo addan banewo
Haagahu haagahu garbun haagahu garbun
Wali argaan wali argan birra yaa ta u
Birra Tara u

Tidiness, jabbi walin tisinee
Imimaan, walin jiisinee
Nuutakka, walu ji ine
Baleewo, karaa baleewoo karaan baleewo

Credits

released April 8, 2022
Performed by Mulu Baqqalaa (vocals), Anbessa Gebrehiwot (krar, masinko, vocals), Dale Gorfinkel (bass), Tawanda Gadzikwa (drums, percussion), Takudzwa Mbudzi (additional vocals).

Produced by Dale Gorfinkel. Engineered by Dale Gorfinkel and Stefan Blair.

Recorded November 2021, Melbourne. Mixing by Peter Farrar. Mastering by Mikey Young.

Music in Exile is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

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Music in Exile is a not-for-profit record label and artist services organisation aimed at increasing access to resources and building professional networks for artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds working in the music industry. We operate on an ‘artist-first’ principle, ensuring that individual artists have ownership over the tools and resources necessary to build viable careers for themselves in our industry, thereby contributing to ongoing change and working to build an arts sector that truly reflects the myriad viewpoints and experiences to be found in Australian society.

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