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I don't really see Ethiopia as part of that sub Saharan musical tradition. The notion of seeing them "wining" to some hot soukous music as Congolese do (as do many others in East and Central Africa) is beyond me.
Yes their music sounds more Arabic than the 'jungle beats' of the Congo or Ghana. But within Africa music is so diverse. People of course simplistically assume all Africans look and sound the same. Culturally Ethiopian is more aligned with Egypt or Arabia than SS Africa. Even Kenya and Tanzania have not insignificant Semitic influence.
Random that I saw this post [I usually only reply to 'moving to such and such city need help' threads...I lived in Kenya for 15 months back in the mid 90's...went to school there for a few semesters. Traveled a fair amount around the area-including overland to ethiopia on the back of a truck[window of time post war when that border was actually open], to zanzibar, overnight back to kenya coast on a dhow, uganda [that was easy-nice bus! (:] and several areas of Kenya. I also stopped in Israel a couple of times en route back and forth...[not africa, but also a cool place!]
Shout out for the Ethiopian love, btw! It IS an incredible and unique place; it is more isolated b/c of its geography and the coptic christianity influence is very different, as well. I am a female and I lived and traveled solo in my mid twenties. Not sure I would do that now-I perceive that traveling in the region waxes and wanes safety wise, and currently has been waning. More violent crimes, too. Oh, the stories I could tell even from then [carjackings, school bus jackings etc etc] Nairobi is referenced as Nairobbery for a reason. The region as a whole is an incredible place to visit, and has a lot to offer anyone traveling through or living there for awhile. Definitely recommend. Cheers!
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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There are so many places higher on my list to visit I doubt I'd ever get to it.
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