About us

Welcome to AddisTunes - the home for all African Music.  AddisTunes.com is your go-to destination for (legally) downloading African music and supporting the artists who work against seemingly insurmountable odds to bring their music to the world.  Because of our commitment to

Anyone who knows me knows that records (“shekla” in Amharic”) are very important to me.  Over the years, they have shared my living space, used up my financial resources, and have inspired my spirit in ways that are indescribable.  The art of record digging – or

One day while having a conversation and drinking macchiatos with a friend in Addis Ababa, our discussion eventually took a curious turn.  I was asked what I thought was special about Ethiopia.  I think my friend assumed I would say, “the culture.”  I must admit

We are excited to announce that Elias Negash's 5 albums plus a FREE bonus song are now available for download @ www.AddisTunes. com:

Peace 
Fikir 
Feel Like Dancin 
Harrambe 
Poetry and Music 

Elias has also graciously made available FREE for download his

There is a lot of musical creativity coming out of Addis Ababa these days.  Artists are flirting with genres ranging from Western classical and folk music to hip hop and reggae.  One of Ethiopia's fastest rising stars is really pushing the creative envelope and fast becoming one of

One of the things I love about music is the honesty involved in it.  When an artist has poured their soul into a song or performance – whether it’s the musical virtuosity of legends such as Elias Negash and Moges Habte or diamonds "In the Ruff” like Oddisee –

There is never a shortage of information floating around the rumor mill.  However, the latest rumor that Teddy Afro will be released from jail soon has a lot of Ethiopian music lovers excited.  For many, Teddy represents more than just another musician – he is the voice of

Who: Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin

What: PBS Documentary: "The Market Maker"

When: 7/22/09 in NY - Check Your Local Listing (See Link Below)

Where: PBS

There is excitement in the air!  A current has electrified the Ethiopian community, as everyone awaits the airing of PBS's "The Market Maker" -

I've been impressed with the quantity and quality of documentaries on Ethiopia lately.  The Market Maker was a compelling story, as it showed some of the best that Ethiopia has to offer, and captured the hope that we all have for Ethiopia's bright tomorrows. 

This latest documentary -

Moges Habte’s talent is well known to many avid listeners of Ethio Jazz.  For those who may not know, however, Moges is an amazing saxophone player whose musical roots date back to the fourth grade at Kokebe Tsibah Haile Selassie Day School and the Yared School of Music.  After

This week’s pick comes from Elias Negash – one of the most prolific ambassadors of Ethiopian music.  Elias is an amazing pianist who has successfully fused Ethiopian musical influences with jazz and world music.  Having played in concerts and clubs throughout the 1970s,

Here is another new Ethiopian film pushing the creative boundaries: Judgment Day by Temesgen Afework.  This suspense drama was written and directed by Temesgen, and stars Tekle Desta, Temesgen Afework Tigist Nigatu and Abebe Feleke among others.

 East African artists have been stepping

I can’t wait for SEPTEMBER 25, 2009!  It's not often when a truly groundbreaking artist comes unto the scene.  In the case of the Kafa Beanz, however, a whole collective of groundbreaking artists – including Wayna, Burntface, Gabriel Teodros, B Sheba, AP,

Oct. 13, 2009 (New York, NY) – AddisTunes.com (www.AddisTunes.com) – the world’s fist site dedicated to Ethiopian movie and music downloads – today announced the official digital release of the Kafa Beanz’s debut CD, “Andromeda: Chronicles of Blackopia Vo.

I've been buying, selling, and trading rare records for a number of years now.  One of the things I love about digging for records is the number of kindred spirits you encounter along the way.  Music is food for the soul; and the excitement of meeting someone who shares a similar

Ethiopia’s musical influence is not well known to most people.  The recent Ethiopiques CD series has helped unearth a veritable treasure trove of music that the Western world has never known – although most people from Ethiopia grew up on these songs.

But I dare say that most

The eternally enigmatic Mr. EthioJazz – the Lone Ranger of Ethiopian Music – has ridden in on his trusty stallion to protect us once again from bad music.  In his unyielding commitment to quality Ethiopian music…EthioJazz has penned a review of “The Prester

One of my favorite reggae singers – Luciano – has a song, “Save the World,” where he reminds us, “If you want to save the world, you gotta’ save the children.”  This message is especially poignant today.  With wars raging in Iraq and