Do you remember Hewan Gebrewold from Jano Band? She was one of the lead singers of the group, a full ensemble, and one of Ethiopia’s top acts. The band has since disbanded, and we haven’t heard much about them lately. However, the members are continuing their musical journeys in their own ways. Dibekulu Tafesse, for example, has been performing as a solo artist for Ethiopian audiences in the U.S.
Hewan Gebrewold, who was born in Mekelle and raised in Addis Ababa, is now collaborating with French singer-songwriter, arranger, and violinist Théo Ceccaldi. Together, they formed a group called Kutu, which blends Ethiopian traditional music with Western styles. Their collaboration began with the release of Guramayle in September 2022, an album conceived at a creative meeting in Addis Ababa between Théo Ceccaldi, Hewan Gebrewold, and fellow Ethiopian singer Haleluya Tekletsadik. The album features standout singles such as “Dantada” (written and composed by Haleluya Tekletsadik), “Baamet Beal” (a celebration of joyful reunions with family and friends), and “Wey Nedo,” which translates to “What’s happening? / Who am I becoming?”
Earlier this year, the energetic group Kutu released Marda, their second album, which blends electro and R&B influences with Ethiopian sounds. Drummer Cyril Atef adds his signature touch to the music—a moment that captures the spirit of creative freedom among musicians who blend Ethiopian tradition with Western styles like electro, pop, and R&B.
At first glance, “Marda” might seem obscure. But look a little closer, and you’ll uncover a word steeped in cultural heritage. In Amharic, marda refers to a necklace—typically crafted from gold or silver, delicately formed by the hands of a jeweller. Marda is passed down from mothers to their daughters as they come of age—a gesture that marks the transition into adulthood and celebrates the continuity of lineage and identity. The lyrics in the album echo themes of family, womanhood, and call to assembly—a summoning of voices, histories, and shared memory.
“This music belongs to our generation, filled with bold, powerful sounds,” says Hewan Gebrewold. “It’s a fusion of Ethiopian culture with electro and rock’n’roll. It’s very energetic and really expresses the passion we share in our group.”
One of the tracks, Namuna, features the Angolan diva Engracia Domingos da Silva, known as Pongo, blending Amharic and Portuguese, with the track pulsing with raw longing and emotional urgency.
A live concert recorded on April 29 at CentQuatre in Paris will be broadcast on Sunday, July 6, at 22h10 (10:10 PM, Paris time) as part of Radio France Internationale’s World Music show.
