BERAKI, TSEHAYTU - SELAM (2CD)

"Tsehaytu Beraki is an absolutely legendary singer from Eritrea. Born in 1939 in Quatit, a small village, she soon picked up the krar (5-string harp) and after moving to the capital Asmara she became a famous singer in bars, to attract men to the local traditional beer houses. In the 1970-ies she was discovered by producer Tewelde Redda, who took her to Addis Abeba, to record for Philips some 7" singles. These strange, beautiful rhythms and these moving, almost blues-like ballads. The 17 songs are from different periods of Tshehaytu's life. From the very first successes till brand new material, commenting on the latest developments in Eritrea. With many people involved, we worked for four years on the project. The double CD, with more than two and a half hours of music, also includes a book with an incredible interview about her life, culture and history. It also contains many old photos and the lyrics." (Terrie Ex)