from "Ethiopiques Volume 28: Ali Mohammed Birra, Great Oromo Music" (track 9): 2013 release by Buda Musique, with 3 unreleased bonus tracks of the 60s > http://bit.ly/15Mzhw3

the Dire Dawa guitar style: "In 1966, when Ali Birra went to an audition for Emperor Haile Selassie’s Imperial Body Guard Band, he was asked if he played any instruments. He replied that he played the oud but was then told they did not have an oud in Addis. Instead Ali was given a guitar, which he tuned like an oud because that was what he knew the best. Thus, the inimitable Ali Birra sound was born." - Andreas Hansen for Addis Rumble > bit.ly/14QJJiq

song orig: ALI MOHAMED BIRRA WITH THE ADU BIRRA BAND, Kaifa Records 1975 (TBC)

Si Jaalallee: Ali Birra (1975)

Nurturing and strengthening cultural diversity through music and the arts.

Batuki Music Society is an incorporated non-profit community-based organization that promotes African music and art through performances at music venues throughout the year and culminating into a weekend festival at the end of the programming season. 