Hailu Mergia was once the keyboardist for Walias Band, whose 1977 recording “Muziqawi Silt” is a defining piece of Ethiopia’s musical history. Walias broke up in the early ’80s after a trip to the U.S ...

Biruktawit Tasew’s fingers glide over the strings of the begena, producing a deep, hypnotic sound. Along with six fellow musicians, she breaks into a solemn religious melody, holding their audience ...