A poetic Azmari song expressing the deep longing for love, arranged for accordion and female vocals. Rooted in the rich traditions of Amhara culture, it embodies the double meanings and lyrical intricacy characteristic of Azmari musicians, weaving layers of emotion and metaphor into its melodic storytelling. 55 bpm (Bbmaj)
Arranged and produced by Girum Mezmur Hawaz.
Executive producer: Michael Hornstein.
Recorded by Nehemia Tarekegn at Kaleb Studio, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mixed by Peter Fuchs at INTERSOUND Studios, Munich, Germany.
Performed by Girum Mezmur (programming), Tr. 80-80.5,97-97.2 (accordion), Tr. 92-96.6 (guitar).
Tr. 1-45, 53-59, 73-85: Ayechew Dejene (kebero).
Tr. 1-45, 53-59, 73-84.5: Addisu Lemma (bass krar), Aycheluhim Mengistu (washint), Asrate Bosena (mesenqo & voice), Binyam Dagnachew (krar).
Tr. 1-32, 46-52, 60-66: Yetemwork Beyene (vocals).
Tr. 1-79.5, 81-82.5: Asrate Bosena (vocals, mesenqo).
Tr. 39-45, 53-59, 73-78, 80-81.5, 97-97.2: Mimi Muluken (vocals).
Tr. 83-84.5: Hagos Takele (voice, mesenqo & krar).
Tr. 86-86.3: Binyam Dagnachew (krar).
Tr. 91-91.4: Aycheluhim Mengistu (washint).
Tr. 92-92.7: Yohannes Birhane (vocals).
Tr. 92-96.6: Abye Osman (flute, altosax), Nathaniel Tesemma (drums).
Tr. 93-93.6: Bethlehem Bekele (vocals).
Tr. 93-95.4: Abiy Woldemariam (keyboard), Aklilu Woldeyohannes (tenorsax, tenor & barisax), Nahom Solomon (bass).
Mastered by Daniel Goodridge.
Cover design by Aikaterini Pingiou.
Hey there, you, who are you?
Playing with my heart
Playing with my heart
Hey there, you
I am lost in search of your love,
If my longing for you is all in vain,
Let me know if my heart should just give up on you
Hey there, you, where are you?
Hey there, you, where are you?
Why do I feel so cold and lonely?
I have totally lost myself
Gone head over heels for you