Music

I love the music here, and I don't mean Ethiopian music in particular. Everywhere you go, there is music, but there is quite a mix of hip-hop, R&B, reggae, Ethiopian, and African music (no indie rock !!!) And yes, Ethiopian music is as diverse as the society (20+ defined ethnic groups), but I don't understand a word of it, so I am lumping it all together, not to mention the wide range of African music, whatever..

Regardless, the music here truly exceeds all my expectations (not really sure what I was expecting) and preconceived notions, and I am happy about it. Whenever you climb into a taxivan you are as likely to hear Bob Marley as you are Tigrinya Christian hymns. Everyday on my way home I pass this one place that sells (and even rents for 20cents) VCDs and CDs, and it is undoubtedly blasting T-Pain or Rhianna. But even better, sometimes you hear really dated stuff that you wouldn't hear back home, ie Michael Jackson or SWV. The local (really great
bytheway) bar is a great example, it is a classy place, somewhat related to this nice new hotel (but I think it may have been there first). The drinks are a dollar or two, and the bartender has about a thousand VCDs including his favorite Lil Wayne and Chris Brown videos (surprisingly limited Kayne selection). One time we were sitting there, watching whatever video Timberland was making an appearance in, and without warning, We Are The World came on. More fun than the impromptu off-key sing-along was spotting all the washed up stars singing their hearts out for the children. This is Africa.

Ethiopia has not failed to live up to expectations musically, and thankfully hyphy music has not made it over here (yet).