Ethiopian Records launches fundraiser for new double-EP, Wel

Ethiopian Records‘ next release is a double-EP called Wel.

Wel means togetherness in Amharic, and was inspired by the work of Ethiopian poet laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin. The ten-track record, which also comes with two videos, is the subject of an Indiegogo fundraising campaign meant to help sustain the career of Endeguena Mulu and those who work around him.

Mulu explains that, earlier this year before the pandemic hit, his team created an agency and record label called WAG Entertainment Agency, meant to lead into the founding of a new creative space in Addis Ababa called Godjo.

“We have poured our personal finances and years worth of our time towards that goal,” Mulu says. “All things have now been not only temporarily delayed but also very much put in jeopardy as we all are as a society put into survival mode, and this will last with us even after this crisis will have long passed.”

“It is an imperative for us to push this project and others forward persevering through the storm, and come out stronger and even more independent and for this we will need your help,” he adds. “Your support will go a long way in helping us survive, take a step towards gaining independence in our vision and bring you the music that you love.”

Perks for supporting the project, which is due out in November of this year, range from a “signed” digital copy to having your name or portrait listed in the album, a “private virtual concert” or musical lesson, with more information on the Indiegogo campaign.

Mulu, who records under the name Ethiopian Records, is one of the country’s most important electronic artists and a leader of the style known as Ethiopiyawi electronic—a kind of fusion of traditional Ethiopian music with modern electronic instruments and production. He’s released on 1432 R Records and Arcola, and has a musical history spanning almost two decades.

Watch a video teaser for Wel, and check out the Indiegogo fundraising page here.