ZENAZENA

ZENA -- consisting of keyboardist and producer Yohan Kebede and bassist and producer Menelik Mulugeta Claffey, known by the mononym Menelik -- breathes new life into Ethiopian music with a London touch. ZENA, which means “legacy” in Amharic, creates its own legacy, building on the traditions of legendary Ethiopian musicians. The music of ZENA has its roots in the Ethio-Jazz, which flowed like the warmth and sanctity of “Etan” – the Ethiopian aromatic incense – through the childhood homes of Yohan and Menelik, while preserving the liveliness and innovation characteristic of the London scene from which both emerged. She is mystical yet unorthodox and draws on influences of alternative R&B, trip-hop, dub and psychedelic music. It is emotional and at the same time sexy - a taboo for Ethiopian traditionalists, but tempting for fans of D'Angelo and Marvin Gaye. The concert is presented by Jazzhouse, Groove City Recordstore