Damakasse

Damakase is a new Addis-Ababa based world music project that began with a deep yearning to make music that bridges different traditions. Ethiopians Endris Hassen (Ethiocolor, MistO-MistO) on masenqo and Misale Legasse (Ethiocolor, Addis Acoustic) on kebero/percussion joined forces with New Zealander Cass Horsfall (MistO-MistO, Black Jesus Experience) on bass and Franco-American Cory Seznec (MistO-MistO, Groanbox, solo) on guitar/banjo.

Each musician comes from a rich musical background - Endris and Misale are some of the best, most seasoned musicians in Ethiopia, touring regularly with Ethiocolor and a host of other local and international acts. Their professionalism and general curiosity drove them to meet musicians steeped in other musical traditions such as Cory, who began as an American finger style guitarist and claw hammer banjoist. Cory’s passionate interest in world music has led him to study different African guitar styles, which permeate his creative energy to this day. Meanwhile, Cass, who started off in funk and reggae, discovered Ethiopian music in Australia through his involvement in the Black Jesus Experience. With the latter he has toured in several countries with the likes of Mulatu Astatké and Mahmoud Ahmed, and has become an Abyssinian music expert.

A musical dialogue that begins in Ethiopia, the songs take the listener on a journey to places like Kenya, Mali, and America, mixing styles to produce new sounds all the while respecting older traditions. Featuring tight arrangements with scorching grooves and infectious rhythms, Damakase’s music will seduce even the most skeptical of audiences.