Ethiopia: Sintayehu Belay releases debut EP Tsedey

The project is available on all major streaming and download platforms, with the video of the song ‘Abanenegn’ also out.

The five-track EP combines retro Ethiopian sounds with a dash of the modern and incorporates traditional instruments like the kirar and masinko. It is also fused with West African musical elements.

The album was produced by Girum Mezmur and Ethiopian artist Alemayehu Demeke contributed to the songwriting.

The release is a collection of ebullient music set to capture the hearts of many. The enthusiasm Belay injects makes the offering highly listenable.

Belay’s style is in many respects similar to that of Aster Aweke and Hamelmal Abate, but it is the strong influences she has borrowed from traditional Amharic singing techniques that make her music unique.

The first female singer signed to the Muzikawi record label, in May last year, Belay first came into the limelight during the auditions for the Fana Lamrot music competition.

Belay was born and raised in Raya Kobo in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia where she attended primary and high school before moving to Dessie where she earned a bachelor’s degree at the Dessie College of Teachers Education.

Belay’s love for music started at an early age. After losing her eyesight when she was only 15 months old, music became her main companion, but it was not until her family’s landlord heard her singing that he knew she was a star in the making. He asked her to join a local traditional music group called Fana Raya and the rest is history.