{"id":100591,"date":"2022-03-11T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/violons-cordes-sensibles-dafrique\/"},"modified":"2022-05-19T17:54:44","modified_gmt":"2022-05-19T15:54:44","slug":"violins-heartstrings-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/violins-heartstrings-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"The violin, pulling on the heartstrings of Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The violin \u2013 in all its forms \u2013 undoubtably plays a major role in the music of the African continent. Here we present an overview of the stringed instrument, played by those who made it famous in the past, as well as those who celebrate its resonance today.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The Ethiopian masenqo<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Much like the krar<\/em> lyre or the kebero<\/em> drum, the Ethiopian single-stringed fiddle also known as the masenqo<\/em>, is the instrument of choice for the Azmaris<\/em>. These musicians have shaken up Addis Ababa\u2019s nightlife within the city\u2019s popular cabarets, thanks to their eloquent social commentary and their impressive ability to improvise \u2013 the two key qualities of a good Azmari. From the Sostu to the Yeweddal (the venue run by famous masenqo player Adan\u00e8h T\u00e8ka), the cabarets (azmaribet<\/em>) continue to offer space for collective catharsis, as well as an essential place to visit for anyone that sets foot in Ethiopia. As a result of their collaboration with musicians from the Fendika, a must-see azmaribet<\/em> run by dancer Melaku Belay on Zewditu Street, The Ex, a Dutch experimental post-punk band, released Lale Guma\/Addis Hum<\/em><\/a> in 2015. In this hybrid record, Endris Hassen’s masenqo blends together with The Ex’s abrasive riffs, giving the traditional instrument a slightly more underground feeling than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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