Debo Band

Debo Band formed in Boston during 2006 when saxophonist Danny Mekonnen assembled the group, which singer Bruck Tesfaye has since fronted. Their sound draws primary influence from Ethiopian pop alongside American funk and Eastern European brass traditions. Fellow members include guitarists Brendon Wood and electric violinist Jonah Rapino, both previously active in Devil Music, plus accordionist Marié Abe of Japonize Elephants, violinist Käthe Hostetter from Qwanqwa, and sousaphonist Arik Grier formerly of Fat Day. The ensemble has visited Ethiopia on two separate occasions, appearing at the Ethiopian Music Festival in Addis Ababa and at Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar while sharing bills with acts such as Group Doueh, the Ex alongside Getatchew Mekurya, Khaira Arby, and additional artists. Their earliest release arrived in 2010 as the live EP Flamingoh (Pink Bird Dawn). Two subsequent 7" singles came out on Electric Cowbell, each containing remixes credited to Kiddid. Sub Pop, the American indie rock imprint, issued the band’s self-titled debut album in 2012; Addis Ababa-born Thomas Gobena, bassist for New York’s Gypsy punks Gogol Bordello, served as producer. FPE Records then put out the follow-up full-length Ere Gobez in 2016.