Krar Collective

Krar Collective formed as a trio whose powerful, distinctive approach to Ethiopian music propelled the London-based group—originally tied to Addis Ababa—into prominence within the global music scene. At the ensemble’s core stands the krar, the six-string Ethiopian lyre, which multi-instrumentalist Temesgen Zeleke plays in an amplified form after receiving guidance from legendary vibraphonist Mulatu Astatke. Percussionist Robel Taye supplies rhythms on double-headed kebero drums while vocalist Genet Assefa completes the lineup. Speaking with journalist Ant Stone, Zeleke characterized the band’s sound as “Ethiopian traditional music with a rocky edge. Someone called us ‘the White Stripes of Ethiopia’ ‘cause we just have drums and six strings.” An Ethiopian expatriate residing in London’s Tottenham district, Zeleke connected with his colleagues via the Genna Ethiopian Arts and Theatre, the nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing African music and arts across the United Kingdom. Following extended performances throughout the capital, word-of-mouth accounts of the group’s exuberant concerts elevated their profile, leading to standout appearances at the 2010 WOMAD Festival in Charlton Park, the 2011 WOMEX Festival in Copenhagen, and the 2012 Roundhouse Rising Festival in London. In 2011 the trio joined the roster of the respected world-music imprint Riverboat Records and began work on its debut album with producer Colin Bass; the resulting Ethiopia Super Krar reached listeners in summer 2012.