Is the land of Haile Selassie about to join countries like Nigeria, Mali, and Cameroon as another musical African hotbed? On this evidence, probably so. Bole 2 Harlem represents the journey from Ethiopia’s main port of exit and entry, Bole, to Harlem — known as little Africa to many New York-based Ethiopians. The message of this album is the experience of being from Ethiopia and living in Harlem.
This project is the creation of Ethiopian Maki Siraj, American David Schommer (who has produced for Donna Summer), and musician friends from all reaches of the globe. The result? An Ethiopian essence, a multicultural world view, and an unprecedented modern sound to which non-Ethiopians can relate.
As Bole 2 Harlem explains: “Some of these songs are like a stroll in Harlem — songs like ‘Hoya Hoye,’ whose beats you can hear walking past the local hat vendors or the bodega on the corner.”
The style of this record is limitless. There’s a bit of raping, chanting, and reggae-like vocals, making it a constantly evolving creature for those with a fondness for variety. This is Bole 2 Harlem’s new sound. All aboard?
-Ade Bankole
Bole 2 Harlem