Go Back

Getatchew Mekurya

First Name: 

Other Names: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

D.O.D: 

Primary Language: 

Other Languages: 

Bio

Getatchew Mekurya was an iconic Ethiopian jazz saxophonist and cultural icon born in 1935 in Addis Ababa. He became famous as a member of the Ethiopian Police Orchestra and is renowned for his unique and soulful tenor saxophone sound. Mekurya collaborated with several international musicians, including The Ex, John Zorn, and Coldplay, and his music has influenced many musicians globally. His legacy lives on as one of Ethiopia's greatest cultural ambassadors. Mekurya passed away on April 4, 2016.

Discography

Discography not yet available. Check later.

Label

Record Label associated with Getatchew Mekurya - past and current.

Similar Artists

Halim El-DabhEgypt |1921| English

Halim El-Dabh, born Halim Abdul Messieh El-Dabh, was an exceptional Egyptian-born American composer, ethnomusicologist, and performer. He received a fullbright scholarship to study music in the US in 1944 and began experimenting with tape recording and electronic music. El-Dabh's compositions blended traditional Middle Eastern music with Western classical music and electronic soundscapes. He was a renowned teacher and taught at several universities in the US. His work received numerous accolades and recognition. El-Dabh passed away in 2017 at the age of 96.

Khaled aka Cheb KhaledAlgeria |1960| Arabic

Khaled Hadj Ibrahim, known simply as Khaled, is an Algerian-born raï singer, songwriter, and musician. He has sold over 80.5 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Arabic-language singers of all time. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling artist of raï music. He is known for hit songs such as "Aïcha," "Didi," "El Arbi," "Abdel Kader," "La poupée qui fait non," and "C'est la vie."

Cheikha RimittiAlgeria |1923| Arabic

Cheikha Rimitti, born Saadiya al-Ghizaniya, was a renowned Algerian singer-songwriter who started singing traditional Algerian music at an early age. She developed a distinctive style and gained popularity in the 1940s for her bold and provocative lyrics, touching on taboo subjects such as sexuality and alcohol. Rimitti combined traditional Algerian styles with Western instruments, creating a unique sound known as rai, despite censorship and opposition from conservative groups in Algerian society. She toured extensively in North Africa, becoming a symbol of resistance and liberation. Her music gained recognition in France in the 1970s and 1980s, and she continued to perform and release albums until her death at age 83 in 2006. Her legacy as the "Mother of Rai" inspires new generations of musicians and fans.

Jann HelexanderGabon |1982| French

Halexander, born Aurélien Makosso-Akendengué, is a versatile Franco-Gabonese artist known for his talents as a singer, songwriter, actor, and director. His artistic journey began at a young age, and he adopted the stage name "Jann Halexander" to pursue his career in France. With a prolific career spanning singles and albums released independently and under various record labels, Halexander has graced prestigious stages in France and worldwide. Beyond music, he has ventured into acting and directing, showcasing his diverse creative abilities. Jann Halexander's artistic pursuits have earned him recognition and a dedicated global fan base.

Joseph TawadrosEgypt |1983| Arabic

Joseph Tawadros AM, an Egyptian-born Coptic Australian artist, is a remarkable composer, accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and virtuoso of the oud. His musical journey began at the tender age of 8. Tawadros has a sound foundation in classical music, earning a bachelor of music degree from the University of New South Wales and a Freedman Fellowship for Classical Music. Notably, he is the first and sole Australian composer in the esteemed Academy of Ancient Music to perform work in the United Kingdom. He has four ARIA awards to his name and is renowned for seamlessly navigating across genres and numerous collaborations, illustrating his ability to transcend musical boundaries.

Laba SossehSenegal |1943| French

Laba Sosseh was a Gambia-born Senegalese singer, composer, and percussionist who gained fame in West Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a versatile musician, proficient in various genres such as afro-cuban, salsa, soukous and traditional Gambian music. He was a member of several bands, including Star Band and Africando, and released several albums as a solo artist. He is considered a pioneer of Afro-Latin music in West Africa and his music continues to be popular today. Laba passed away Spetember 20, 2007.

Tilahun GessesseEthiopia |1940| Amharic

Tilahun Gessesse was a legendary Ethiopian singer. With a captivating voice and soulful performances, he became a national icon. He rose to fame as a member of the Imperial Bodyguard Band in the 1960s. Known as "The Voice," Tilahun released several albums, including hit songs like "Sew Manen Yimeslal" and "Erishiw/IIhud." He used his fame to advocate for social justice and unity. He received several recognitions and awards, such as Honorary Doctorate Degree from the prestigious Addis Ababa University for his contribution to Ethiopian music. Tilahun's music blended Ethiopian folk, jazz, and pop, earning him acclaim both in Ethiopia and internationally. Tilahun Gessesse's legacy lives on, inspiring generations and cementing his place as one of Ethiopia's greatest musicians.

Papé NzienguiGabon |1972| French

Papé Nziengul is a Gabonese musician and singer skilled in harp playing which he learnt at an early age and became the official harp player in his vicinity. He asserts himself as a full-fledged artist and he's well known for his album release titled "Kadi Yombo." His musical talent has led to him performing internationally, including at the National Theater and the French Cultural Center. He also accompanied African musical stars and was also the founder of the group "Bovenga."

Kamel MessaoudiAlgeria |1961| Arabic

Kamel Messaoudi was an Algerian singer, musician, and multi-instrumentalist known for blending traditional Algerian rhythms with modern chaabi and rai influences. He began his career in 1974, forming a chaabi music group. In 1991, his song "Echemâa" became a hit and made him known. His songs and music carried all the love and sadness he felt for different subjects, notably love, youth and Algeria. Sadly, Kamel Messaoudi passed away in 1998, after a car accident in Algiers.