Go Back

Hailu Mergia

First Name: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

Primary Language: 

Other Languages: 

Bio

Hailu Mergia is a celebrated Ethiopian jazz keyboardist and accomplished accordionist. He gained fame in the early 1970s as the frontman of the Walias Band. Following the band's dissolution, he pursued a solo career, debuting with "Hailu Mergia and His Classical Instrument" in 1985. The album garnered critical acclaim upon its reissue in 2013, marking a turning point. Mergia continued to release acclaimed albums like "Lala Belu" in 2018, further cementing his status as a respected musician. His music intricately weaves Ethiopian melodies, jazz harmonies, and funk rhythms, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Discography

Albums¹²

Tezeta2021 • AlbumTracks: 9

Hailu Mergia Remixes2020 • AlbumTracks: 4

Yene Mircha2020 • AlbumTracks: 5

Yene Mircha2020 • AlbumTracks: 5

Yene Mircha2020 • AlbumTracks: 5

Yene Mircha2020 • AlbumTracks: 5

Yene Mircha2020 • AlbumTracks: 5

Yene Mircha2020 • AlbumTracks: 5

Lala Belu2018 • AlbumTracks: 6

Wede Harer Guzo2016 • AlbumTracks: 10

Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument1985 • AlbumTracks: 11

Tche Belew1977 • AlbumTracks: 10

Label

Record Label associated with Hailu Mergia - past and current.

Similar Artists

Babá Ken OkuloloNigeria |1950| Yoruba

Babá Ken Okulolo is a renowned Nigerian bandleader, vocalist, bassist, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. Babá came into spotlight in the mid-1980s when his exceptional talent drew the attention of King Sunny Ade, a Nigerian music icon. Joining Sunny Ade's international tour marked his introduction to global audiences, broadening his musical horizons and deepening his commitment to sharing African music worldwide. Leading four bands locally and internationally, he has released multiple successful albums and collaborated with legendary artists like Fela Anikulapo. Babá Ken Okulolo's immense contributions to African music have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, inspiring musicians and music enthusiasts globally.

Don MetokBenin |1974| French

Don Métok, born Sourou Ignace Mètokin, is a renowned singer, musician, and politician from Benin. He launched his music career in 1993 through the "Vedette en herbe" competition, winning accolades and kickstarting his journey. Balancing his passion for music and media, he became the production manager for Gazette du Golfe in 1998. In 2001, he composed "Peace and Love," a heartfelt song promoting unity in Benin. Notably, in 2002, his anthem "Go the Squirrels" became beloved by the national team. Embracing collaboration, Don Métok enriched the African music scene, and his impact extends into politics, inspiring admiration nationwide.

Yemane BaryaEritrea |1949| Tigrinya

Yemane Ghebremichae, widely known by his stage name Yemane Baria or Yemane Barya, was a renowned Eritrean singer, composer and songwriter. His songwriting was heavily influenced by the Eritrean war of independence and aimed to reflect the experiences of the Eritrean people during that time. His songs were filled with love, journey, hope, migration, and liberation with a pattern of recurring melancholic piece of melody. Yemane was regarded as the "Eritrean Caretaker".

Moses Taiwa MolelekwaSouth Africa |1973| English

Moses Taiwa Molelekwa was a talented South African Jazz pianist. He began playing the piano at a young age, and quickly developed a unique style that blended traditional South African rhythms with jazz and other contemporary influences. Molelekwa's music was known for its intricate harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and melodic beauty. He released his first album, titled "Finding One's Self", in 1995, which was followed by several other successful albums. Throughout his career, Molelekwa received numerous awards and accolades, including the South African Music Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 1998 and 2001. He was also a featured performer at the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival, among others. Tragically, Molelekwa died in 2001, at the age of 27.

Georges OuedraogoBurkina Faso |1974| French

Georges Ouedraogo was born in 1947 in Gogo-Komsilga, Burkina Faso. He was an actor and composer, known for Paweogo (1984), C comme l'oiseau (2004) and Wiibdo (2007). He died on 2 February 2012 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Born1947.

Sir Chuks NwamamaNigeria |1920| Igbo

Sir Chuks Nwamama is a Nigerian musician and the founder of the International Dandy Orchestra of Nigeria. Sir Chuks began his musical career in the 1970s as a saxophonist in various highlife bands. Sir Chuks formed the Dandy Orchestra, a group that blended traditional Nigerian highlife music with contemporary influences, such as jazz and funk. The Dandy Orchestra quickly gained a following in Nigeria and began to tour internationally. He has also collaborated with numerous musicians from around the world. Sir Chuks Nwamama is known for his unique blend of African rhythms and contemporary sounds.

Sonny OkosunNigeria |1947| English

Sonny Okosun, aka Sonny Okosuns, was a singer-songwriter, evangelist, and social activist, and band leader/founder of Ozzidi Band. His music blended traditional African rhythms with rock, soul, and funk, often addressing political issues such as corruption and social inequality. Some of his most popular songs include "Which Way Nigeria" and "Fire in Soweto." Outside of music, Okosun was a passionate activist, campaigning for human rights and social justice in Nigeria. He passed away in 2008, but his music and legacy continue to inspire generations.