Go Back

Hailu Mergia

First Name: Hailu

Last Name: Mergia

Stage Name: Hailu Mergia

Country: Ethiopia

Born: 1946

Primary Language: Amharic

Other Languages: English

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

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.

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.

Prince Chijioke MbanefoNigeria |1979| Igbo

Prince Chijioke Mbanefo is a Nigerian musician that was mentored by Chief Osita Osadebe. He emulates is mentor and has tried his best when it comes to Igbo traditional music. He comes from Igbo land, South- Eastern part of Nigeria. He like other musician has recorded and distributed many songs.

E.T. MensahGhana |1919| English

Emmanuel Tettey Mensah, widely known as E.T. Mensah, achieved fame as the "King of Highlife" music in Ghana. Starting at just 12 years old, he began his musical journey by mastering the flute and later the alto saxophone. Mensah's remarkable skill and unwavering commitment brought him great recognition, leading him to establish the Accra Rhythmic Orchestra alongside his brother. In 1947, he gained prominence as the leader of the renowned "Tempos" band. This led him to international recognition, and he even performed alongside the legendary Louis Armstrong. Although highlife music's popularity waned in the 1960s, Mensah remained active. He collaborated with artists like Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya, leaving a profound legacy that continues to inspire musicians in Ghana and worldwide.

Steve RhodesNigeria |1926| English

Steven Omodele Bankole Rhodes, known as Steve Rhodes, was a prolific Nigerian musician, singer, composer, and band leader Steve Rhodes Orchestra. Rhodes' introduction to music started at a very young age and continued when he met a German music instructor who took him under his wing while in college in the UK. After playing in Germany for a while, Rhodes returned to Nigeria and took on a career in broadcasting, but never forgot his first love, music. After organizing successful concerts as a broadcaster, Rhodes left and took on music full-time with his band, Steve Rhodes Orchestra. He was also a manager to Fela Kuti. Rhodes was quite influential in the Nigerian music scene in the 60s and 70s. He passed away on May 29, 2008.

Chirikure ChirikureZimbabwe |1962| Shona

Chirikure Chirikure, is a prominent Zimbabwean poet, songwriter, and writer. Chirikure worked as an editor/publisher with one of Zimbabwe's leading publishing houses for 17 years until 2002. Currently, he runs a literary agency and works as a performance poet, cultural consultant, and translator. Additionally, Chirikure hosts a radio program for young Shona writers. He has also written and translated children's stories, educational textbooks, and occasionally contributes to print media. Chirikure has also written lyrics for leading Zimbabwean musicians and occasionally performs with them.

Robbie JansenSouth Africa |1949| English

Robbie Jansen, born Robert Edward Jansen, was a gifted self-taught musician, singer, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. Robbie, also known as “the Cape Doctor” was renowned for his exceptional skill on the alto saxophone and began his career as an original member of the Pacific Express brass section. Robbie went on to collaborate with several other South African bands, including Abdullah Ibrahim's group, Spirits Rejoice, The Genuines, The Rockets, then his band, Sons of the Table Mountain. Some of his songs include "Umlazi", "Elsies Toe", "Cape Medley", amongst others. As a prominent figure in the Cape jazz scene, Robbie's contributions to the genre were highly esteemed. Robbie passed away in 2010 after a relatively brief career, nevertheless, his indelible impact on South African music remains.