The Dismissal of the “Ethiopian Spice Girls”
Controversy Over Yegna
Gabriella Ghermandi recalls with laughter the irritation she felt towards the so-called Ethiopian Spice Girls, Yegna – a charity-backed pop group aimed at changing narratives and empowering girls and women through music. This all-female group sparked controversy in the UK as it was partly funded by British aid, with critics claiming it was a waste of taxpayers’ money. However, for Ghermandi, the real issue was the implication that Ethiopian women needed outsiders to teach them empowerment.
Ghermandi’s Perspective
“I was like, what?” Ghermandi tells the BBC. “They want to teach us how to empower women? Ethiopia? With all its epics of women?”
Ghermandi’s Musical Tribute to Ethiopian Women
A Unique Musical Approach
Ghermandi, an Ethiopian-Italian author, singer, producer, and ethno-musicologist, turned to music as a way to highlight Ethiopia’s rich history of powerful women. Her nine-track album, “Maqeda” – the Amharic name for the Queen of Sheba, a pivotal figure in Ethiopian history – serves as a homage to female figures, communities, rituals, and musical styles.
The Album’s Diverse Sound
Many label the album as Ethio-jazz, but Ghermandi insists it encompasses much more. “It’s very rooted Ethiopian music, but at the same time, there are very prog sounds, very rocky and punk sounds. You can find everything.”
A Collaborative Effort
Developed over four years, “Maqeda” brought together Ethiopian and Italian musicians she has collaborated with since 2010 under the Atse Tewodros Project, alongside Senegalese guest musicians, a beat-boxer, and a body music performer. “We wanted to digest the music,” says Ghermandi, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project where every musician played a role in the arrangements.
Ghermandi’s Musical Journey
Early Life in Addis Ababa
Born in Addis Ababa in 1965 to an Italian father and an Ethiopian-Italian mother, Ghermandi’s early years were marked by the vibrant musical atmosphere of the city. “Every place, every corner was filled with music and dance. And I think I learned the rhythm that has stayed in my blood,” she says.
Exposure to Diverse Music
Her mother’s clothes shop was next to a record store run by a Greek woman, which exposed her to a wide range of music from Congolese rhythms to The Beatles. Nights spent at clubs with her older brothers, where African greats like Fela Kuti performed, further enriched her musical upbringing.
Cultural Influences and Traditions
Although she had no formal music training, Ghermandi was immersed in Ethiopian musical styles through family weddings and church ceremonies. Her father’s job in construction often took her to remote areas, where she experienced the diverse cultures and music of Ethiopia.
“Maqeda”: A Celebration of Ethiopian Culture
Honoring the Dorze People
Starting with the Dorze people from southern Ethiopia, whose women lead villages and sing in powerful polyphonic choirs, Ghermandi incorporates their unique singing style in her song “Boncho,” which means “respect” in the Gamo language.
Challenging Gender Norms
“Set Nat (She is a Female),” created with an Ethiopian female poet, counters the common saying in Ethiopia that a woman’s achievements are as commendable as a man’s bravery. “I hate this saying,” Ghermandi says passionately. “And I want to say to the world that being a woman is more than enough!”
Showcasing Traditional Instruments
Tracks like “Kotilidda” honor the Kunama people, featuring the avangala, a two-stringed instrument unique to them. Ghermandi mixes traditional Ethiopian instruments with modern ones, demonstrating their compatibility and modernity.
A Journey Through History
“Saba” narrates the legendary Queen of Sheba’s journey to meet King Solomon, with the masinqo (a one-stringed fiddle) playing an ancient Hebrew melody. This acknowledges Ethiopia’s Jewish community, believed to descend from those who followed Sheba’s son back to Ethiopia.
Parallels to Modern Journeys
Ghermandi draws parallels between Sheba’s mythical journey and the real journeys of many Ethiopians fleeing conflict and poverty today. “In the song there’s the idea of walking – and the idea of facing all the things that you find during your journey.”
FAQ
What inspired Gabriella Ghermandi to create the album “Maqeda”?
Gabriella Ghermandi was inspired by Ethiopia’s rich history of powerful women and her desire to counter the narrative that Ethiopian women needed empowerment from outsiders.
How long did it take to develop “Maqeda”?
The album “Maqeda” was developed over four years, involving collaboration with Ethiopian, Italian, and other international musicians.
What musical styles are featured in “Maqeda”?
“Maqeda” features a mix of Ethio-jazz, prog, rock, punk, and traditional Ethiopian sounds, incorporating a wide range of musical influences.
What is the significance of the song “Set Nat (She is a Female)”?
“Set Nat (She is a Female)” challenges the Ethiopian saying that a woman’s achievements are only as commendable as a man’s bravery, emphasizing that being a woman is more than enough.
How does Ghermandi incorporate traditional Ethiopian instruments in her music?
Ghermandi mixes traditional Ethiopian instruments with modern ones to showcase their compatibility and to promote Ethiopian traditional instruments outside the country.
