Music has long had the beloved nickname “The Universal Language”. It is the world’s mother tongue, understood by all, and has the reputation of bridging socio-economic groups and joining the young and old, and the new band, QWANQWA, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is named for this concept.

The music is characterized by tight arrangements, psychedelic sounds, extended experimental moments, and occasional audience sing-a-long sections. It is driving, powerful, and different than anything else coming out of Ethiopia at this current Golden Age of Ethiopian music. The live show ranges from intimate to wild, from whispery conversations to full blown rock show, and it is hard to believe these psychedelic sounds are coming from traditional harp and violin.

At its core, this band is instrumental, however, the list of guests and collaborations is long, including both beloved and famous singers such as Fikraddis, Habte Michael, Amelmal Abate, as well as Azmari singers Selamnesh Zemene, Ertibu Agengehu, and Etenesh Wassie. Qwanqwa also has invited the virtuoso masinqo player Endris Hassen, the father of washint Johannes Aferwork, Dawit Frew (Ethiopia’s foremost clarinetist).

Qwanqwa’s members’ combined experience in experimental music ensembles is part of what contributes to Qwanqwa’s unique sound.