Brownswood Recordings

Yohan Kebede, Kokoroko’s keyboardist and synth player has announced the launch of ZENA; a new duo formed in conjunction with British bassist and producer Menelik (Muva Of Earth, Bill Laurance).

Born out of a mutual love and respect for the music of their shared Ethiopian heritage, Yohan Kebede and Menelik through ZENA are seeking to redefine and reimagine Ethiopian music for a new generation. Building upon the roots and foundations laid by legendary Ethiopian musicians Haliu Mergia, Alemayehu Eshete and Mulatu Astatke, ZENA fuses the haunting spirituality and earthiness of the ethio-jazz tradition with a modernity, sensuality and sense of disruption that is distinctly London.

Speaking on the circumstances that led to their formation, Yohan said: “Both myself and Menelik have spent years playing black music from all over the world, but seldom from Ethiopia, where we are both originally from. What began as a weekly linkup to play Hailu Mergia and Mulatu Astatke songs, eventually turned into an obsession with putting the world onto a different side of this music; we all know its unique and spiritual, but it can be sexy, rude and risky too”.

Enriching this new musical endeavour is the thoughtful distillation of their western and more alternative influences; garnishing their musical identity with the lush psychedelia of Khruangbin, the soulful grooves of Shuggie Otis, the experimental edge of D’Angelo and the dub-infused textures of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

Marking their official arrival, ZENA have unveiled their debut single ‘Anchi Bale Gamé’ - a cover of the 1984 cult classic by Admas (covered from Mahmoud Ahmed / Tewodros Mekonnen). Boldly putting their own spin on it, their version transforms the funky and synth-laden nature of the original track into a brooding and slow-burning number which heavily draws from alternative R&B, trip-hop and downtempo electronica.

Speaking on their decision to lead with a cover, Yohan said: “This song connects with everyone who hears it, beyond being an Ethiopian song, it's just super catchy. While starting our journey with a cover might sound counter intuitive, it felt like the best way to formally announce ourselves to the world - many people are familiar with the song, but not with the way in which we've put it together. Hoping to start as we mean to go on!”

The track’s accompanying video was directed by Colleen Lee (YUNGBLUD, Raye, Jacob Collier, Charlotte Day Wilson). Honoring the collage-esque aesthetics of Ethiopian music videos from the late ’90s and early ’00s, with contemporary styling by way of Amsterdam streetwear brand The New Originals, the video is a playful affair which brings the duo’s personalities to the fore.

ZENA’s formation comes off the heels of a momentous year for Yohan Kebede, who with Kokoroko released their second studio album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ back in July. Upon its release, it was met with mass critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, The Times, Bandcamp Daily, Hypebeast, Mixmag, The Voice Newspaper, Pitchfork, PAPER Magazine, SPIN, The Fader, Essence, MOJO, UNCUT, NOTION and The Arts Desk. Eventually parlaying into a on NPR’s famed ‘Tiny Desk’ series, a North American tour and the biggest headline show of their career at the O2 Academy Brixton in London.

Menelik Mulugeta Claffey, better known mononymously as Menelik is a bassist and producer who’s spent years in the inner circle of London’s music scene. Spending significant time on the road and in the studio with Muva Of Earth and Bill Laurance. A long-term elusive figure, his lowkey presence has become almost synonymous with his name and a signature.

Continuing the archival and curatorial work carried out by the 'Ethiopiques' and ‘Awesome Tapes From Africa’ scenes, ZENA is stepping up to chart new dimensions and carry the sound of Ethiopia into an innovative and global future.