Of course you want to learn how to dance the Eskista!
Earlier this week we met the a traditional dance from Ethioipa called the Eskista, shaking our shoulders as the Amhara do. We tried our best to shake, shimmy and roll, and had much fun doing it, but that just left us wanting to learn more. Fortunately we can use YouTube videos, like this one by Hibist Yohannesto, to learn absolutely everything. Start on the road to Eskista mastery.
Returning to Ethiopia, he blended ancient Ethiopian scales with syncopated jazz rhythms. Astatke has long been a legend in the Ethiopian jazz world, but found international fame most recently when one of his songs appeared in the soundtrack of the Jim Jarmusch movie, “Broken Flowers.” Take a look at Astatke and his band performing live.
Ethiopia is on the the agenda in this week’s online class for kids. Over the ages Ethiopia faced many challenges from abroad, but with the exception of some years of Italian rule during World War II, the nation either ended up defeating the invaders or weaving them, or at least their religions, into the nation. Today, though there are still many reminders of wars, famines and military dictatorships past, the always-unique Ethiopia has become a vibrant international cultural, musical and culinary hub.
Living up to the nickname “the Ethiopian Elvis” must be quite a challenge, but Ethio-Jazz icon Alemayehu Eshete can handle it.
As our last post before we move along from Ethiopia, turning next week’s focus to Tanzania…watch this video of Eshete and his band of ferenge (“foreginers”) tearing up the stage. You’ll surely agree.
Coffee drinker out there know the truth — Ethiopian coffee is the real deal.
Earlier this week we introduced Ethiopia’s endearing (and extensive) coffee ceremony. The “Buna” ceremony can last a couple hours or more, and is consciously slow, leaving ample time for socializing. This video shows us how it’s done in Lalibela, a city in the north of Ethiopia that’s known for its ancient rock churches. Go there for the churches? No. Go there for the coffee.
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony will wake us up!
The Ethiopian coffee (“Buna”) ceremony is a super-caffeinated community-building tradition. The ritual, which may last over two hours, consists of several slow cycles of brewing and drinking strong coffee, giving neighbors the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. In this busy world how often do you take the time to drink over a dozen cups of coffee with your neighbors?
