Muluken Mellesse - Muluken Mellesse With The Dahlak Band (1976)

The vinyl album by Ethiopian artist Muluken Mellèsè, featured in the éthiopiques 31 collection, is regarded as the "Swan Song" and an absolute masterpiece of Ethiopian Groove. Released in 1976 on Kaifa Records, it was one of the final vinyl records in Ethiopia before the military Derg regime (1974–1991), which instituted a period of Red Terror, crushed independent musical life.

Muluken Mellèsè (born between 1953 and 1955) began his career at the age of 13–14 in Addis Ababa's nightclubs. He was noted for his young age and his angelic voice, sometimes mistaken for a female vocalist. From 1968, he collaborated with bands including the Second Police Band, and later with pioneering groups like The Equators/Dahlak Band. His last vinyl record was with the Dahlak Band, featuring key musicians such as Tilayé Gèbrè. Mellèsè was known for his perfectionism and careful selection of lyrics, some penned by women. After converting to Pentecostalism in 1980, he gradually abandoned secular music, making his final departure in 1985 after immigrating to the USA. The album, produced by Ali Abdella Kaifa, is an exemplary work of "ethio-groove" with Afrobeat elements, placing it chronologically alongside or prior to major African music scenes.

Tracklist:
1-1 Muluken Mellesse - Jemeregne [7:30]
1-2 Muluken Mellesse - Helm honèsh ateqri [4:55]
1-3 Muluken Mellesse - Gibel qèzèba [3:03]
1-4 Muluken Mellesse - YèMendja shègga [4:03]
1-5 Muluken Mellesse - Bènè Mot [2:34]
1-6 Muluken Mellesse - Woub Abèba [3:59]
1-7 Muluken Mellesse - Mèwèdèshen betawqiw [4:31]
1-8 Muluken Mellesse - Bayesh dès yelègnal [4:51]
1-9 Muluken Mellesse - Kèsét eswa betcha [3:44]
1-10 Muluken Mellesse - Tezeta [6:21]