Through their songs, azmari (wandering musicians) present a significant portion of the traditional repertoire. The culture of these wandering musicians is primarily, observed in the central highland regions of the country, but similar traditions also exist among the various Ethiopian ethnic communities. This intangible cultural heritage has been transmitted orally from one generation to the next. Ever since, azmaris entertained their audiences with solo songs accompanied by instrument (the fiddle masinqo/the lyre krar). Their songs reflect every details of social, cultural and political aspects of the given society the reasons why they were often considered as the people’s mouth.
Through their songs, azmari (wandering musicians) present a significant portion of the traditional repertoire. The culture of these wandering musicians is primarily, observed in the central highland regions of the country, but similar traditions also exist among the various Ethiopian ethnic communities. This intangible cultural heritage has been transmitted orally from one generation to the next. Ever since, azmaris entertained their audiences with solo songs accompanied by instrument (the fiddle masinqo/the lyre krar). Their songs reflect every details of social, cultural and political aspects of the given society the reasons why they were often considered as the people’s mouth.