Qwanqwa from Addis Ababa at The Cedar

QWANQWA, the Amharic word for “language,” is a project creating dialogues between cultures ("Music is the Universal Language").
Members of QWANQWA are Endris Hassen (masinko, a one string fiddle), Kaethe Hostetter (violin), Bubu Teklemariam (bass krar, a traditional harp), Selamnesh Zemene (vocalist), and Misale Legesse (kebero, a double-headed, conical hand drum).
QWANQWA uncovers lesser known traditional sounds from East Africa regions of Ethiopia and beyond- including Eritreia and Somalia. The string ensemble was founded in 2012 by American violinist Kaethe Hostetter, who first worked in Ethiopian music as a founding member of critically acclaimed Debo Band.
Part of their 2024 North American Tour (31 March to 24 May). Hosted by The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis.
QWANQWA have released three albums: Volume One (2014) and Volume Two (2015), and Volume Three (2020).