Hailu Mergia: Ethio-Jazz Rediscovery

Hailu Mergia, born in a rural village in Ethiopia in 1946, is a virtuoso keyboardist and accordionist, composer, and bandleader. His musical journey began at a young age, mastering the accordion before moving on to the piano and organ. In the late 1960s, he moved to Addis Ababa, a city brimming with a vibrant music scene, and quickly became a prominent figure.

He rose to fame as the leader of the Walias Band, the house band at the prestigious Ghion Hotel. The Walias Band became synonymous with the "Ethio-jazz" sound, a unique fusion of traditional Ethiopian melodies, American jazz, funk, and R&B. Their instrumental tracks, often featuring Hailu's distinctive organ playing, were particularly popular, showcasing a sophisticated blend of improvisation and tight arrangements. During this golden age of Ethiopian music, Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band recorded numerous albums and singles, leaving an indelible mark on the country's musical landscape.

Hailu Mergia, born in a rural village in Ethiopia in 1946, is a virtuoso keyboardist and accordionist, composer, and bandleader. His musical journey began at a young age, mastering the accordion before moving on to the piano and organ. In the late 1960s, he moved to Addis Ababa, a city brimming with a vibrant music scene, and quickly became a prominent figure.

He rose to fame as the leader of the Walias Band, the house band at the prestigious Ghion Hotel. The Walias Band became synonymous with the "Ethio-jazz" sound, a unique fusion of traditional Ethiopian melodies, American jazz, funk, and R&B. Their instrumental tracks, often featuring Hailu's distinctive organ playing, were particularly popular, showcasing a sophisticated blend of improvisation and tight arrangements. During this golden age of Ethiopian music, Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band recorded numerous albums and singles, leaving an indelible mark on the country's musical landscape.

However, the political climate in Ethiopia shifted dramatically with the rise of the Derg military junta in the mid-1970s. The new regime imposed strict curfews and restrictions on public gatherings, severely impacting the lively music scene. Many musicians fled the country, and Hailu Mergia eventually made the difficult decision to emigrate to the United States in the early 1980s, settling in Washington D.C.

For many years, Hailu Mergia continued to play music, but mostly for his own enjoyment or at local Ethiopian community events. He even took on a job as a taxi driver, a stark contrast to his earlier fame. His music remained largely unknown outside of Ethiopia and a small circle of dedicated fans.