• Comment: Possibly notable but the sourcing still needs work. BuySomeApples (talk) 20:15, 23 December 2023 (UTC)
  • Comment: Fails WP:MUSICBIO, requires significant coverage in multiple independent secondary sources, not just a single source. Dan arndt (talk) 06:51, 27 November 2023 (UTC)


File:Girum Gizaw Wiki.jpeg

Girum Gizaw is an Ethiopian Jazz Guitarist. He is best known for his 2016 album, Kelem (Colour).

Biography edit

Girum Gizaw is an Ethiopian jazz guitarist and composer, known for his significant contributions to the Ethio-jazz scene. He has been a central figure in Addis Ababa's jazz guitar scene for over a decade. He discovered his passion for music at the age of 12, influenced by his cousin and elder brother. His early experiences in music included singing in a church choir and exploring the guitar while studying at a Catholic Mission school in Assela, central Ethiopia. Girum's early fascination with the Tizeta minor style led him to form a small band during his school years, where he arranged small concerts, providing both a thrilling experience and a good practice opportunity for all members.[1]

Girum's career took a professional turn when he joined the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus School of Jazz Music in Addis Ababa. Under the tutelage of his Finnish guitar teacher Markku Keski-Mäenpää, Girum honed his skills in dynamic finger-style techniques. After completing his music education, Girum initially joined a few pop bands to earn some extra income. He then became a member of a jazz band named Blue, which unfortunately disbanded after two years. Despite this setback, Girum collaborated with close friends Abiy W/mariyam and Mebratu Shewa to create the Meleket band, which has been his most significant achievement to date. The Meleket Band has been active for more than seven years, known for its sophisticated arrangements and appealing sound. [1]

A pivotal moment in his career was his friendship with Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, who provided valuable help and advice over the years. This relationship had a profound influence on Girum's musical direction. Girum and his band regularly perform at the African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa, and the Meleket band has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best in the city. [1]

In 2016, Girum was preparing to release his debut full-length album, "Kelem," which was highly anticipated by his fans. The album was described as a jazz album tinged with Ethiopian folk melodies and Western blues noodling. At that time, Girum was 34 years old and already had a loyal following thanks to his performances with Blue Note and the Meleket band. His improvisational skills and live performances were widely acclaimed. The album "Kelem" includes a variety of tracks that showcase Girum's tone, phrasing, and melodic control, making him one of the most successful guitarists in Addis Ababa. [2]

Girum's music style in "Kelem" was described as experimental jazz with a country vibe, featuring uncomplicated chords, memorable melodies, and a variety of moods to appeal to a general audience. The album was noted for its sensitive ensemble playing, incorporating spontaneous humming from ethnic groups of southern regions of Ethiopia. In this album, Girum collaborated with various artists, including Abiy Woldemarim, Dr. Jahnovan, Mussie Mekonen, and Habtamu Negash. Legendary singer Alemayehu Fanta and young vocalist Sinshaw Legesse also provided vocal accompaniment on three tracks.[2] Girum regularly posts live performances of his original compositions as well as covers on his YouTube channel, performed with his Meleket band. He plays an Ibanez hollow body jazz guitar [3]

Girum is part of a movement of resurgence of jazz nightlife in Ethiopia, considering the vibrant state of the African Jazz Village and his being a part of new Ethio-Jazz experiments by various artists.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Girum Gizaw". Music In Africa. May 9, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Ethiopian jazz guitarist Girum Gizaw to release debut album 'Kelem'". Music In Africa. May 30, 2016.
  3. ^ "Girum Gizaw - YouTube". www.youtube.com.
  4. ^ "Afropop Worldwide | Ethio-jazz at A Tipping Point". Afropop Worldwide.

Girum Gizaw's documentary on CNN