Music is perhaps one of those things created by us that everyone can enjoy and needs a certain language to be understood. What interests us so much about music perhaps dates back to our ancestors, when music was the only form of entertainment, unlike more recently other forms of media entertainment, including TV drama series, comedy, and live shows , are just emerging. Music not only entertains us, it is a healer and often tells us tales of long suffering and joy. Oromo music is one of them, which music captivates better than Oromo music? None obviously, we’ve included some of the evergreen Oromo music for you to hear in this article.
For those who have very little idea about the genre, it is a type of music native to Oromia, Ethiopia. Capture the long-lost suffering of the Oromo, who fled their beloved city to avoid the suffering that had become the norm for many Ethiopian cities by the 1900s. To share a little of the traditional Ethiopian sounds, we have compiled the list of 10 greatest Oromo music you should listen to.
Interesting Oromo music to listen to
1. Immiman – Jamboo Joote (JJ)
Immiman is one of those popular Oromo songs that has been able to captivate audiences from all over the world. With its slow, soothing music, this song defined Oromo music at its best. If you want to understand the popularity of this song, you can take a quick look on YouTube to witness its muscular views that are over 20,000.
2. Haacaaluu Hundeessaa – Sanyii Mootii
As one of the fast-paced songs, Sanyii Mootii is one of the most popular crowd favorites. With more than 25,000 views on YouTube, this song offers one of the most well set combinations of traditional Oromo musical instruments. The best thing about this song is that it is not too slow like traditional Oromo music as it is one of the perfect courtship ballads with its upbeat rhythm. Check out the following Oromo music video:
3. Awash – Ali Mohammed / Adu Birra Band
Ali Mohammed is one of those faces in the world of Oromo Music who managed to capture the true essence of Oromo. Songs like Awash, which use traditional Oromo drums and traditional melodies, have become so popular that other releases like Awash pt 2 were needed to cater to the growing popularity with fans. Another popular addition to this song is that it features the Adu Birra Band who is one of the most popular Oromo artists and is able to give this song the true essence of Oromo it deserves.
4. Obsi Mee Gara Koo – Ferhan Abulselam
When Ali helped Mohammed tell Oromo the story, Ferhan Abdulselam was the one who set new standards with his song. One of the main reasons for the success of his songs is that it was one of the best integrations of traditional oromon melody and western instruments. Not only is this song very easy to understand, it also represents the Oromonin culture without losing to the Western musical score.
5. Eegi Eegi Guitar – Abdhullhi Jirma
If vintage is your taste and guitar is your mood setter then Abhullhi Jirmas Eegi Eegi is the song for you. The best thing about this song is that it tells the traditional story of Oromon with one of the best guitar riffs imaginable.
6. Akka Garaabaa – Shamsi Quoxo
Oromo is one of those cultures that has Akka Garaabaa is one of those traditional vintage Peppy numbers that has become the benchmark for many traditional Oromonese singers.
7. Oromo Dhanalee – Adem Harun
One of Oromo’s most popular artists, Adem Harun, has provided some of the most beloved classics in the history of Oromo music and Oromo Dhanalee is perhaps one of the most popular songs. In an attempt to tell the story of Oromo in a Western-leaning style, Oromo Dhanalee has become one of those songs dear to many locals.
8. Dafi Kootu – Jamboo Joote (JJ)
The never-ending popularity of jamboo joote has always seemed to surprise people. Dafi Kootu is one of the most popular modern performers in Oromo today and one of the most popular songs ever. With an upbeat tempo and an interesting score, this song tells the story of modern courtship in Oromo. Check out the following Oromo music video:
9. Best Oromo Music – Nafiissaa fi Kadir
This 2013 hit has become a cult favorite for many youngsters across Oromo. This trance-based song gives a much-needed facelift to the traditional Oromo music style and opens a new entry into the world of music. Check out the following Oromo music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtooWl3iQD8
10. Wollo – Zeynu Mahbub
This modern song tells the traditional story of the Oromo kind of joy. It is today’s version of how the traditional Oromo celebrated love, flowering plants and nature itself, and is one of the essential songs of our time. Check out the following Oromo music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y8shWH3SWg