Ukandanz, “Malicious Scheme የክፋት እቅድ”

ALBUM OF THE DAY

    Ukandanz, “Evil Plan የክፋት እቅድ”

By

Brad Sanders

    ·
    April 21, 2025

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Long before he became the beloved frontman of the French jazz-rock band Ukandanz, Asnaké Gebreyes was weaving magic in the vibrant nightclubs of Addis Ababa. His journey began in the city’s blossoming music scene as a teenager, where he collaborated with the Ethiopian Police Orchestra—an inspiring community of talent that nurtured artists like the renowned Bizunesh Bekele and the iconic Alèmayèhu Eshèté. By the late 1980s, Gebreyes had emerged as a beacon of talent in his own right, captivating audiences with his 1988 Ethio-jazz album Ahadu, a cherished creation that found its way from the modest Walia Music Shop to the hearts of many. This album was reissued and embraced internationally for the first time in 2018, showcasing its enduring beauty.

With a captivating style that combines expressive delivery and intricate melisma, Gebreyes brings a unique and dramatic sensibility to the jazz-inflected melodies of Ahadu. As the years unfolded, Ukandanz revealed the remarkable versatility of his voice across diverse musical landscapes. Since forming in 2010 with fellow musicians, the band has skillfully blended their rich musical legacies over six immersive albums, including their latest work, Evil Plan. The creation of this album represents a harmonious fusion of Ethio-jazz grooves, African pop, experimental soundscapes, and beyond, creating a tapestry of rich musical expression that invites listeners to lose themselves in its beauty.

What sets Gebreyes apart is not just his vocal talent but the extraordinary spirit he brings to heavy rock music. Credited as a “cantor” in the liner notes of Evil Plan, his voice possesses a ritualistic quality that unfolds a unique narrative through each song. In this album, the band boldly reinterprets Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” as Gebreyes sings in Amharic, shifting the song’s poignant message from its origins to resonate with the contemporary experiences of Ethiopia. His interpretation carries deep emotion, showcasing the power of the song through his distinctive voice.

Evil Plan also honors Ethiopian musical heritage, featuring fresh interpretations of classics. “Yene Felagote” refreshes Tlahoun Gèssèssè’s beloved 1975 hit, while tracks like “Liwsedsh Andken” and “Hedech Alu” breathe new life into lesser-known treasures from the ’70s. The band’s talented musicians establish a warm, inviting foundation that supports Gebreyes’s ethereal voice in a beautifully balanced manner. Under the guidance of bandleader Damien Cluzel, the ensemble navigates the intricate rhythms of their craft, honoring the traditional while exploring exciting new dimensions of sound.

While Ukandanz’s approach carries a bolder edge compared to conventional Ethio-jazz, the band reverently pays homage to its roots. Their music exemplifies the exhilarating blend of diverse cultural traditions, much like the inspired reinterpretations found in other global music genres. As you explore the rich sounds of Evil Plan, allow yourself to be transported to a place of connection, creativity, and joy.

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