By Tibebeselassie Tigabu

Express Band is known for creating a platform for big artists. Artists the likes of Theodros Kassahun, a.k.a Teddy Afro, Zeritu Kebede, a.k.a. Baby and Dawit Melesse are among the few that have used the band as a platform.

Just last week, the band celebrated its 15th anniversary at Club Alize and the artists were there to play along and give their testimonies.

“It’s the band I grew up with professionally, and to tell you the truth, my first night out was with them,” said Teddy Afro at the concert last week.

The event gave way for the big get-together which reunited the former band members Shewandagn Hailu, Teddy Afro, Dawit Melesse and other artists and their fans.

Club Alize was fully packed by fans where singers Tsegaye Eshetu, Dawit Melesse, Shewandagn Hail und Michael Belayneh were also playing along their colleagues.

The surprising guest artist Teddy Afro also came on the stage and played his songs to which the crowd responded with glee.

Apart from the renowned artists, the band’s vocalist grooved the audience with goodies--melodies of Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke melodies.

Fans were excited to see the band they were entertained with for 15 years. Sarah Kebede who is a loyal fan for 15 years, puts what the get-together meant to her in these words “Band is not an easy thing, especially in a country where live music is not appreciated and music is often played with one keyboard, the synthesizer. I love their persistence and dedication in staying for 15 years with the hardship they face,”

Now comprising 14 members, Express Band was established by Feleke Hailu (Keyboard and Saxophonist), a teacher at Yared School and former Ethiopian Idol judge, Dereje Tefera (bassist) who did lyrics for renowned artists Tsegaye Eshetu, Mahmoud Ahmed, Yeshimebet Duble, Dawit Melesse, Muluken Melesse, Theodros Tadesse, Kibret Zekios (Guitar) composer and arranger and Elias Bekele (drummer).

Coming from different bands, the members wanted to create a band which can be a tool to tell the different stories they have to recount. So, naturally, they named it “Express Band”.

Their first venue being Cofee House, singers the like Dawit Melesse, Haileyesus Bekele, Dawit Tilahun, Wodere and the Jamaican artists Judah and Joy brought a new sound to the club.

As Feleke and Kibret reminisce, playing weekly on Saturday nights, Coffee House became a place to hang out with crowded audiences.

After the weekly performance became a hit, the band started a biweekly performance, adding the Sunday show. After that, there was no stopping of the musical express. Their presence was shown in many clubs, including the then Lion Club, Farenheit, In and Out, Harlem Jazz and later exhibitions and festivals.

The musician path was not easy but, as they explain, they were persistent in making the band especially at the initial stage despite their everyday rehearsal, their audiences started declining from time to time.

Feleke reminisces on the good old days, “We had good singers and we were working hard and the return was confusing where only a limited number of people show up. So what we did was to take a break for two months and came back with a new spirit.”

After that, new band members were added to the Express Band to bring out a style they call “acoustic sound”.

“When you see the formation of bands here, it lacks that acoustic sound. Keyboard couldn’t bring the sound we wanted, so, in addition to that electronic sound, we added ancient element and brought our style of music,” said Feleke.

Despite having countless concerts in different venues, the concert they had with Tony Rebel, the renowned Jamaican singer, for the centenary celebrating the victory of Adwa outweighed the other concerts.

“We only had a four-day rehearsal and it was a bit scary because we didn’t know what we were doing. But the actual show at the Addis Ababa Stadium was one of a kind. It was packed and the feedback was great,” said Feleke.

Apart from performing in different venues, the band also did albums with the renowned artists Aregahegn Werash, Tsehaye Yohannes, Hibist Tiruneh, Netsanet Melesse, Kuku Sebisbe, Fantahun Shewankochew, to mention only a few.

With support from the owner of the AIT Records the band produced its original composition entitled ‘Tiwuwuk’ (Acquaintance) which got them critical acclaim even among the musicians. “The album was done with different rhythms and it was loved especially by musicians. When you get recognition from the side of the musicians, it is a big deal and the sale was also good,” said Feleke.

Now looking back at their 15-year journey, the band members recall the exciting time they had performing at the Lion Club. Eight years ago, they performed Thursdays and Saturdays with Shewandagn Hailu, Teddy Afro, Abdu Kiar and Tigist Bekele. The popular musical scene was fully packed with fans and often it was difficult to find spots to stand on.

Often bands split up for different reasons, but the Express Band member’s story is a bit different. As they put it, their friendship has smoothened the cracking elements. But, there were times when their strength was tested with the popping of a one-man band in the city and the DJ trend taking over the bands.

“We knew people would be back as long as we are doing good music. So we continued what we were doing,” said Feleke, rivaling what made them bond together for so long.

After a while, the audiences’ test of listening to live music returned and the band continued to play together, but Kibret says it sure was a challenge.

“Our band was definitely tested by these trends; and it was all good after a while,” he said.

Starting from its establishment, the Express Band performs with renowned artists. However, from time to time they play with new upcoming talents. “Our aim is to bring together new artists and we were able to do that. Teddy Afro started with us and other artist who used to play with our bands are now famous,” added Feleke.

Now playing at club Alize, oldies and contemporary tunes on Wednesdays the band members express their gratitude for their supporters who were there all the time.

“Through our journey, people like Gabriel Woldemariam, Yohannes Habte, Dawit Melesse, Yenesew Tefera, Kingston Hotel, Zerihun and Mesfin, owner of Lion Club, our technician Dawit Zegeye were there to support us,” musicians Feleke and Kibret expressed their gratitude.

EthiopianReporter