Last year, Mississippi Records released Souvenirs, an album featuring lost and found recordings of the Ethiopian composer Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru. As mentioned in Gareth Thompson’s album review, these earliest known songs, an amazing hoard of personal, spiritual and national yearnings, were recorded into a boombox at home in Addis Ababa long before she gained a cult following when her piano solos were released in the Ethiopiques series by French producer Francis Falceto.
Mississippi Records have just announced the release of Church of Kidane Mehret which gathers Emahoy’s 1972 private press album of the same name with two previously unheard piano recordings.
Recorded in Jerusalem churches, the album offers a chance to hear Emahoy on harmonium and organ for the first time, alongside her familiar piano style. “Ave Maria”, the album’s first single, has been highlighted by the label as a standout piano piece.
Church of Kidane Mehret promises to be a valuable addition to Emahoy’s growing catalog, offering a clear and intimate look at her spiritual and musical exploration.
Church of Kidane Mehret will be available worldwide on May 23rd, 2025.
Pre-Order via Bandcamp: https://emahoytsegemariamgebru.bandcamp.com/album/church-of-kidane-mehret
