Yazzqal is a rising figure in the Ethiopian hip-hop music industry who mixes traditional musical culture with a modern perspective.

Hip-hop began to emerge throughout Ethiopia in the early 2000s. Some of the early artists who have become icons include Algorash, Mad-Boys, Affaris, and Teddy Yo. Yazzqal is one of the latest artists whose popularity started rising. Instead of copying Western hip hop, Yazzqal stays true to himself and his culture without showing controversy or politics.

He is from the northern part of Ethiopia, where he incorporated the region’s slang with a modern hip-hop uniqueness. He has released singles and (extended plays) (EP), which included Jimare EP, that released in 2023. It got remastered two years later. By rapping in Amharic (Ethiopian national language) and experimenting with rhythms and flows, Yazzwal makes music that feels meaningful to those who tune in on his main streaming platform, YouTube.

His song Aleme reflects on life and reality itself. In the song, Yazzqal mentions the emotional weight of existing, life struggles, and encourages the listeners to push forward. ጂማሬ or Jimare (beginning), the song reflects on the beginning of life, the experiences people go through, and the lessons we learn from them. Over time, there will be progress where the artist has been, what he has learned, and how these experiences and lessons have shaped people’s lives.

Aferech (literally translates to ‘she was ashamed’)is another one of his songs that speaks to the youth about love and friendship. This song teaches young audiences that even when you strive to make someone happy or try to make them laugh, they may not have your best interests at heart. It addresses the fact that closeness doesn’t always guarantee loyalty. Throughout his lyrics, Yazzqal shares part of his life with his majority listeners, who are young Ethiopian listeners who understand him, while he, in turn, understands them through his songs.

-katelinahiphop