Artist: MC Mike
Song: Gondergna
Music Video:
Mikiyas Kebede, known to most as MC Mike, is a rapper from Ethiopia who is new, but already making waves with his originality and authenticity. MC Mike raps in Amharic, the native language of his people, and does even more to show off his culture for all to hear and see. His hit song, Godergna, is named after an ancient city named Gondar1. The city is home to one of the legendary emperors of Ethiopia, Tewodros. Emperor Tewodros was known for expanding the Ethiopian empire into the regions of Shewa and Gojjam2. The song tells the tale of this emperor and speaks about the culture of the city he called home. Ironically enough, Tewodros eventually changed the capital of the empire from his home city Gondar to the mountainous fortress Magdala2. Using unique violin instrumentals, upbeat flows and tribal ad libs, MC Mike concocts a really infectious sound. It gets stuck in your head right away!
Beyond the song itself MC Mike and his collaborator, Yoni Yoye, put on a show with the music video that accompanied the release. The video is fun from start to finish because it broadcasts a refreshingly authentic feel. The people dancing seem like they are just having a blast and the artists themselves for sure had a ball getting to make their parts. The video a beautiful snapshot of hip hop culture in Ethiopia, showing off DJs, dancers, MCs and even giving indication to fashion trends as a representation of culture. Overall, this song and video leave a memorable mark. Beyond the song itself MC Mike and his collaborator, Yoni Yoye, put on a show with the music video that accompanied the release. The video is fun from start to finish because it broadcasts a refreshingly authentic feel. The people dancing seem like they are just having a blast and the artists themselves for sure had a ball getting to make their parts. The video a beautiful snapshot of hip hop culture in Ethiopia, showing off DJs, dancers, MCs and even giving indication to fashion trends as a representation of culture. Overall, this song and video leave a memorable mark.
By: Malachia Foard