Aesthetes know it. When it comes to music or alcohol, the most uncredible mixes can sometimes create the most powerful emotions. Ukandanz’ cocktail proved it during fifteen years, with an explosive formula that has never ceased to be improved, whether on stage or in studio. The ancient pulses of Ethiopia are still being shaken up by garage rock and libertarian jazz… For those who wonder if the heart of the swinging Addis of the 1970s is still beating, we know very well who’s handling the electric shocks!

The essence of this modern trance machine lies in the soul of Ethiopia… Ukandanz owns furthermore two fundamental elements: the elastic voice of Asnake Gebreyes, one of the leading figures of the modern Addis Adeba’s scene, and the compositions and arrangements of Damien Cluzel, a free electron who always feels great in musical crossovers. Together, they point down south to a pack of musicians, ready to shake up a little more the trips between France and Ethiopia. They all love getting lost at crossroads and finding each other at detours… If they don’t have the sense of direction, they have the sense of epic!

Modern cantor Asnake Gebreyes masters both traditional songs and codes of ethiojazz and contemporary Ethiopian creation. It is the sum of his talents enhanced by the charisma of this formidable performer that earned him international recognition. He took part in the celebrated Ethiopiques series on the Buda Musique label, under the direction of the esteemed Francis Falceto. 

Thanks to this immense collection of music from the Horn of Africa, the synergy began with Damien Cluzel in 2000. This musician is well versed in the art of the “crunch”, the sexy name for an explosive musical syncretism that he is also exploring with Pixvae, An’Pagay, Kouma, Polymorphie… With Ukandanz, he loves drawing on the traditional repertory, twisting it to reach its limits. With traditionally inspired structures and controlled slippages of modernity, the fundamental polyrhythms continue to explode in contact with prog, punk and experimental rock. 

With Ukandanz, Ethiopian music is still kicking ass… The band offers us an even more muscular version of the genre!

© Amaury Rullière