Release Date: 20/03/26
ZENA—the London-based contemporary ethio-jazz duo of producer/keyboardist/synth player Yohan Kebede and bassist/producer Menelik—present their debut EP, TEMESGEN: a six-track journey that balances fearless experimentation with a deep sense of home and exploration. Rooted in Ethiopian musical traditions and inspired by icons like Hailu Mergia, Alemayehu Eshete, and Mulatu Astatke, ZENA fuse the haunting spirituality and earthiness of ethio-jazz with a distinctly modern, London sensibility. The title, meaning “Thank God” in Amharic, reflects the gratitude that followed the duo’s early shows, where their music instantly resonated with audiences. Following three sold-out London headline shows plus appearances at We Out Here Festival and on NTS Radio, ZENA arrive on Brownswood with a bold statement equally at home with jazz-minded selectors and leftfield crate-diggers. RIYL: Mulatu Astatke, Hailu Mergia, Khruangbin, Solange, Admas. Tracklist: A1 - ZENA! A2 - My Love Your Love A3 - Kazanchis B1 - It’s You (Ante Neh) [ft. Meron T] B2 - Long Time No Speak B3 - Temesgen
ZENA—the London-based contemporary ethio-jazz duo of producer/keyboardist/synth player Yohan Kebede and bassist/producer Menelik—present their debut EP, TEMESGEN: a six-track journey that balances fearless experimentation with a deep sense of home and exploration. Rooted in Ethiopian musical traditions and inspired by icons like Hailu Mergia, Alemayehu Eshete, and Mulatu Astatke, ZENA fuse the haunting spirituality and earthiness of ethio-jazz with a distinctly modern, London sensibility. The title, meaning “Thank God” in Amharic, reflects the gratitude that followed the duo’s early shows, where their music instantly resonated with audiences. Following three sold-out London headline shows plus appearances at We Out Here Festival and on NTS Radio, ZENA arrive on Brownswood with a bold statement equally at home with jazz-minded selectors and leftfield crate-diggers. RIYL: Mulatu Astatke, Hailu Mergia, Khruangbin, Solange, Admas. Tracklist: A1 - ZENA! A2 - My Love Your Love A3 - Kazanchis B1 - It’s You (Ante Neh) [ft. Meron T] B2 - Long Time No Speak B3 - Temesgen