Gutu Abera (Norway/Ethiopia)

In recent years, the artist Gutu Abera has experienced a breakthrough on the Ethiopian music scene. Last year he received the highly prestigious All Africa Music Awards prize for best jazz song with the single "Demi" - which was produced in a home studio at Bønes in Bergen. This year there is more music to come from the songwriter and artist - and we are guessing that more people in Norway will catch on to this rare talent.

Gutu Abera draws inspiration from his roots in Oromian traditional music. At the same time he has a great urge to explore and a willingness to challenge musical conventions. His performances are passionate, characterized by a deep understanding of the power of music and a wonderful voice.

In collaboration with musician and producer Mira Thiruchelvam, Gutu Abera will release his first album in June 2024. The album is a journey through alternative Ethiopian pop and builds on the success of the first four singles. Here, Abera explores untouched themes in Ethiopian society, and gives a funky twist to traditional roles. With a sound design that differs from the usual East African pop music, the album takes you on a modern Afropop experience that both stimulates the mind and gets you on the dance floor.