By Lucy Ilado
Ethiopia’s Jano Band will be collaborating with South African singer Shekhinah, as the ethio-rock band makes its Coke Studio Africa debut in Nairobi, Kenya
“Being on Coke Studio Africa is very nice – this is the biggest platform for connecting African artists,” said Hailu Amerga, one of the band’s vocalists. “Our collaboration with Shekhinah is the best experience so far. Our genres are different so sharing that energy while together on the same stage is going to be wonderful.”
Malawian born music producer Benn Gilbert Kamoto, famously known as Gemini Major, will be producing featured musicians this season, which is themed ‘the Global Fusion Edition!’
American singer Jason Derulo makes a guest appearance, as Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa have merged into a “bigger and better” Coke Studio Africa thus creating an opportunity for artists to shine globally.
“We are planning to collaborate with more artists from Africa and abroad including Shekhinah. That will give us the energy and the platform to create and express our feelings and culture throughout the world,” said Dibekulu Tafesse another vocalist with Jano Band.
Coca-Cola brand manager for Ethiopia Tigist Getu said, “Being part of such a platform which connects Africa through music is amazing. Through the experience it helps artists to grow professionally. I believe it will do the same for Jano Band. Not only will it expose their music to the global audience, but it also creates other opportunities for Ethiopia and the band’s name to glisten on the international music arena.”
Shekhinah will also work with Ethiopian music star Betty G. “Being part of such a platform which connects Africa through music is amazing,” said the South African artist. “Not a lot of female artists from my country get this opportunity. Coke Studio Africa has opened a lot of African borders. I never knew Ethiopia had such amazing good music.”
Jano Band came into the limelight in 2011, as a result of a nationwide talent search by renowned music manager Addis Gesesse and Ethiopian entrepreneur Ermisa Amelgafor. The band has been at work on its second album in Italy and the US. The album is scheduled for release later this year.