Records in the very scarce Columbia AI series were released during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia after the 1935 invasion. They were pressed in Italy and sponsored by Eritrean business man Saleh Ahmed Checchia – whose last name can be seen on the right side of the label.
The song title can be translated as: “Who is the one who heals from love after loving you?” I have no information on the azmaris (troubadours) Negatua & Ferede or the specific instrumentation used as accompaniment. There is just not a lot of available information on this series and very few examples out there.
The seal of the Italian East Africa government can be seen in the runout at the bottom of the record.
This came to me in very bad shape – with many deep scratches and heavy scuffing on both sides. Because of its rarity I decided to make a transfer regardless. Better to preserve and share this, as I’m not likely to run across another copy.
Released as Columbia AI. 554 (matrix AOI.3)
Recorded circa 1939-1940.
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