Biruktawit Tasew’s fingers glide over the strings of the begena, producing a deep, hypnotic sound. Along with six fellow musicians, she breaks into a solemn religious melody, holding their audience ...

Addis Ababa (AFP) – Biruktawit Tasew's fingers glide over the strings of the begena, producing a deep, hypnotic sound. Along with six fellow musicians, she breaks into a solemn religious melody, ...

According to the sacred book of bible, 1 Samuel 16:23 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David now stand before me, for he has found favour in my sight." So it came about whenever the evil spirit from ...

Students of Eman Begena School sing songs as they carry their begenas on a taxi bus heading to perform at a begena therapy session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Photo: AFP Biruktawit Tasew's fingers glide ...

Talking on any subject with Alemu Aga, one cannot help but be taken aback by the exceptionally smooth and enchanting tone in which the veteran begena performer utters his measured responses. Of course ...

One of the country's oldest instruments, the begena was once reserved for the elite -- and effectively banned during the Marxist Derg regime between 1974 and 1991. Biruktawit Tasew's fingers glide ...