Art & CultureNews

‘Fana Lamrot’ Signer Sintayehu Belay Releases Debut Mini-Album

ADDIS ABABA – Singer Sintayehu Belay has teamed up with producer Girum Mezmur to make an official music debut with her Extended Play (EP) named ‘Tsedey’.

The singer introduced herself to the Ethiopian music scene with an audition on Fana Lamrot, one of the few music competitions in town.

She managed to get many fans with an emotionally-rich voice and her ebullient music that brings out smiles and happy vibes in her audience.

Born and raised in Wollo Raya Kobo of the Amhara region, Sintayehu is the fifth child in her family.

She attended her elementary school education at Kobo Catholic School and went to Kobo high school. She then moved to Dessie and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Dessie Teachers’ College.

Her love for music started at a very young age. Sintayehu, who lost her sight when she was only 15 months old, grew up listening to music and humming them.

But no one really knew this was what would set a path for the rest of her life. The way Sintayehu got into music was by itself a one-of-a-kind story.

One day Sintayehu was at her place just singing and humming to herself when her landlord heard her and immediately knew that her voice was just too good to miss. So he presented her with the idea of joining the local, traditional music group ‘Fana Raya’.

After accepting the idea, Sintayehu went on to audition for a position in the group and eventually joined Fana Raya. Ever since she has been pursuing music.

And now, Sintayehu has collaborated with producer Girum Mezmur to make her official debut with her EP titled ‘Tsedey’.

This Mini debut album, released on Friday by Muzikawi, has five songs within, including the title track ‘Abanenegn’ coming out with a music video and four unique visualizers for Metalegn, Lole, Nalegn, and Setehed.

Producer Girum created a unique Ethiopian retro sound with some modern touches in which he intensively uses Ethiopian modes, rhythms and also combines traditional Ethiopian instruments like Kirar and Masinko fused with some west African musical elements.

Muzikawi says the EP, which includes a music video is available on its youtube channel and all digital music streaming platforms.

Muzikawi released the EP seven months after the studio signed a record deal with the singer.