Hailu Mergia is a one-man band. In 1985 master accordionist and veteran Walias Band leader / arranger / keyboardist released the Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument 'Shemonmuanaye' cassette. The tape is a nostalgic effort to bring back the vintage accordion sound of his youth.
The reissue of this recording brings back a moment when Ethiopian music was shifting from acoustic-based performances to recordings using more and more synthesized elements. While the resulting sound of that shift has its critics Hailu Mergia's initial experiments with "switched-on" solo instrumentals based on Ethiopian folk and popular music captures a singular feeling dripping in ambiance and a very human emotional energy.
- A1 Shemonmuanaye
- A2 Sewnetuwa
- B1 Laloye
- B2 Wegene
- B3 Hari Meru Meru
- C1 Amrew Demkew
- C2 Anchin Alay Alegn
- C3 Ambasel
- D1 Hebo Lale
- D2 Belew Beduby
- D3 Shilela