Amha Eshete, a pioneering figure in the Ethiopian music industry, defied a 1948 Imperial edict that prohibited the dissemination of Ethiopian pop music by establishing his own record label, Amha Records, in 1969. Over the course of six years, Eshete released an impressive 103 singles and a dozen albums, featuring a diverse array of Ethiopian artists. His efforts not only introduced Ethiopian music to a global audience but also catalyzed a creative renaissance in his homeland.
In a candid interview conducted in the early 1990s, Eshete reflected on his decision to challenge the ban, stating, "I had a gut feeling that it was the right thing to do. I took the risk." Despite his groundbreaking work, Eshete ultimately faced insurmountable resistance from the government. By the mid-1990s, he had made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the music world to this day.
