TIZITA RADIO is sublime music inspired by the joy of remembering, and the feeling of longing for something that will never return, with host Rani de Leon. “Tizita” is an Amharic word that translates to memory, longing or nostalgia. Tizita songs are a popular music genre in Ethiopia, and are played in the musical scale (Qeñet) of the same name. Tizita is often compared to the blues and saudade. This show explores the universality of Tizita, an essential sentiment arguably at the core of what makes us human.

For this special episode of Tizita Radio, host Rani de Leon shares two hours of field recordings he captured on his trip to Ethiopia in 2016. He is deeply grateful to the people, to the land, and to the sounds that blessed him during that immersive and expansive journey.

The following places and spaces are included in this set of archives:

Addis Ababa: Fendika Cultural Center, 2000 Habesha, Jupiter Hotel, Yod Abbyssinia, Mahmoud Ahmed Concert at Ghion Hotel, Maryam Church in Mount Entoto; Lalibela: Rock-Hewn Churches; Blue Nile Falls: Washint; Dire Dawa: Mosque