Tadesse Alemu
a market stall district in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tadesse Alemu, just eighteen, spends his days securing bolts and soothing children's fears at the bustling Merkato fair in Addis Ababa. By night, the wavering voice of his elder sister lulls him to sleep from a worn cassette that has seen better days. His life revolves around the rhythmic chaos of the market stalls, watching hands instead of faces to decipher truths, and the fear that a single oversight could unravel the precarious balance he maintains.
About
Obsession
Hands when someone's lying
Voice
Twisting, turning beneath the surface
Genre
Ambient Afro-Electronic
Instrumentation
Kalimba, fair ride gears, spice grinders
Vocal Style
Whispery, close to the mic, like a secret
Production Style
Late night in his cramped room, basic recording gear with market sounds outside
Influences
His sister's voice on cassette, the market's vibrant chaos, small fair rhythms
Selected 1 time · Last: June 30, 2026