Endris Hassen

Endris Hassen, (masinqo player), is based in Addis Ababa, and has been performing on international stages for the past 20 years. Born and raised in Wello, an important region of Ethiopia both for this one stringed bowed instrument and Ethiopian secular music in general, his talent was evident and he moved to the capital, where he quickly became the most sought after masinqo player. Endris has now been recording and performing actively for more than two decades. He is featured on over two thousand albums, and seen and heard often on Ethiopian television and commercial radio. He is a frequent guest performer with traditional as well as jazz and experimental outfits from abroad and locally.

Endris is a founding member of several important groups, and is committed to keeping the rich tradition of Ethiopian music and dance alive and fresh. He has one instrumental solo record, called Taim and plans to make another one soon.Some of his international collaborations and performances of note include Sauti Za Busara, Capaernum soundtrack (Oscar nominee for best picture), Opera Frontier Theater (American), Stereognosis, Louvre in Abu Dhabi, Novara Jazz collaboration with Paulo Angeli, Fendika US Tour, WOMEX, Nile Project, Oslo World Music Festival, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Imperial Tiger Orchestra Tour, Imperial Tiger Africa Tour, Mozambique Music Festival, Baroque Nomad Group, and others.