Wackies Addis Ababa Dub (1977)
The history of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is closely linked to the rise of modern Ethiopia under Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul in the late 19th century. It was established in 1886, and the way it came about was rather unusual.
Menelik initially set his capital on the Entoto Mountains, north of Addis Ababa. Though of historic importance and offering strong military advantage, Entoto proved inhospitable: cold, rocky and short on water and firewood.
Seeking better conditions, Empress Taytu discovered a warmer and more fertile area with a natural hot spring at the foot of the Entoto Hills. Captivated by the spot, she built a home there, soon joined by Menelik and the imperial court. She named the new settlement Addis Ababa—Amharic for “New Flower”—a name evoking renewal, growth and beauty.
Nearly a century later, in 1977, Jamaican-born dub producer Lloyd “Bullwackie” Barnes, founder of the legendary Wackie’s label, released an LP titled African Roots Act 1 under the Bullwackies All Stars moniker (which is listed under Wakcie’s on DSP, yet another moniker of his). Its opening track, “Addis Ababa Dub”, beautifully captures the spirit of emergence and possibility, and serves as a reminder that there’s always potential for something new to take root and blossom.
Start the conversation
Become a paid member of The Rest to gain access to the comments section.