Watch Ethiopiques: Revolt of the Soul

Ethiopiques: Revolt of the Soul is a 2017 documentary film that chronicles the inception and evolution of the music scene in Ethiopia. The film is directed by Maciek Bochniak and takes its name from the famous Ethio-jazz music series, Ethiopiques. The documentary takes us on a vibrant journey through the tumultuous history of Ethiopia, as seen through the eyes of its musicians. We meet a number of legendary artists who have defined the sound of the country, including Mahmoud Ahmed, Girma Beyene, and Mulatu Astatke. Through interviews with these artists, we gain insight into the unique cultural and historical factors that have shaped their music.

The film does an excellent job of contextualizing the music within the broader political and social landscape of Ethiopia. It highlights how the music scene flourished in the country during the 1960s and 70s, when the government was investing heavily in the arts. At the same time, however, the musicians had to navigate around the censorship and repression that came with living under a dictatorship.

One of the most insightful aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the unique blend of influences that make up Ethio-jazz. The film takes us on a tour of the various musical traditions that came together in Ethiopia, such as the indigenous pentatonic scales, the Amharic language, and the infusion of American jazz and R&B sounds that were brought in by African-American soldiers stationed in the country during World War II. The mixing and blending of these musical ideas gave birth to a new and vibrant sound that has had an impact far beyond the borders of Ethiopia.

The film includes some of the most iconic moments in the history of the music scene in Ethiopia. We get to see Mahmoud Ahmed perform his classic song "Ere Mela Mela" at a packed concert in Addis Ababa, and feel the energy and excitement of the crowd. We also see Girma Beyene's powerful performance of "Set Alamenem" in a small club in Paris, which highlights the international influence of this music.

In addition to the musicians themselves, the film also features interviews with a number of experts in the field of Ethiopian music, including the renowned musician and producer, Francis Falceto. These experts offer valuable insights into the history and evolution of Ethio-jazz, and help us to understand how it has had an impact on other musical traditions around the world.

Overall, Ethiopiques: Revolt of the Soul is a fascinating and engaging documentary that provides a deep dive into the history and culture of Ethiopia's incredible music scene. Whether you are a fan of jazz, world music, or just curious about the power of music to capture the soul of a nation, this film is definitely worth your time.

Ethiopiques: Revolt of the Soul is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.