( Asnaqètvh Werqu, The Lady with the Krar )

Before she became famous as a singer and krar (traditional lyre) player, Asnatqèch Wèrqu was known as an actress and a dancer. At a very young age, she taught herself the krar, the favourite instrument of the azmari, Ethiopia’s wandering minstrels. Sha has found the voice to transform the vicissitudes of life into poignant laments or sarcastic ditties,which have earned her respect and recognition. Asnaqètch Wèrq is the last great singer, story-teller and free-thinker to carry on the tradition of «poetic jousting». French and English translations of the song lyrics included in the CD booklet.