T.A.B.A.

Kirubel Assefa

New Album — November 20, 2026

The sound of Ethiopia. The spirit of jazz.

About T.A.B.A.

T.A.B.A. is a musical journey through the rich traditions of Ethiopian music, created by Ethiopian bassist, composer, and producer Kirubel Assefa.

The title represents four traditional Ethiopian musical modes: Tizita, Ambasel, Bati, and Anch-Hoye.

Blending the soulful sounds of 1970s and 1980s Ethiopia with jazz, funk, West African rhythms, Afro-Cuban grooves, and reggae, T.A.B.A. celebrates the past while creating a fresh sound for a new generation.

Written, arranged, and produced by Kirubel Assefa, the album features 11 original compositions that bring Ethiopian musical heritage into conversation with the world.

T.A.B.A. — Track List

SIDE A

  1. Yetizetaye — 3:16

  2. Damgila — 3:22

  3. Adesse — 4:10

  4. Konjo Loga — 3:43

  5. Semada — 4:29

SIDE B

  1. Addis 1887 — 4:10

  2. Lebo Ney — 3:30

  3. Bonga — 3:26

  4. Enjemer Chewata — 3:26

  5. Mechot — 4:01

  6. Malolo — 3:53

All compositions written by Kirubel Assefa.

33 RPM Vinyl LP — Ethio Jazz Factory

ALBUM CREDITS

T.A.B.A. — Kirubel Assefa

MUSICIANS

Kirubel Assefa — Bass and Keyboards (All Tracks); Guitar (All Tracks Except 10)

Thomas Temesgen (Tommy T.) — Guitar (Track 5)

Tosin Aribisala — Drums (Tracks 1, 2, 5, 9 & 11)

Saddat Boakye — Drums (Tracks 4, 6, 7 & 8)

Max McVeete — Drums (Tracks 1 & 2)

Gustavo Ramirez — Keyboards (Tracks 7, 9 & 11)

Steve Tigerton — Guitar (Track 3)

Huit Kilos — Guitar (Tracks 4, 5 & 8)

Randle Fisher — Saxophone (All Tracks Except 2)

Nolawi Kebede — Saxophone (Tracks 1, 3, 4, 7, 8 & 11)

PRODUCTION & RECORDING

Produced by: Kirubel Assefa

Sound Engineer: Kris “Nature Boy”

Mixed by: Kris Jackson — Forknspoon Studios, Los Angeles

Mastered by: Raymond Valles — Digital One Studio, Los Angeles

Artwork Designed by: Thomas

All Songs Written by Kirubel Assefa © 2026

ASCAP

Record Label: Ethio Jazz Factory