Ibex Band – Stereo Instrumental Music

A long-lost Ethio-jazz gem, unearthed after decades - The Ibex Band’s defining instrumental session, now revived in stunning fidelity.

For over five decades, The Ibex Band has been a pillar of Ethiopian jazz and funk, backing legends like Mulatu Astatke, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Tilahun Gessesse while shaping the sound of modern Ethiopian music. Now, after years of obscurity, their 1976 recording Stereo Instrumental Music finally resurfaces - a time capsule of deep, hypnotic grooves, swirling organ melodies, and mesmeric guitar lines.

Recorded at Addis Ababa’s Ras Hotel ballroom with a rare four-track recorder (the first in Ethiopia), these sessions capture the raw energy and tight interplay that defined Ibex. Led by bassist Giovanni Rico and guitarist Selam “Selamino” Seyoum Woldermarian, the band reimagined Ethiopia’s traditional 6/8 chickchicka rhythm for the dancefloor, blending influences from Motown, The Beatles, and Ethiopian folk traditions into a sound that remains utterly timeless.

The political turbulence of the late ‘70s forced much of Ethiopia’s musical output into obscurity, making this album’s rediscovery all the more remarkable. Found in pristine condition on an original chrome cassette, Stereo Instrumental Music is now pressed on 2LP vinyl with a gatefold sleeve, bringing this once-forgotten masterpiece into the present.

For fans of Hailu Mergia, Mulatu Astatke, and the golden age of Ethio-jazz, this is a rare and essential deep-dig treasure - a testament to Ibex Band’s lasting influence on generations of musicians. A monumental piece of Ethiopian jazz history - secure your copy while you can.

Note: All orders ship from France. VAT not charged (TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI). Worldwide shipping available. Images shown are mock-ups — actual vinyl may differ slightly.