One could stop a person on the street and ask randomly to name one of Ethiopia’s four iconic musical scales. The person will not, at least not, miss Tizeta. These pentatonic scales or kignits are so popular that they almost become a genre of music in their own right, surpassing their character as mere chords progression of Ethiopian music.
Ethiopian music boasts a rich and storied heritage that traces its roots back to ancient eras. Intertwined with the nation’s cultural fabric, it has served as a medium for storytelling, festivities, and artistic expression across generations. Central to Ethiopian musical tradition, the fundamental modal system known as Kignit (ቅኝት), comprising four primary modes: Tizeta, Bati, Ambassel, and Anchihoye. These modes, or scales, underpin the essence of Ethiopian music, defining its unique tonal quality and character. Each mode features a distinct arrangement of pitches and intervals, contributing to the rich tapestry of melodies and harmonies that define this musical landscape.
Diving into the emotive depths of Tizita, a symphony of slow, poignant melodies, the Tizita scale is commonly used in Ethiopian music to evoke feelings of nostalgia and melancholy. It is often featured in slow, emotive songs and is played on various instruments, such as the Kirar and the Masinko. Notable modern Ethiopian artists who have performed Tizita songs include Aster Aweke, Hailu Mergia, Bezawork Asfaw, Teddy Afro, Mulatu Astatke, Meklit Hadero, Seyfu Yohannes, and Mahmoud Ahmed. Mahmoud Ahmed is hailed as “The King of Tizita,” while Bezawork Asfaw is celebrated as “The Queen of Tizita.” Tizita’s full scale (it also has half, minor scale) goes on like: C – D – E – G – A. This consists of a major 2nd, major 2nd, minor 3rd, major 2nd, and a minor 3rd.
The second scale, Bati, a captivating variation of the heptatonic Tizita scale, weaves together intricate notes to create a tapestry of musical expression. Enriched with the haunting allure of a minor third and a minor sixth, the Bati scale beckons listeners on a journey through vibrant melodies and spirited rhythms. This scale, resonating with energy and vitality, finds its home in the heart of Ethiopian music, infusing faster-paced compositions with a sense of urgency and dynamism. As the kirar and the masinko bring the Bati scale to life, their strings hum with the essence of tradition and innovation, blending past and present in a harmonious union. In the hands of skilled musicians, the Bati scale dances and soars, painting a vivid portrait of joy and celebration.
The Ambassel scale, a pentatonic marvel resonating from the heart of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, embodies a jubilant spirit that dances through the air like a joyous celebration of life itself. In the vibrant musical landscape of Ethiopia’s Gonder and Wollo regions, the Ambassel scale reigns supreme, infusing melodies with an infectious energy that sweeps listeners off their feet. As the strings of the kirar and the bow of the masinko bring this scale to life, it serves as a musical ambassador bridging tradition and modernity. Through the Ambassel scale, ancient rituals and traditions find voice, echoing through generations with tales of triumph and sorrow.
Anchihoye, a mesmerizing pentatonic scale deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Ethiopia, possesses a unique charm that captivates listeners with its slow yet lively and danceable melodies. This enchanting scale, often performed on instruments such as the kirar and the masinko, weaves a tapestry of sound that transports audiences to a realm where time seems to stand still. North/center Ethiopia songs are usually noted to use this scale, which is: C – Db – F – Gb – A. This is a minor 2nd, major 3rd, minor 2nd, minor 3rd, and a minor 3rd.
This musical odyssey that shaped the intricate beauty and cultural significance of Ethiopian music, reigns the Kignit scales as pillars of artistic tradition and creative ingenuity. Each melodies carrying one away to a world of Ethiopian music where history and modernity run in parallel.
BY BITANIYA TADELE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 30 MAY 2024
