Hailu Mergia

Hailu Mergia is an Ethiopian keyboardist, accordionist and bandleader who worked with the Walias Band in Addis Ababa before settling in the United States. His 1985 recording Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument combines Ethiopian melodies with accordion, electric keyboards and drum machine. Its later reissue introduced his music to new listeners, followed by renewed touring and albums including Lala Belu and Yene Mircha.