If you're Eritrean, Tigrinya or Amharic-speaking, you might be wondering why I chose to use the term "shifta" for this project. Some older Eritreans might even take offense to my name choice, especially since "shifta" can be roughly translated as "bandit" or "outlaw" into English.

Learn about “Awlena LemLem”, a tape by the legendary Tsehaytu Beraki, who was an Eritrean musician, poet, and political activist, known for her singing and playing of the krar (a five-string lyre).

The first volume of project: TAPE SHIFTA delves into the sounds of sonic resistance across the latter part of the 20th century.

Tape Shifta is a small project born out of necessity, a desire and an attempt to chronicle the revolutionary tradition and beauty of Eritrean and North East African Music.