GUZO - The Search for the Origin of Music

About

Ethiopia’s particular geographical location at the horn of Africa has allowed multiple cultural influxes from Europe, Asia and the Arab world. Even contemporary Ethio-Jazz resounds of Christian, Islamic and Semitic traditions. But where does it all come from? Is it possible to trace the origins of Ethiopian music to common roots, or has Ethiopian music at least as many "points of origin" as there are regions in the country?

This is what Ethiopian pianist Samuel Yirga wants to discover. GUZO - the Amharic word for 'search' and 'journey' - will cinematically accompany Samuel on his travels and scientifically document his journey. Led by prof. Tiago de Oliveira Pinto, Chair of Transcultural Music Studies at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT, an international team of experts will explore Ethiopia’s heritage of music and culture.

Credits

director DIRK VAN DEN BERG
cinematography HENRIK SAUER bvk
sound MATHIEU DESCAMPS
additional photography OLIVIA FURTWÄNGLER
scientific direction TIAGO OLIVEIRA PINTO