Biruktawit Tasew’s fingers glide over the strings of the begena, producing a deep, hypnotic sound. Along with six fellow musicians, she breaks into a solemn religious melody, holding their audience ...

In the past, most Ethiopians were acquainted with the begena as a traditional musical instrument during the time of Lent, when it was constantly played over the radio, particularly during the reigns ...

Alemu Aga is an Ethiopian musician, singer, and master of 'begena'. This multi-secular ten-stringed lyre has a special place for the Orthodox Christian Amharas, who live in the capital Addis Ababa.