I first visited Ethiopia in 2022, but work began in 2023 when 25 singers and songwriters, together with a group of pastors, gathered at Lake Langano in Southern Ethiopia for a 4 day residential reconciliation workshop and to set aside time to write new songs of hope and healing.
They wrote 10 powerful new songs. One is a simple prayer for peace in Ethiopia. Others speak of the power of the cross of Jesus; still others celebrate the diversity of the many languages and varied cultures that exist across the length and breadth of this ancient nation. The language is a mix of Amharic and other Ethiopian languages. The music styles are varied; a mix of modern church worship styles; some reggae, and two songs in particular that are purposely written in the ancient orthodox church style characteristic of the northern region of Ethiopia in particular.
The songs were professionally recorded in 2024 and were mixed and mastered here in the UK. Now they are finally ready to be released, to be a blessing to the church and to bring encouragement to Ethiopians everywhere, to proclaim hope and healing wherever they are heard.
The launch of the album will take place in Shashamane, between May 15th – 17th 2026. All the singers will be present to sing them live. We are working in partnership with SIM and Barnabas Ministries, as well as Rabagirana Rwanda.
A Barnabas Ministry YouTube channel will also host the songs, together with images of modern day Ethiopia. Please note the actual videos will be private until after May 17th – after that you will be able to hear everything!
If you’d like to send a donation, please click the donate button below. Thank you so much!
