Oromantic’s Weblog

Oromantic’s Top 10 music picks for the year 2007 looked like this. There were some questions that came up regarding the absence of Kamar and Epidemic from the Top 10 list. Every release from these two music stars was a hit and if we were to put them in the list they would have blanketed the whole list just between the two of them. I thought that wouldn’t be fair for the other artists because these two are in a whole another league musically just like Ali Biraa! This year, however, Kamar hasn’t released any new material but his popularity is growing with the same rate the controversy surrounding him. On the other hand EpidemictheVirus has been putting out some material but his much anticipated album won’t be released until next summer.

For now, let’s count down the Top 10 Oromo artists of the year 2008.

10. Gannana Haylee: Jadhi Malee

9. Addisuu Furgaasaa: Onnen Kaate

8. Girma Gemetu: Dawwaa

7. Magie & Kadir: No more people cry

6. Maaruu Kaabato: Gada Oromo

5. Fayyissaa Furrii (Fayyee): Daballee and a second hit Oromoo intala booranaa

4. Kamal Ibrahim: Niyaanaa and another hit song Illilli

3. Jamboo Joote (JJ): Kamisee

2. Jemal Sule featuring Semmere: Immiman Koo Haqii

1. Epidemic & the O’z UP! Crew: Oromia needs to be free and Bareeduu

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Close runner ups that didn’t make this year’s cut but who deserve an honorary mention are:

Various Artists: for collaborative work on Sirba Gamta

Up and coming artists

Tajuu Shurbee, Muluu Baqalaa, Rajjuu Mahaamad and Badhaani Burqaa for his two traditional songs.

Demo music: Oromos in Europe

Resurfacing Old school musician: Afandi Siyo singing at Melbourne Art Centre

Grammy nominated Rock Star: Kenna

And last but not least give it up for the Oromo Bati Beat from:

Tadele Roba and Jossy.

What a great year it has been for the arts!