 Rasselas
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HelinaBorn in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the 16 year young dynamic performer chanced upon the stage as a member of Tis Abbay Band of Montreal at 13. Helina's love of music, however, had been with her since she knew herself. By the time she started performing, her brother, Rasselas was already building his music career by working on his first CD, Pure Science. Encouraged by her brother, Helina decided to let her passion for music flow. She began writing, singing, rapping, and making beats in a style that is surely Hip Hop, but with an East African (Habesha) slant. This talented and dedicated youngster rhymes in Amharic, English, and French to address issues relevant to the young and old worldwide. Helina's confidence and skills have enabled her to write and perform her debut hit pieces Adwa and Identity on DJ Dani's Kiyit / Mix. Further, she is working on releasing the Amharic Hip Hop CD, Guzo Wode Ethiopia (Journey to Ethiopia) with Rasselas.
Helina's further talents include dance. As a member of Nouvel Expose Dance Troupe, she appears on various festivals and events performing African dances. She is currently a high school student with high potentials and dreams.
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Rasselas, taken by his love of music at a very young age, made a conscious decision to make music his life at age 12. Born and bred in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, he participated in several talent shows and started writing his lyrics as a young teen. Upon moving to Montreal, Canada in 1997, his talent in singing in various styles enabled him to perform Ethiopian music as a member of the Ethiopian, Tis Abbay Band. However, Rasselas found the opportunity to fully launch his music career when teaming up with producer George Bennet of Homegrown Production (an independent music label in Montreal). At 17, Rasselas started recording his debut English album, Pure Science, which was released in 2001. This album was a demonstration of Rasselas?talent in rap, depth in lyrics, as well as creativity in beat composition. His style breathes new life to old school Hip Hop in Amharic and English. Focused on educating and learning while entertaining, Rasselas?rap touches young and old of any background. Rasselas is currently working on releasing the much-awaited Amharic Hip Hop CD, Guzo Wode Ethiopia (Journey to Ethiopia) with his sister Helina. He further works as the composer and rapper with reggae artists like Django and Brymmi as well as other fellow artists of Homegrown Production.
Fueled by his ambition, passion, and capacity for hard work, this 20-year-old dynamic youngster balances a life of music with that of college education and work. As can be seen from his music, he indeed is living the name of the legendary Ethiopian philosopher, Rasselas. His creative approach to Hip Hop, reggae, and Ethiopian music and his grace on stage is constantly evolving.
