”[The] Wel EP re-imagines a world where we come together as one, take charge of our fate, and move towards common goals in tackling the many global problems we face as a species,” says Endeguena Mulu aka Ethiopian Records, a co-founder of the style known as Ethiopiyawi electronic. “Artists and creative industry players in almost all African countries identify the lack of funds as the major challenge in their journey to create, promote and sustain their creative career. Although the creative sector can play a significant role in the growth and development of the African economy, governments and the private sector do not have a structured support system, policies on the industry and neither do they consider it a priority. This has created an environment where funds for the creative sector are ignored leaving artists without a glimmer of hope to advance their creative journey.”

He continues, “now that COVID-19 pandemic has hit the creative industry big time, African artists are in an even more pressing situation where they have to not only to consider immediate economic situation, but also have to think about the longer-term future.”

The title Wel (ወል) translates as In Common and was inspired by the poet Laureate Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin. The release will include ten tracks plus two videos and other visual artworks from 23 artists. The campaign is intended to support Mulu and the collaborating artists' careers and day-to-day livelihood, with donor perks ranging from a pre-order copy of the EP to a private virtual tour and interactive music lessons. More details via Indiegogo.com.