The Ethiopian singer Yemariam “Yema” Chernet has a gentle voice with a steely core, crafting an intimately forceful style and a lush feel that’s revealed on her debut album “Yedega Sew”.Yema was born and raised in Addis Ababa. Being the daughter of a music manager who once directed the operations of Zema Lastas Band, she was immersed in the world of music from an early age. Growing up, she had the opportunity to observe the rehearsals of prominent musicians like Elias Melka and Dagmawi Ali.
During her high school years, Yema began exploring her vocal talents by listening to and singing in English. She took a significant step into the realm of performance by joining a band at the Office Bar in Sheraton Addis. After just three months of performing at the Office Bar, she crossed paths with Eyuel, who led the Ethio Quartet band performing at Ramada Hotel in Addis Ababa. Their musical collaboration started then, experimenting with various musical styles. In May 2020, they worked together on a record that became one of the tracks in a collective musical project titled “Qene new Hager”. Another recent endeavor is the soundtrack “Aye,” featured in the film “Doka,” which premiered in June 2023.
Yema adeptly bridges the traditional fluttering vocal passions of Ethiopian songs—abundant in themes of longing and frustrated love—bringing them into a contemporary realm, with a spirit akin to what Ejigayehu Shibabaw accomplished some years ago.
Yema’s voice and style bear an undeniable resemblance to Gigi, with numerous instances that could be perceived as imitative of the renowned artist’s sound. In an interview with VOA, Yema attempted to downplay the comparison, stating that it is both an honor and a burden to be likened to Gigi.