Asnakech Worku

An Ethiopian actress and singer, Asnakech Worku (also Asnatqech Werqu) is known for her skill on the krar, a traditional Ethiopian lyre. In fact the subtitle of her Ethiopiques compilation (Volume 16) is THE LADY WITH THE KRAR. Worku is also known as the first Western-style actress in Ethiopia, having first appeared on stage in 1952, and continuing a distinguihed career before retiring in the '80s. Through the release of the Ethiopiques series on Buda, a new generation of contemporary world music listeners has discovered Worku and other Ethiopian artists.