After leaving Ethiopia in the late 1970s to escape the turmoil caused by the Marxist regime, a trio of reggae musicians found their way to the United States. Settling in Chicago, they began to perform their unique blend of African and Jamaican-inspired music in various reggae clubs throughout the city.
The band, fronted by singer and guitarist Mulu Gessesse, included Mulu's brother Zeleke Gessesse and their close friend Meluka Retts. In 1980, they adopted the name Dallol and recorded a demo tape, quickly attracting a dedicated following in Chicago due to their distinctive Ethiopian sound.
The demo tape spread rapidly across the country and beyond, reaching audiences in the Caribbean and catching the attention of a notable family in Jamaica. "It was 1981, right after Bob (Marley) died," Mulu recalled. "Our tape made its way to Rita (Marley), and she asked us to come on down to Jamaica. That was our first contact with the Marleys." This connection proved beneficial, as Rita Marley produced Dallol's first full-length album and provided support in various forms, including lodging, as the band toured the islands.
Dallol's relationship with the Marley family deepened, and they formed a friendship with Bob's son, Ziggy Marley. "Ziggy was only 10 years old when we met him," Mulu explained. "As a matter of fact, he played his first show with us." This bond led to Dallol touring with Ziggy and the Melody Makers, where their Ethiopian and reggae influences complemented Ziggy's continuation of his father's musical legacy.
Throughout the late 1980s, Dallol toured and recorded alongside Ziggy, resulting in music that reached audiences worldwide. Their collaborations yielded one platinum and one gold album, establishing Dallol's reputation in the reggae industry. "That experience was great because it enabled us to go all over the world," Mulu shared.
After five years with Marley, Dallol returned to their Chicago base, undergoing some lineup changes and rebranding as Baaro with the addition of three new members, including two female vocalists. Since relocating, Baaro has made numerous appearances in national and international media.
Their notable performances include appearances on the David Letterman Show, Soul Train, the NAACP Image Awards, BBC, and the Arsenio Hall Show. Recently, they performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Baaro has released three albums (one in 1986, another in 1991, and their latest, "Rhythm City") and has significantly grown its fan base, particularly in the Midwest.
"Everywhere we go, we are getting very positive reactions, and they love our arrangements, melodies, and harmonies," Mulu stated. "Every new place we go to, they keep wanting us to come back. Our base has been expanding all the time. Colleges, especially, have responded very well. The last time we came to Ames, we had a wonderful party. The action and response was incredible. The same thing is happening everywhere we go."
"Rhythm City" encapsulates Baaro's rich history, staying true to the essence of Dallol while also enriching their sound with new members. The album conveys a message of unity, love, and togetherness while remaining grounded in reggae tradition.
"I think the newest album reflects our experience," Mulu noted. "You'll obviously hear reggae, and you'll also hear some of our Ethiopian background. It's a blend of Africa, Jamaica, and urban American music." The album draws inspiration from a variety of musical influences, including Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, African singers, and even the pop melodies of The Beatles.
For Baaro, the opportunity to pursue music as a career has been deeply rewarding. "Music gives me a medium for me to express my inner feelings," Mulu expressed. "Any time I get inspired about a certain idea or a certain feeling, I just go sit down and play my guitar. I'm able to transform that abstract thought into music. Seeing the finished product with the band and then recording and listening to it gives me an incredible feeling."
