ZENA - IT'S YOU (ANTE NEH) [ft. Meron T]

ZENA
IT'S YOU (ANTE NEH) [ft. Meron T]
Releasing digitally on February 18th via Brownswood Recordings

ZENA, the contemporary ethio-jazz duo from London comprised of producer, keyboardist and synth player Yohan Kebede and bassist/producer Menelik, have released their new single ‘IT’S YOU (ANTE NEH) [feat. Meron T]’.

Conceptualised as an homage to the influence rock and roll, pop and R&B had on Ethiopian music from the 60s, ‘IT’S YOU (ANTE NEH)’ is an understated and cool-tempered song for the lovers that looks forward as much as it looks back. Bridging eras from the minimalist elegance of Sade to the contemporary soul of The Internet — all infused with a distinctly Ethiopian sensibility.

Drawing direct inspiration from Kuku Sebsibe’s ‘Fikreh Beretabegne’, a track celebrated for its forward-thinking and innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines — ‘IT’S YOU (ANTE NEH)’ epitomizes the more joyful and light-hearted side of Ethiopian music. Its title lyric is drawn from Yared Negu’s ‘Zelelaye’, which features the line “Anchin Newu” (which translates as “It’s you” when addressed to a woman) — a phrase that became the perfect emotional anchor for the duo’s intention to create a modern love song.

Featuring on the track is singer-songwriter Meron T. Hailing from South London, her music blends soul-rooted R&B with influences from UK club culture and her East African heritage. Meron T has collaborated with some of the UK's most electrifying emerging talents, including Sam Wise, IZCO, Hagan, Karen Nyame KG and Nikhil Beats, in addition to her work as a leading voice in the jazz and hip-hop collective The Silhouettes Project.
Speaking on the track, Menelik said: "This song always lifts my mood. Collaboration is at the heart of this project, and having Meron T join us felt like a natural fit. She immediately grasped the references we were drawing from and brought her own perspective that elevated the track".

Speaking on what it was like to collaborate with fellow East African musicians, Meron said: "Working with ZENA has been a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to tap into my culture musically, but never knew where to start. Becoming friends with and then eventually working with Yohan, was the organic break I’d been waiting for. I’m grateful that we’ve been able to sonically celebrate our Habesha heritage together."

The track’s accompanying video was directed by Colleen Lee (YUNGBLUD, Raye, Jacob Collier, Charlotte Day Wilson) who helmed the video for the duo’s debut single ‘Anchi Bale Game’. Neon-glossed and retro-infused with vibrant lighting, the visual’s aesthetic style takes on a whimsical mode akin to a dream-like storybook. Speaking on the video’s inspiration, Yohan said: “I remember watching these Ethiopian music videos as a kid that had a really cool green screen going in the background, particularly ‘Asa Belew’ by Manalemosh Dibo. They always felt really fun and cute, and since that's how the song feels, the concept kind of wrote itself”.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsqKd5OcDoQ
Pre-order 'TEMESGEN' EP on vinyl: https://zena.lnk.to/TEMESGENEM

Follow ZENA
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/zenaforeva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenaforeva/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zenaforeva
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZENAFOREVA


Thank you for your continued support,
The Brownswood Fam