Henock Temesgen: The Bassline of a Nation
Bloomington, Indiana
Henock Temesgen is one of the foundational figures in contemporary Ethiopian music—a bassist, educator, and tireless collaborator whose career spans four decades and two continents. Born in Addis Ababa, he began his musical journey in church, was shaped by the Ibex Band’s trailblazing instrumental album, and came of age during the ferment of Ethiopia’s late 1970s music scene.
At 19, Henock moved to the United States on a student visa, initially studying civil engineering at George Mason and Howard University. But music was always calling. In 1984, alongside childhood friends Theodros Aklilu and Abegasu Shiota, he formed Admas, a Washington, D.C.-based band whose sole album, Sons of Ethiopia, fused jazz, funk, reggae, and Ethiopian modes into something entirely new. It became a cult classic and was reissued to critical acclaim in 2020.
Henock went on to earn dual degrees in Jazz Performance and Composition at Berklee College of Music. He became an established performer in New York City, playing with Ethiopian icons like Aster Aweke, Tilahun Gessesse, and Mahmoud Ahmed, while also backing major global acts at high-profile concerts from D.C. to Dubai.
Since returning to Addis Ababa in the early 2000s, Henock has co-founded the Jazzamba Music School and the African Jazz School, mentored a generation of rising musicians, and performed with top Addis-based ensembles like the Addis Acoustic Project and Nubian Ark. He hosts two radio shows on Sheger FM, curates his YouTube series Henock’s Practice Room, and continues to perform, teach, and record. A father of two, Henock balances a life of music with family, mentorship, and a quiet passion for architecture.
Interview
Alemayehu Weldemariam: Before we begin, I’d like to confirm that I have your consent to record and archive this conversation for reference and accuracy.
Henock Temesgen: Yes, you do. Thank you.
Alemayehu: To structure the conversation, I’d like to follow your journey chronologically—from your early musical beginnings in Addis Ababa to your years in the U.S., and your return to Ethiopia. Please feel free to reflect freely as we go.
Let’s start at the beginning. Where did your journey with the bass guitar begin? What drew you to that instrument?
Henock: When I was young, we lived in the Entoto area of Addis. We used to go to the Swedish mission, Mekane Yesus Church, on weekends. They had an organ and acoustic guitars, and we kids would mess around with them. I was about twelve. That was my first real exposure.
A friend named Barnabas taught us basic chords on guitar. I also figured out how to pick melodies on the organ. That’s when the spark really lit.
Later, when we moved to the Bole area, I met Abegasu Shiota. He had a piano at home. We’d jam together and eventually formed a school band called the Cavaliers.
Then, around 1978, we heard the Ibex Band’s instrumental album—with Giovanni Rico on bass, Dereje Mekonnen on keyboards, Selam Seyoum on guitar. That album changed everything for us. We learned all the tunes by ear and played along with the cassette. That’s when I really fell in love with the bass.
Alemayehu: So Giovanni was the formative influence?
Henock: Absolutely. Dereje and Selam were important too, but Giovanni’s bass lines stood out. They made me realize what the bass could do.
Diaspora Years and Musical Education
Alemayehu: How did you end up in the U.S.?
Henock: After finishing high school, my aunt—who had lived in the U.S. since Imperial times—sent me an I-20 from George Washington University. But tuition was too expensive, so I enrolled at George Mason University and later transferred to Howard University to complete a degree in civil engineering.
While at GWU, I met an Ethiopian woman who worked in the library. She asked where I went to school in Addis. I said St. Joseph’s. She said, “All my sons went there!” One of them was Theodros Aklilu—Teddy—who had been my classmate. She gave him my number, and a few months later he called me.
Teddy was playing keyboards in a band called Gasham in Washington, D.C. Their guitarist was Haile Ababa, and the bassist was American. Teddy told them about me, and I joined the group. We played at the Red Sea Restaurant.
Alemayehu: And this led to the formation of Admas?
Henock: Yes. In 1984, Abegasu came to the U.S. with Muluken Melesse. We reconnected, and along with Teddy, we started writing and recording in his basement. We laid down seven or eight tracks and pressed them on vinyl. That became Sons of Ethiopia by Admas. We printed 2,000 copies and sold about half.
After that, we went our separate ways. Teddy moved to Michigan. I worked as an engineer for three years while gigging on weekends. Then in 1990, I quit engineering and enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Abegasu joined me a year later. We both graduated in 1995 with double majors: Jazz Performance and Composition.
After Berklee, we moved to New York and became full-time musicians.
Return to Ethiopia and Teaching
Alemayehu: What brought you back to Ethiopia?
Henock: While living in New York, I performed regularly and toured with Ethiopian singers. Once a year, I’d fly to Addis to play at the Sheraton’s big holiday shows—opening for acts like Beyoncé and Rihanna.
During one of those trips, I gave workshops at the Yared Music School and Selam Music Academy. That’s when I discovered how much I loved teaching. After 9/11, the music scene in New York slowed, and the cost of living was rising. I was driving a limo three days a week to make rent.
Eventually, I decided to return to Addis. Teaching gave me a sense of purpose, and it felt like the right move.
Alemayehu: Do you still perform and record?
Henock: Yes, of course. I’ve been teaching for 18 years now, and many of my students are professional musicians. I also perform regularly with groups like Addis Acoustic Project, Nubian Ark, and the Village Band. I host two radio shows on Sheger FM and run a YouTube series called “Henock’s Practice Room”.
Musical Philosophy and the Bass Guitar
Alemayehu: When composing, what comes first—rhythm, melody, or mood?
Henock: Almost always melody. It’s like dressing a person—you start with the face. Then you build harmony, rhythm, color. I love jazz harmony, but I also use Ethiopian modes like Tizita, Bati, and Ambassel. It’s a fusion of my heritage and my training.
Alemayehu: What makes the bass such a compelling voice in Ethiopian music?
Henock: The bass is the glue. It connects the rhythm and the harmony. Most people don’t notice it, but it gives the music soul. I was heavily influenced by Motown players like James Jamerson. Bass is where I feel most at home.
Collaborations and Legacy
Alemayehu: Who have been your most meaningful collaborators?
Henock: Definitely Abegasu. Also Fasil Wuhib—we’ve worked together under AIT Records and still do. Jorga Mesfin, Samuel Yirga, Girum Mezmur, Teferi Assefa. I’ve also worked with international artists in Jazzmaris, Gojo Trio, and Nubian Ark.
Alemayehu: What performances stand out as especially meaningful?
Henock: There have been many—festivals in Europe, shows with Aster and Mahmoud. But the recent Admas reunion in Maryland was unforgettable. After 41 years, we were back on stage performing Sons of Ethiopia live. That was magical.
Alemayehu: What are you working on now?
Henock: We’re preparing to reissue Sons of Ethiopia again and sign with a label in Sweden. We’ll be touring in Europe. I continue to teach, perform, produce content, and raise my two sons. Life is full, and I’m grateful.
Beyond Music
Alemayehu: How would you like your work to be remembered?
Henock: As part of the continuum of Ethiopian music. As someone who tried to bring tradition and innovation together—and passed something meaningful on to the next generation.
Alemayehu: One final question—about your house. I heard Fasil Giorghis designed it, and you once said if you weren’t a musician, you’d have been an architect.
Henock: That’s true! I’ve always loved architecture. When I lived in New York, many of my friends lived in converted lofts—high ceilings, open plans, wood floors. When I had the chance to build a house in Addis, I knew I wanted that feel. Fasil helped bring it to life. Even now, I follow architecture closely. It’s still a passion.
Alemayehu: Thank you, Henock. You’ve been an extraordinary guest—thoughtful, generous, and inspiring.
Henock: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Unlocking financial inclusion in rural Ethiopia
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk, Business Development Manager at Backbase, a leading provider of digital banking transformation solutions across Africa, shares her insights on Ethiopia’s ongoing financial inclusion journey, especially among rural populations and women. With extensive experience spearheading regional strategies and client acquisition for Backbase’s modular Engagement Banking Platform, Nohaila discusses the key barriers to formal account ownership, the enduring role of informal finance, and innovative digital banking solutions tailored to Ethiopia’s unique socio-economic landscape.
In this exclusive interview with Capital’s Groum Abate, she addresses the cultural, infrastructural, and educational challenges that hinder broad adoption of formal financial services, while also highlighting promising trends in modular, “composable banking” that can bridge gaps for underserved groups. Nohaila further explores how fintech and banks can build trust, customize offerings, and foster sustainable financial ecosystems that empower rural communities and women—pivotal to Ethiopia’s economic transformation.
Capital: What research methodologies did you use to collect the data on formal account ownership among rural adults and women?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: Desktop research was conducted with sources primarily being: GSMA, World Bank Findex 2022,The revised National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS 2021–2025); Assessing progress and priorities: Ethiopia’s financial inclusion journey 2011-2022
Capital: Could you elaborate on why only 37% of rural adults and 38% of women in Ethiopia have a formal financial account, despite recent sector reforms?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: There are several reasons that help explain the low adoption rates of formal financial accounts. One major factor is socio-cultural, as a strong preference for cash transactions remains a significant hurdle for many individuals. Additionally, low levels of financial literacy contribute to limited understanding of available financial products and services. Finally, a lack of trust and awareness means that efforts are needed to build public confidence and educate people about the benefits of financial inclusion.
Capital: How does the informal financial sector, such as community savings groups and equb, still hold such dominance despite the rapid growth in mobile money?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: The dominance of the informal financial sectors is largely due to their deep integration within the social and cultural fabric of communities, which fosters strong trust and collective synergy among members. Additionally, these informal systems are flexible and accessible, often requiring minimal documentation and emphasizing collective contributions and sharing. They are also locally tailored to meet specific community needs, including providing support for important social functions such as funerals and weddings.
Capital: The report mentions limited trust in formal institutions. What are the key drivers of this mistrust, and how can banks address it?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: The key drivers of mistrust in formal institutions, as long as how banks can address them are:
1. Challenge: Customers perceive banks as lacking transparency regarding fees, interest rates, and terms.
Approach: Clearly communicate all fees and adapt product offerings to align with local requirements.
2. Challenge: Limited financial literacy among potential customers.
Approach: Implement community-based programs to educate and sensitize individuals, fostering better financial knowledge and perception.
3. Challenge: Security concerns, specifically regarding the safety of deposits and the need for widespread insurance awareness.
Approach: Implement training programs and foster partnerships with local community leaders, while simultaneously leveraging technological solutions.
Capital: What specific complexities or perceived difficulties discourage rural and female customers from adopting digital or formal banking products?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: Rural and female customers face several perceived difficulties in adopting digital and formal banking products. Limited digital literacy is a major barrier, as many potential users lack sufficient experience with digital technologies, making it challenging to navigate mobile banking applications and platforms. Additionally, there is often a lack of infrastructure, including limited access to smartphones, reliable internet connectivity, and consistent electricity in many areas. Security concerns also deter users, as fears of fraud, scams, and the perceived complexity of digital platforms reduce confidence in these services. Insufficient documentation presents another hurdle, since the absence or scarcity of identification documents complicates compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Moreover, cultural and social barriers play a role, with societal norms or cultural beliefs potentially raising concerns about women managing money independently.
Capital: You highlight lack of ID and documentation as a barrier. Are there regional or demographic differences in this challenge?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: There are indeed regional and demographic differences in this challenge and amongst groups, specifically: Difficulty in accessing official identification documents, such as IDs and birth certificates, is prevalent in remote and rural regions, particularly among pastoral communities and marginalized groups. This is primarily due to limited civil registrations, exacerbated by infrastructure and mobility issues, which in turn hinders basic KYC account onboarding at banks. Furthermore, women in rural areas face additional challenges in obtaining relevant identification documents due to socio-cultural factors like literacy rates, mobility restrictions, and gender-based roles.
Capital: Why do most Ethiopians continue to borrow and save within personal networks rather than use banks?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: There are several reasons for this trend. One is the cultural norm of equb, a traditional rotating savings and credit association often described as a “merry-go-round” or “table banking” system, which has long served as a feasible alternative to formal banking. Additionally, limited financial literacy means that a formal understanding of the value and benefits of banking is not widespread, contributing to resistance toward adopting formal financial services. Furthermore, challenges around documentation, particularly compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements due to limited identification documents, also discourage many from using banks.
Capital: What have your findings revealed about the distinct financial behaviors and needs of women versus men in Ethiopia?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: Our research reveals that women in Ethiopia remain significantly underserved by formal financial institutions, often relying on informal tools like savings groups or cash-based systems to manage their money. Many Ethiopian women play dual roles, handling household budgets while engaging in small-scale income-generating activities, yet their financial realities are rarely reflected in traditional banking services. Compared to men, women face greater barriers in access, often due to limited trust in institutions, inflexible product design, and a lack of tailored support.
To close this gap, banks must go beyond simply offering access. They need to create dignified, easy-to-use digital services that provide financial flexibility, accommodate shared decision-making, and align with women’s daily routines. Solutions like mobile wallet-based budgeting tools, microloans linked to cash flow, and savings products designed for education or family goals are key to building trust and inclusion among women, unlocking not just personal growth, but broader economic participation.
Capital: How do rural and urban financial habits differ, particularly regarding saving and borrowing practices?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: In rural areas, saving is predominantly informal through community savings groups or keeping cash at home, largely due to limited access to banks and lower digital literacy. Informal borrowing from family and friends is also common in rural areas, as formal credit options remain inaccessible due to documentation gaps and collateral requirements.
Urban Ethiopians still lean heavily on informal methods, although being slightly more engaged with formal banking. However, they are more likely to experiment with mobile money and digital payments. Despite this, both groups underutilize mobile savings tools and digital credit products.
Capital: The report promotes “composable banking” as a key solution. Could you define this in practical terms and explain how it addresses Ethiopia’s unique challenges?’
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: At Backbase, we define composable banking as a strategy where financial institutions take a building-block approach to digital modernization, allowing them to move at their own pace, molding and building the institution of their dreams. By creating an open, modular IT architecture, banks can embrace a platform model that helps them shift away from complex, monolithic systems towards a simpler, future-proof, customer-centric framework.
In Ethiopia’s context, where we’ve established that financial habits vary widely across urban, rural, and underserved groups, this flexibility is vital. A bank can use composable tools to create offline-ready services for rural communities, launch mobile-first platforms for young urban users, or design savings tools for women-led microbusinesses. It also allows banks to evolve with changing regulations and market demands without needing to rebuild entire systems. Ultimately, composable banking helps Ethiopian banks overcome legacy limitations and deliver more inclusive, responsive, and trusted digital experiences, faster and more sustainably.
Capital: What examples exist—either in Ethiopia or in comparable markets—of banks effectively adopting tailored, modular financial products for underserved groups?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: Several banks have effectively adopted tailored financial offerings to serve underserved groups. Dashen Bank focuses on agency and mobile banking to reach unbanked populations in rural areas, employing mobile applications to simplify account opening and to provide savings and loan options. Co-op Bank of Oromia offers specialized financial products designed specifically for rural farmers and women. In Kenya, the M-Pesa M-Shwari platform, a collaboration between Safaricom and NCBA Bank (formerly CBA), delivers flexible products such as savings accounts and microloans, combined with streamlined account opening procedures to serve diverse market segments. Similarly, I&M Bank Kenya launched the “Solo Biz” account tailored for sole proprietors, which combines instant mobile onboarding with dedicated tools for small and medium-sized enterprises. Their modular platform allows for the rollout of new customer journeys as needs evolve.
Capital: Given that mobile savings tools are underused, what are the biggest opportunities for banks and fintechs to drive adoption and trust, particularly in rural areas?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: The opportunities for banks and fintechs to drive adoption and build trust include implementing community education programs that foster trust and raise awareness, especially by expanding onboarding initiatives in rural areas. Additionally, leveraging agency banking by utilizing local agents can broaden customer reach and improve accessibility. Providing USSD and SMS-based services is also important, as these enable access to mobile financial services for individuals who do not own smartphones. Finally, developing tailored and flexible financial plans that cater to the specific needs of various communities can help promote greater inclusion and engagement.
Capital: Remittances in Ethiopia are still mostly handled in-person. What would it take for digital channels to become the norm for domestic transfers?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: To shift domestic remittances in Ethiopia from in-person transactions to digital channels, three key enablers are essential: trust, usability, and reach. Trust is crucial, as people need strong assurance that their money will arrive safely and instantly. Achieving this requires robust consumer protection measures, clear communication, and collaboration with credible service providers. Usability must address the challenges faced by many Ethiopians, especially in rural areas, such as low digital literacy, limited access to smartphones, and language barriers. Therefore, digital solutions should be intuitive, support local languages, and be capable of functioning offline or on basic phones. Lastly, reach and interoperability are vital because digital channels can only scale if they are widely accepted, affordable, and able to operate seamlessly across different providers and regions.
Capital: What policy or regulatory changes would most accelerate financial inclusion for women and rural communities?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: The Simplification of KYC by exploring alternative identification methods for low-value accounts would accelerate financial inclusion. Interoperability mandates will also allow mobile providers or telecoms to enhance access and ease of transactions across platforms.
Capital: Your projections show bank account penetration rising to 70% by 2025. What are the main risks or headwinds to achieving this target?
Nohaila Ibn El Farouk: While Ethiopia is on a promising path toward 70% bank account penetration by 2025, several factors could slow progress if not addressed.
Trust and awareness: many Ethiopians still perceive formal banking as complex, inaccessible, or not designed for their realities, especially in rural and low-income segments. Without focused efforts to build trust and financial literacy, adoption may stall.
Infrastructure gaps: inconsistent mobile coverage, low smartphone penetration, and limited agent networks in rural areas make it difficult to deliver consistent digital banking experiences, which can exclude already underserved. communities
Product relevance: rigid or generic financial products do not resonate with informal workers, women, or small traders who have variable income and rely on social networks for savings and credit. Without tailoring services to these behaviors, banks risk offering access without real engagement.
Regulatory and ecosystem readiness: seamless interoperability between providers, simplified onboarding (like tiered KYC), and strong data protection are all critical to scale inclusion sustainably.
To meet the 70% target, financial institutions must go beyond access and invest in trust-building, locally relevant solutions, and the foundational infrastructure that enables inclusive digital finance.
