Hailu Mergia, born in 1946 in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia, is a masterful keyboardist and accordionist renowned for his innovative fusion of traditional Ethiopian melodies with jazz and funk. As a pivotal member of the Walias Band in the 1970s, he helped shape Ethiopia's musical landscape. After relocating to the United States in the 1980s, Mergia continued to evolve his sound, blending Amhara, Tigrinya, and Oromo tunes with modern instruments like the Moog synthesizer and Rhodes piano. His acclaimed albums, including "Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument" and "Lala Belu," showcase his unique ability to bridge cultural traditions with contemporary music, captivating audiences worldwide. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hailu_Mergia?utm_source=openai))