Italian, French, and American music perform in Addis

By Alemayehu Seife Selassie

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The renowned Italian pianist Joe Diverio was in Addis Ababa for a splendid performance at the Italian Cultural Institute this week. Diverio, who has specialized in different musical styles, stunned the audience with his soothing voice and piano, performing dozens of his hit songs. As the Italian Cultural Institute’s custom, there were many Yared Music School Students invited to attend the celebrated pianist’s live performance. They did not refrain from expressing their cheers and applause at the end of each song.

For the majority of the audience, Diverio’s musical melody was more entertaining than the strictly classical artists that often come for a performance. Jamming along with the melody and nodding to the beat, the Tuesday night crowd was especially enchanted by the performance. It is not everyday that an audience in Addis Ababa gets to hear the classics such as Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” and Jose Feliciano’s “Che Sara” sung live. Divertio’s performance made the crowd feel that the original artists were there in person.
Joe’s career as a recording artist evolved in the swinging sixties, when he formed his group, “Magnifici Quattro,” obtaining his first recording contract with record label “Meazzi.” The artist held iconic status in Lebanon during the 1970s and 80s, where his recordings topped the Lebanese music charts, on occasion outselling even the international stars George Michael and Madonna.

The artist received critical international acclaim for his first release, “Los Ejes de mi carreta,” for EMI. During the following year he released “Ume nuit aux Caves du Roy,” and by the year 1980 his “Lebanon 80” made him an outstanding artist. Seven years after his successful album, Diverio Performed in Paris alongside the legendary blues singer Joe Turner in the Calavados Piano Bar before opening his own establishment, ‘Diverios,’ in 1991.
His popularity and affinity with Beirut lead him to return in 1995, when he released “Diveria” for BMG. At the same time, EMI re-released “Lebanon 80” and both CDs attained a “Gold” status during that year.

In 2002, Diverio returned to his Italian routes, where he continues to charm his audience at concerts and other musical events. During the summer months, Diverio is found in “Caffe Torino” in Stresa, delighting new fans with his musical talents and melodic voice. •