3 Things to Know About Amha Records and the Derg

Amha Records was silenced by the Derg military junta in 1975. The label shut down after owner Amha Eshete was forced to flee Ethiopia.

The Derg targeted Amha Records for its association with Ethio jazz. The regime viewed the music and its creators as political threats.

Amha Eshete’s exile ended the label’s operations permanently. He never returned to revive Amha Records after the Derg took power.