Gospel Music, Manzuma and Chanting Provide Music for Conferring of a Degree on Rev. Butts (09/26/07)

The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir Ensemble, Mohammed Awol and Group and Chanters from the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition performed at the Engineering Conference Hall of the Faculty of Technology at Addis Ababa University on September 26, 2007. This musical celebration served in part to honor Rev. Calvin Butts, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York on the occasion of the conferring of an honorary degree from Addis Ababa University (AAU). Over 400 Addis Ababa University faculty members, high school students and members of the Abyssinian Baptist Church attended the event. 

Twenty-four chanters from the St. George’s Orthodox Church presented vocal liturgical music, known as ‘chanting’ in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, accompanied by drums, praying sticks and cestrum. The group presented three styles of  Ethiopian Orthodox Church  (EDC) chants, including Ge’ez in which most melodies are performed, arraray, containing  “cheerful melodies”  (used only infrequently in services), and ezel used in periods of sorrow and fasting.

Mohammed Awol and his group performed music of the Ethiopian Islamic tradition.  Known as “manzuma,” it included zikir, remembrances of God; madh, praises of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him); praises of saints; advice on how to live one’s life; and messages of peace and love. 

The Abyssinian Church Choir Ensemble consisted of members of the church’s music ministry, including the Sanctuary Choir, the Chancel Choir, The Forever-Amen Chorale Ensemble, and The Gospel Chorus.  Director Jeff Bolding provided a narrative of gospel music genres, charting its historical developments as a means for once enslaved people to overcome the scourge of racism and social injustice. 

Addis Ababa Mayor Berhane Deressa conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa on Rev. Butts on behalf of Addis Ababa University (AAU), for his commitment to quality education, wide ranging humanitarian efforts, academic and professional accomplishments and his overarching belief.