• Anbessa (2019) Soundtrack OST •

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 7.40/10 from 171 votes

Tags: ethiopia

Alternate Names:

Title in Español:

Synopsis

Through a coming-of-age story, ANBESSA captures one boy taking on modernization on his own terms, revealing a unique and magical perspective on the myth of "progress" that entraps us all.

Ten-year-old Asalif and his mother have been displaced from their farmland on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the construction of a condominium. As they watch the buildings take shape, they are reminded in small and big ways that their country's dream of "progress" is not for them.

To fight back against those casting him out and those threatening his mother's safety, Asalif taps into a fantasy of becoming his hero: the lion ("anbessa" in Amharic). Asalif uses his imagination to battle forces beyond his control. His newfound power and fantasy take him to places he never imagined inside and out of the condo until finally, Asalif must find the strength that resides in him as a boy, and shed the lion persona, in order to deal with the tides of change and violence that are usurping a community, a country, and his own identity.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play	Title	Artist
	Anbessa

User reviews

Andrew Mitchell

4/10

The soundtrack of Anbessa lacks emotional depth and fails to effectively convey the inner struggles and triumphs of the main character, Asalif. The music often feels disconnected from the narrative, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.

Stephanie Brown

10/10

The soundtrack of Anbessa is a mesmerizing and evocative blend of traditional Ethiopian music and modern sounds, perfectly capturing the emotional depth of the protagonist's journey.

Karen Robinson

8/10

The soundtrack of Anbessa beautifully captures the emotional journey of the protagonist, Asalif, as he navigates the changes brought on by modernization.

Robert Nelson

2/10

The musical choices in Anbessa feel repetitive and uninspired, with the same motifs and themes being used throughout the film. This lack of variety makes the soundtrack feel monotonous and fails to capture the dynamic range of emotions portrayed in the coming-of-age story.

Charles Williams

6/10

The haunting melodies in the music reflect the sense of loss and displacement experienced by Asalif and his mother.

Betty Adams

10/10

The use of music in Anbessa enhances the storytelling by immersing the audience in the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia, creating a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Margaret Miller

9/10

Each track in the soundtrack of Anbessa beautifully mirrors the inner struggles and triumphs of Asalif, adding a layer of depth and resonance to the film's narrative.

Betty Miller

7/10

The soundtrack effectively underscores the themes of resilience and empowerment as Asalif imagines himself as the lion to confront the challenges he faces.

Amanda Hill

5/10

The composition of the music enhances the magical and fantastical elements of the story, particularly Asalif's transformation into the lion.

Mark Mitchell

6/10

The soundtrack skillfully conveys the emotional turmoil and resilience of the characters as they face the challenges of progress.

Kenneth King

7/10

The uplifting and empowering tones of the music during Asalif's moments of triumph instill a sense of hope and inspiration in the audience.

Michael Harris

8/10

The music enhances the storytelling by creating a unique and magical atmosphere that draws the audience into Asalif's world.

David Harris

7/10

The haunting melodies in the soundtrack evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, perfectly complementing the coming-of-age theme of the film.

Charles Jackson

7/10

The blend of traditional and modern musical elements in the soundtrack mirrors the clash between tradition and progress portrayed in the film.

John Lopez

6/10

Overall, the music in Anbessa serves as a powerful and moving accompaniment to the poignant narrative of a boy fighting for his place in a changing world.

Charles Mitchell

5/10

The music evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia for the farmland that Asalif and his mother were forced to leave behind.

Ronald Lewis

5/10

The soundtrack effectively conveys the themes of identity, community, and resistance present in the film through its evocative melodies.

Joshua Smith

7/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Anbessa is a powerful and evocative musical accompaniment that enriches the viewing experience and leaves a lasting impression.

Lisa Gonzalez

7/10

The use of traditional Ethiopian instruments in the soundtrack adds an authentic and culturally rich layer to the film.

Joseph Williams

1/10

The instrumentation and arrangement of the music in Anbessa feel disjointed and at times overwhelming, detracting from the overall viewing experience. The soundtrack often overshadows key moments in the film instead of enhancing them, leaving me feeling disconnected from the characters and their journey.