Ethiopian band wins fans by melding rock with African sounds

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - At a hotel in Addis Ababa well-known for hosting jazz greats, thousands of fans lined up on a Saturday night to headbang along with what is still a rarity in Ethiopia's diverse music scene - a rock band.

Jano, named after a popular item of traditional clothing, has made a name for itself in Africa's second most populous country, as well as abroad, by blending local styles of music with Western rock and roll.

"We're trying to make something very, very different," said Hailu Amerga, one of four vocalists in the eight-piece, mixed ensemble that also features a drummer, keyboard player, guitarist and bassist.