Abugida Band Members

Ruphael W.Mariam - On Drums/Keys/Vocals - Two time Grammy award winner Ruphael W. Mariam was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to a very large family of 2 brothers and 7 sisters. Being one of the youngest made Ruphael realize that there are myriad paths that can be taken in life. "Ever since I can remember, I knew that my life would be dedicated to the Arts" Ruph has never looked back and has had a lasting and prosperous career as musician and artist. Ruph began drawing and painting by the tender age of 4. Through the years his teachers noticed that he had talent, not only with painting and drawing, but also as a musician. He enrolled at an art school at night while he attended high school during the day. The schedule was soon flip-flopped to accommodate his yearning to become a professional musician and artist. Already a capable guitarist and bassist, Ruph was also becoming an accomplished drummer. Coincidentally, a local band was looking for a drummer to play Top 40 hits for the local hotels. That was it. Ruph had begun playing professionally at the age of 14, and was fast becoming hooked on the emotion of it. "The way the music affects people and knowing that I'm helping create that, it's a rush. It's been an experience that is difficult to put into words"

On Bass: Ermias Kebede, Chicago .... Ermias T. Kebede has been playing the bass guitar for over 20 years. He has been providing the all but necessary element of feel and in the pocket bass grooves to quite a lot of bands, including alongside members of Ziggy Marley band and behind the Ethiopian superstar, Teddy Afro. He has been with the Abugida band since it’s inception. Currently focused on creating a variety of music for the TV/FILM Industry, he is quickly building his catalogue, some of which have already been used for that purpose. Live music being his preference you will find that most of his compositions use live instruments and performances.