Musical influences from around the globe are fused into the world beat sounds of Ash Ka Ru. The recipients of "Music Africa" awards as "Best Pan African Band" in 1994 and "Best African Band" in 1995, Ash Ka Ru combines global rhythms with politically-tinged lyrics sung in a variety of languages. Although based in Toronto, Ash Ka Ru brings together musicians and vocalists from Ethiopia, Ireland, North America, the Bahamas, India and Kenya. According to "Performer" magazine, Ash Ka Ru "attacks with three vocalists singing in at least as many languages and a world beat inspired rhythmic groove that runs deep and wide".
Initially conceived by Canadian multi-instrumentalist, background singer and composer Chip Yarwood, Ash Ka Ru features the lead vocals of Ethiopia-born Yared Tesfayed and Bahamian Selina Carol.
The high point of Ash Ka Ru's debut album, "Mother Tongue, released in 1996, was an energetic rendition of the group composition, "Maray Wollelaye", sung in Amharic, the national language of Ethiopia.