Gamo Zone

However friction between the various ethnic groups in Semien Omo, which was often blamed on the Welayta for "ethnic chauvinism" and despite the efforts of the ruling party to emphasize the need to co-ordinate, consolidate, and unify the smaller ethnic units to achieve the "efficient use of scarce government resources", eventually led to the division of the Zone in 2000, resulting with the creation of not only the Gamo Gofa, but also the Dawro and Wolayita Zones and two special woredas.

[citation needed] The unique and fast-paced Gamo tunes have influenced several styles and rhythm as it continues to shape the identity of Ethiopian musical diversity.

Various famous Ethiopian artists from other ethnic groups have incorporated Gamo musical style into their songs, including vocalists Tibebu Workeye, Teddy afro and Tsehaye Yohannes.

Just as influential are Gamo traditional dance forms that are often adopted by musicians and widely visible in Ethiopian music videos.

They are found in more than 40 communities, including Chencha, Bonke, Kucha, Garbansa, Zargula, Kamba, Dorze, Birbir, Ochello, Boroda, Ganta, Gacho Baba, Eligo, Shella, Kolle, Dita, Kogota and Daramalo.