[DailyRingtone]

You mean Masinko the instrument right? it is not used by just Amharic speakers, though it is mostly used by them, Tigres use the kerar more. Masinko probably was popularized in the middleages by these mobile entertainers for the kings and such in more urbanized areas , known as Azmaris, kind of like the troubadours.
Azmaris were clowns for the most part, and were not looked upon favourably by anybody who was somebody, but they were also the life of get togethers, weddings, celebrations, etc....there are still plenty of Azmari bets (house) in addis, matter of fact the older generation still refers to any bar as an Azmari bet.