RecentMusic - Akalé Wubé New Releases

Akalé Wubé

Akalé Wubé is a Paris-based band dedicated to reviving the golden age of Ethiopian music, blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with a modern touch of jazz and funk. Formed in 2008, the band derives its name from an Amharic phrase which can be translated as "my beautiful one," a term of endearment that reflects the group's passion for Ethiopian groove. The quintet, composed of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, delves deeply into the Ethiopian jazz of the 1960s and 70s — a genre popularized by the Ethiopiques series of albums — bringing it to an international audience with a contemporary flare.

Akalé Wubé has established itself as a key player in the world music scene with albums such as "Akalé Wubé," "Mata," and "Sost." The band's expertise was further acknowledged when they collaborated with the legendary Ethiopian saxophonist Gétatchèw Mèkurya on the album "Mistakes on Purpose (Ethiopiques 30)," as part of the famed Ethiopiques series. Their continuous exploration and reinterpretation of Ethiopian music have been celebrated both in their dynamic live performances and in the studio. Akalé Wubé not only offers a respectful nod to the past masters of Ethiopian jazz but also injects their own creativity and innovation, as heard in projects like "Akalé Wubé Remixed," where they invite electronic reinterpretations of their work. Through their vibrant fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary sounds, Akalé Wubé captures the spirit of Ethiopian music while broadening its horizons.

Genres