Mulatu Astatke, often hailed as the father of Ethio-jazz, is an influential Ethiopian musician, composer, and arranger known for his profound contribution to modern Ethiopian music and for pioneering a blend that fuses traditional Ethiopian sounds with jazz and Latin rhythms. Born on December 19, 1943, in Jimma, Ethiopia, Astatke was the first African student to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied vibraphone and percussion, honing skills that would later redefine the approach to music in his homeland and beyond.

Astatke's career spans several decades and continents, and his innovative work incorporates the pentatonic scales of traditional Ethiopian music with Western jazz, Latin, and Afro-funk. His unique soundscapes are characterized by their hypnotic grooves and haunting melodies, bolstered by his adept use of vibraphone and congas. Notable releases such as "Mulatu of Ethiopia," "Afro-Latin Soul," and "Mulatu Steps Ahead" have cemented his reputation as a master of his craft. In addition to his recordings, Astatke's music has gained international recognition through inclusion in various film soundtracks, including Jim Jarmusch's "Broken Flowers." His more recent works, like "To Know Without Knowing" and "Sketches of Ethiopia," continue to exhibit his enduring ability to innovate and inspire, connecting a wide range of listeners with the heart and soul of Ethio-jazz.

Genres

Afrobeat

Afropop

Ethio-jazz

World

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Angelique Kidjo

Latest Release

Tension

Mulatu Astatke•

Hoodna Orchestra

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released November 8, 2024