Ethiopian Jazz

Ethiopian jazz, or Ethio-jazz, is a genre blending traditional Ethiopian scales and rhythms with the improvisational freedom of jazz, funk, and Afrobeat. Emerging in the 1960s, it was pioneered by artists like Mulatu Astatke and influenced by Western jazz, soul, and indigenous African traditions. Characterized by hypnotic, pentatonic melodies, syncopated grooves, and rich brass and woodwind arrangements, Ethio-jazz often carries an atmospheric, sometimes psychedelic quality. Artists in the genre incorporate diverse African influences, Arabic tonalities, and experimental textures, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted in Ethiopian heritage and globally resonant.

Jazzhus Montmartre (Live)

Pierre Dørge

Album - 10 Tracks - Released May 16, 2025