Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke is arguably one of the most influential and legendary musicians from Ethiopia. He studied music abroad in London, Boston, and New York during the 1960s, then returned home to Ethiopia where he blended Ethiopian traditional music with Latin-jazz to create a unique hybrid called "Ethio-jazz". As a composer and multi-instrumentalist, Astatke played the vibraphone, keyboards, organs, congas, and bongos. His focus on instrumentation introduced a new dimension to Ethiopian music. With several LPs recorded in New York City and releases on Amha Records in Addis Ababa, Astatke's work gained renewed attention through compilations on Ethiopiques (Buda Musique) and Soundway label. Notably featured in Jim Jarmush's film Broken Flowers, Astatke continues his musical journey collaborating with renowned artists.