Mulatu Astatke

**The ‘father of Ethio-jazz’, and one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated musicians and arrangers, performs timeless classics from across his career.**

Best known for changing the face of Ethiopian music during the ‘Swinging Addis’ era of the late 1960s and 70s, Mulatu Astatke is a true pioneer.

As the ‘father of Ethio-jazz’, the composer, vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist created a movement born in the late 1960s, fusing jazz, Latin music and traditional Ethiopian music.

For six decades, Astatke has been developing this signature sound, with classics like ‘Yèkèrmo Sèw’ and ‘Yègellé Tezeta’ ensuring his enduring legacy.

Beyond leading his own bands, Astatke has worked as an arranger for many of Ethiopia’s leading artists, famously using traditional instruments in new ways. His influence culminated in the early 1970s through landmark recordings and high-profile collaborations, including a historic performance and mutual tribute with Duke Ellington during his tour of Ethiopia.

‘Throughout my life, I wanted to bring Ethio-jazz to all corners of the world for people to enjoy and I feel that I have succeeded in that,’ says Astatke. The world of music would definitely echo those sentiments.

More tickets are available on the Southbank Centre website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/mulatu-astatke/

*The ticket price includes a £2 venue restoration levy.*