Mulatu Astatke is best known for changing the face of Ethiopian music during the ‘Swinging Addis’ era of the late 1960s and 1970s.
At 82, the Ethiopian composer and multi-instrumentalist is considered the ‘father of Ethio-jazz’, a movement born in the late 1960s that fused jazz, Latin music and traditional Ethiopian music.
This year he has announced a new studio album, Mulatu Plays Mulatu, for Strut, his first major studio album in over 10 years. The album features his full big band performing alongside Ethiopian cultural musicians and stands as a fitting climax to an incredible career.
‘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 Lambeth Listings MORE
The Authenticator
In a major new commission for 2026, the National Theatre presents The Authenticator, a gripping gothic thriller by…
State of the Nation: An Evening with Akala
State of the Nation: An Evening with Akala is a compelling talk and cultural conversation featuring Akala —…
Incognito
Led by Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick, the pioneering British acid jazz outfit continues to push boundaries. Formed more…