Mulatu Astatke is first and foremost a composer but also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the vibraphone, keyboards and organs.
Mulatu Astatke is an Ethiopian musician and arranger considered as the father of Ethio-jazz. Born in the western Ethiopian city of Jimma, Mulatu was musically trained in London, New York City, and Boston where he combined his jazz and Latin music interests with traditional Ethiopian music.
Astatke led his band while playing vibraphone and conga drums—instruments that he introduced into Ethiopian popular music—as well as other percussion instruments, keyboards, and organ. His albums focus primarily on instrumental music, and Mulatu appears on all three known albums of instrumentals that were released during Ethiopian Golden 1970s.
More Liverpool Listings MORE
Messiah
Hallelujah indeed! Handel’s Messiah is far more than just an oratorio – it’s a masterpiece that has become…
Afel Bocoum
Afel Bocoum is one of Mali’s most respected and enduring musical voices — a bridge between generations, a…
30 Years of Music: Seckou Keita plus special guests Natacha Atlas and Samy Bishai
2026 marks a significant milestone in Senegalese kora master Seckou Keita’s career — thirty years making music, innovating…
UB40 – 2026 UK Tour
UB40 arrive in Liverpool for their 2026 UK Tour with a major performance at M&S Bank Arena, bringing…
Beverley Knight – Born To Perform Tour
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall hosts Beverley Knight for a night that promises to be one of the standout soul…
Africa Oyé 2026
Africa Oyé, the UK’s largest free celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, returns to Sefton Park…