What is Mulatu Astatke's musical style?

Mulatu Astatke is known as the father of Ethio-jazz, a genre that blends traditional Ethiopian music with modern jazz.

Where did Mulatu Astatke perform his farewell concert?

Mulatu Astatke performed his farewell concert at the EFG Jazz Festival in London on November 17, 2025.

How did Mulatu Astatke's performance at the EFG Jazz Festival captivate the audience?

Astatke's performance was described as a "controlled whirlwind of experimentation and excitement," featuring virtuosic solos from his band and a seamless blend of traditional Ethiopian music and modern jazz.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / 81-Year-Old Ethio-Jazz Pioneer Pushes Boundaries in Farewell Performance

81-Year-Old Ethio-Jazz Pioneer Pushes Boundaries in Farewell Performance

17 Nov

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Summary

81-year-old Mulatu Astatke's experimental jazz set
Blending traditional Ethiopian music with modern jazz
Showcasing his band's instrumental range and individual talents

81-Year-Old Ethio-Jazz Pioneer Pushes Boundaries in Farewell Performance

Mulatu Astatke, the pioneering 81-year-old vibes player, keyboardist, and percussionist, took the stage at the EFG Jazz Festival in London on November 17, 2025, delivering a captivating performance that pushed the boundaries of genre. Even on his farewell tour, Astatke showed no signs of slowing down, immediately launching into a thunderous rendition of "Tsome Diguwa" that set the tone for the evening.

Throughout the set, Astatke and his band effortlessly blended traditional Ethiopian music with modern jazz, creating a controlled whirlwind of experimentation and excitement. Pieces like "Zèlèsègna Dèwèl," written in the 4th-century Ethiopian tradition, showcased Astatke's fascination with his instrument, as he played the vibraphone with intense familiarity yet a sense of discovery.