Ethiopian Jazz Legend Mulatu Astatke Bids Farewell with Final Vibraphone Show

Mulatu Astatke, often called the godfather of Ethiopian jazz, recently played his final live concert in London, marking the end of a remarkable six-decade career. At 82 years old, Mulatu has spent his life blending traditional Ethiopian music with jazz influences from around the world, creating a unique genre known as Ethio-jazz. His last performance was a special event, drawing fans from many countries who wanted to witness the legendary musician one last time. Dressed in a shirt featuring artwork by Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle, Mulatu walked onto the stage with a gentle smile, acknowledging the crowd’s warm applause. He made his way to the vibraphone, his signature instrument, and began to play a song inspired by a fourth-century Ethiopian church melody. The music was mesmerizing, combining the pentatonic scale of Ethiopian music with jazz rhythms and harmonies.

Mulatu’s journey in music began in his hometown of Jimma, Ethiopia, where he was born in 1943. As a teenager, he was sent to study in Wales, where he first picked up the trumpet. His teachers quickly noticed his musical talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. After finishing school, Mulatu attended Trinity College in London, where he played in jazz clubs and met other talented musicians, including the Jamaican saxophonist Joe Harriot. Later, Mulatu moved to the United States to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, becoming the first African student at the school. There, he learned to play the vibraphone and percussion, and began to experiment with Latin jazz. He recorded his first albums in the US, but it was only after returning to Ethiopia in 1969 that he truly developed his own sound. By combining what he had learned abroad with traditional Ethiopian music, Mulatu created Ethio-jazz, a genre that was initially met with skepticism but soon gained popularity.

Throughout his career, Mulatu has been passionate about promoting Ethiopian and African music. He believes that Africa has contributed greatly to world culture, but often does not receive enough recognition. Mulatu’s music features traditional Ethiopian instruments like the washint flute, kebero drum, and masenqo fiddle, which he says deserves as much credit as Western instruments like the cello. He is also interested in using technology to modernize traditional sounds, hoping to reach new audiences. Mulatu’s influence extends across generations, with both older and younger fans appreciating his innovative style. His music has been featured in international films, such as Broken Flowers, helping to introduce Ethio-jazz to a global audience. Even though he will no longer tour, Mulatu remains committed to sharing Ethiopian music with the world, insisting that his journey is far from over.

Fans and fellow musicians describe Mulatu’s concerts as vibrant and full of energy, with a unique blend of modern and traditional sounds. Many people feel a deep connection to his music, which brings together influences from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Mulatu’s legacy is not just in his recordings, but also in the inspiration he provides to other artists. He encourages young musicians to explore their own cultural roots and to experiment with new ideas. As Mulatu steps away from the stage, his impact on music will continue to be felt for years to come. He hopes that more people will discover the richness of African music and give credit to the creative minds behind it. Mulatu Astatke’s story is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures and generations, and his work will remain a source of pride for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole.