Mulatu Astatke is the Father of Ethio-Jazz and one of Africa’s most influential and enduring musical figures.

A star in Africa since the 1970’s, Mulatu came to prominence in the West through ‘The Ethiopiques’ series of records and the soundtrack for Jim Jarmusch’s film ‘Broken Flowers’.

Mulatu’s creative genius is to combine jazz and funk grooves with Ethiopia’s distinctive pentatonic scales, contrasting these minimalist scales with richly chromatic harmony.

Black Jesus Experience is a 9 piece funk machine born of Australia’s vibrant multiculturalism.

Mulatu and Black Jesus Experience met in Addis Ababa in 2009, starting a musical relationship and friendship leading Mulatu to describe Black Jesus Experience as, “My favourite backing band.” Their collaborative Australian concert series won ‘The Age Best Tour award.

Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu & Black Jesus Experience return to Australia from performing together at the UN in Addis Ababa to celebrate 50 years representation at the African Union. The consequent album ‘Cradle Of Humanity’ (CD, Download & Vinyl) is available in Australia from June.