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Ethiopia's rich musical heritage has given rise to one of its most celebrated innovations: Ethio-jazz. This distinctive genre blends traditional Ethiopian music with elements of jazz, Afro-funk, soul, and Latin rhythms, creating a sound characterised by haunting melodies and vibrant rhythms. The journey of Ethio-jazz is a compelling narrative that highlights the visionaries who shaped its evolution and the cultural transformations that influenced its growth.

The Roots of Ethio-jazz

The foundations of Ethio-jazz can be traced back to the 1950s, a time when Nerses Nalbandian, an Armenian immigrant, played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Ethiopian music. Tasked by Emperor Haile Selassie to compose music for the National Theatre, Nalbandian faced the challenge of harmonising local sounds with the big band arrangements typical of Western music. His innovative approach involved blending traditional Ethiopian musical scales with Western instrumentation, laying the groundwork for the unique sounds that would later define Ethio-jazz. His efforts to preserve the authenticity of Ethiopian music while incorporating new influences set the stage for future developments in the genre.

The Birth of Ethio-jazz: Mulatu Astatke 

Often referred to as the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke emerged as a key figure in the 1960s. Born in 1943 in Jimma, Astatke initially pursued a degree in aeronautic engineering in Wales. However, his passion for music flourished during his studies, leading him to explore classical music and jazz. He further honed his skills at Trinity College in London and the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he became the first African student.

a person playing drums with sticks

Photo credit: Jessica Rinaldi

 

Inspired by the jazz scene and the cultural exchange among fellow African students, Astatke sought to fuse Ethiopian melodies with jazz harmonies. Through extensive experimentation, he crafted a unique sound that drew from the pentatonic scales of traditional Ethiopian music while incorporating the sophisticated rhythms and structures of jazz. This innovative blend birthed Ethio-jazz, a genre that would resonate far beyond Ethiopia’s borders.


The Unsung Hero of Ethio Jazz: Girma Bèyènè

While many have celebrated the prominent figures of Ethio-jazz, Girma Bèyènè remains one of the genre's underappreciated composers and arrangers. His significant contributions during the early years of Ethio-jazz helped shape its sound and direction. 

Hailu Mergia: The Master of Fusion and Revivalist

Hailu Mergia is another luminary in the Ethio-jazz landscape. Starting with the renowned Walias Band, one of the most prominent Ethio-jazz ensembles of the 1970s, Mergia showcased his unique blend of keyboards, accordion, and synthesisers. His transition to a solo artist allowed him to explore a broader range of sounds and styles. 

Other Key Players: Bands and Musicians Who Shaped the Scene 

The Ethio-jazz scene has been enriched by various bands and musicians who helped propel the genre into the mainstream. The Walias Band, known for their electrifying performances in Addis Ababa’s nightlife, played a significant role in popularising Ethio-jazz during the 1970s. Similarly, the Dahlak Band collaborated with artists like Mahmoud Ahmed, pushing the Ethio-jazz sound forward and cementing its place in Ethiopian music history.

Tilahun Gessesse, known as the “Voice of Ethiopia,” also made essential contributions as a vocalist. His ability to blend traditional Ethiopian songs with the emerging Ethio-jazz sounds laid the foundation for a unique musical identity that resonates with many Ethiopians today.

The Golden Era of Ethio-jazz in Addis Ababa

Person in ornate clothing sitting on a bench holding a saxophone, black and white photo.

Photo credit: Matías Corral

 

The 1960s marked a golden era for music in Addis Ababa. As Emperor Selassie’s regime embraced liberal cultural policies, musicians flourished in a vibrant creative environment. Astatke returned to Ethiopia, bringing his newfound knowledge and passion for Ethio-jazz to the forefront of the musical landscape. While initially met with skepticism by traditionalists wary of cultural influences, Astatke's commitment to showcasing Ethiopian music eventually won over audiences.


During this time, influential musicians emerged, including saxophonist Gétatchew Mèkurya, known for his powerful performances and innovative sound. These artists, along with singers like Alemayehu Eshete and Girma Bèyène, contributed to the thriving Ethio-jazz scene, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that celebrated Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

Challenges and Resilience: The Derg Era

However, the rise of Ethio-jazz faced significant challenges with the advent of the Derg regime in 1974. The Marxist government sought to suppress the country’s vibrant music scene, deeming much of it a Western influence. As a result, many musicians either fled the country or went underground, while a generation grew up with little knowledge of Ethio-jazz. Despite these hardships, Astatke remained in Ethiopia, using his position with the International Jazz Federation to maintain a presence in the musical community.

A Revival of Ethio-jazz 

The fall of the Derg regime in 1991 marked a new chapter for Ethiopian music. With the establishment of a democratic government, musicians once again found the freedom to create and express themselves. French music producer Francis Falceto played a crucial role in reviving Ethio-jazz, releasing the Ethiopiques series, which showcased the works of legendary artists from the 1960s and 1970s, including Astatke. This compilation not only preserved the music but also introduced it to international audiences.

a group of men playing instruments

Photo credit: Radio UTD


Astatke's music gained renewed recognition when his compositions were featured in Jim Jarmusch's film Broken Flowers in 2005, further solidifying Ethio-jazz's place on the global stage. Collaborations with contemporary artists, such as the Heliocentrics, have resulted in innovative new works, including the album Mulatu Steps Ahead, which showcases the genre’s evolution while honoring its roots.

Ethio Jazz Today 

Ethiopia's music colleges now include Ethio-jazz in their curricula, nurturing a new generation of musicians inspired by the genre's golden era. Contemporary bands like the Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group, led by guitarist Girum Mezmur, and the emerging Ethio-Fusion Jazz band, The Nubian Arc, are revitalising classic songs from the 1960s. Internationally, bands like France's Badume and Tigre des Platanes, as well as the U.S. Budos Band, are also embracing Ethio-jazz influences.

Ethio-jazz continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, both in Ethiopia and around the world. The genre thrives today, constantly evolving while staying true to its deep-rooted Ethiopian heritage.