Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke (born on 19 December 1943; sometimes spelled Astatqé in French-language releases, and ሙላቱ አስታጥቄ in Amharic) is an Ethiopian musician and arranger recognized as the father of Ethio-jazz.

Originally from the western Ethiopian city of Jimma, Mulatu received musical training in London, New York City, and Boston, blending jazz and Latin music interests with traditional Ethiopian music. Astatke led his band while playing the vibraphone and conga drums—both instruments he introduced to Ethiopian popular music—and also played various percussion instruments, keyboards, and organ. His albums mainly feature instrumental music, and Astatke is present on all three known albums of instrumentals released during Ethiopia’s Golden 1970s.