Go Back
Mulatu Astatke
First Name: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
Primary Language: 
Bio
Mulatu Astatke, often known as the "father of Ethio-Jazz," is a composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader born in Jimma, Ethiopia. He holds an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. The reissue of his hit tracks in the 1998 collection "Éthiopiques Volume 4: Ethio Jazz & Instrumental Music, 1969-1974" marked his massive global debut. Since then, he has continued to be recognized as a top-rated jazz musician in the industry.
Discography
Albums9
To Know Without Knowing
To Know Without Knowing2020 • AlbumTracks: 9
Mulatu Of Ethiopia
Mulatu Of Ethiopia2017 • AlbumTracks: 14
Sketches Of Ethiopia - Bonus Track
Sketches Of Ethiopia - Bonus Track2013 • AlbumTracks: 9
Mulatu Steps Ahead
Mulatu Steps Ahead2010 • AlbumTracks: 9
Timeless
Timeless2010 • AlbumTracks: 9
New York - Addis - London: The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975
New York - Addis - London: The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-19752009 • AlbumTracks: 20
Inspiration Information Vol. 3
Inspiration Information Vol. 32009 • AlbumTracks: 14
Ethio Jazz Vol. 1
Ethio Jazz Vol. 12006 • AlbumTracks: 12
Éthiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale - 1969-1974
Éthiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale - 1969-19741998 • AlbumTracks: 14
Singles6
Meskel Flowers - Alternate Version
Meskel Flowers - Alternate Version2021 • SingleTracks: 1
Mascaram Setaba
Mascaram Setaba2020 • SingleTracks: 1
Lijay
Lijay2020 • SingleTracks: 1
Kulun Mankwaleshi
Kulun Mankwaleshi2020 • SingleTracks: 1
Surma - Radio Edit
Surma - Radio Edit2013 • SingleTracks: 1
Gamo - Radio Edit
Gamo - Radio Edit2013 • SingleTracks: 1
Label
Record Label associated with Mulatu Astatke - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    C.K. Opong
    C.K. OpongGhana |1946| Ga
    C.K. Opong is a Ghanaiannartist who was born in June 1946. He is a song writer, a singer and a music icon who is very renowned in Ghana. C.k. Opong is an artist with a very verse experience in the music world which makes him exceptional from other artist.
    Moses Taiwa Molelekwa
    Moses Taiwa MolelekwaSouth Africa |1973| English
    Moses Taiwa Molelekwa was a talented South African Jazz pianist. He began playing the piano at a young age, and quickly developed a unique style that blended traditional South African rhythms with jazz and other contemporary influences. Molelekwa's music was known for its intricate harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and melodic beauty. He released his first album, titled "Finding One's Self", in 1995, which was followed by several other successful albums. Throughout his career, Molelekwa received numerous awards and accolades, including the South African Music Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 1998 and 2001. He was also a featured performer at the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival, among others. Tragically, Molelekwa died in 2001, at the age of 27.
    Johnny Dyani
    Johnny DyaniSouth Africa |1945| English
    Johnny Dyani was a South African jazz musician and freedom fighter who defied apartheid's oppression through his music and activism. His music was a distinct double-bass combination of traditional African rhythms with American jazz. He began his musical journey with the Blue Notes, an influential multiracial jazz band in South Africa, before going into exile in Europe in the early 1960s. Dyani's activism complemented his artistry, as he vocally supported the anti-apartheid movement. His music conveyed powerful messages about freedom and human rights, notably in albums like "Witchdoctor's Son." Though he passed away at 40 in 1986, his legacy endures, serving as a reminder of the transformative potential of music and the enduring fight for justice.
    Betti Betti
    Betti BettiBenin |1954| French
    Béatrice Kempeni, also known as Betti Betti, was a renowned Beninese singer-songwriter celebrated for her natural musical talent and effortless compositions. Emerging in the early 90s, she collaborated with top musicians, amassing album sales and becoming one of Benin's wealthiest female artists. Her music, characterized by captivating melodies, energetic rhythms, and impactful lyrics, garnered international praise. Betti-Betti's influence extended globally, with performances in various countries. Through her music, she championed African culture and values, inspiring youth both in Benin and beyond. Despite her passing in 1988, Betti-Betti's legacy endures as a symbol of artistic prowess and cultural advocacy.
    Sasha Sonnbichler
    Sasha SonnbichlerSouth Africa |1959| Afrikaans
    Sasha Sonnbichler, a multifaceted talent in the realm of jazz, hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. His diverse skill set spans jazz guitar performance, arrangement, and education. Notably, he held the position of Musical Director at Parktown High School for Girls and furthermore served as the Creative Director of Music for The Outreach Foundation in Hillbrow. Sasha's educational journey led him to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a master's certificate in music arrangement, and subsequently to the American Institute of Music. He received recognition with a nomination at the South African Music Awards (SAMA). In 2002, he unveiled his debut album, "Ndaa," under BMG Africa's Giant Steps label. Following this success, his second album, "Tan Huts," was released through Beyond the Box Music.
    Bheki Mseleku
    Bheki MselekuSouth Africa |1955| English
    Bheki Mseleku was a South African jazz pianist and composer known for blending traditional South African rhythms with modern jazz harmonies. He was introduced to jazz by his father. After becoming involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he was forced to leave South Africa and settled in London where he became a sought-after musician. Mseleku released several highly acclaimed albums, including "Timelessness" and "Beauty of Sunrise," before passing away at the age of 53. He's remembered as one of South Africa's greatest jazz musicians.