What Fela Kuti was to afrobeat, Bob Marley to reggae and the Beatles to modern pop music, Mulatu Astatke is to ethio-jazz. Simply put, he was the founder and pioneer of this unique blend of traditional Ethiopian music and (modern) jazz.
When you look back over the impressive career of pianist, organist, vibraphonist, percussionist, composer and arranger Mulatu Astatke, you can't help but tip your hat respectfully to this musician, now 81.
At the time, Astatke was the first African student to graduate from the renowned Berklee College of Music whose list of alumni is impressive. Think Arooj Aftab, Quincy Jones, Keith Jarrett or Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief). He collaborated with, among others, one of the greatest American composers and jazz legends ever: Duke Ellington. As well as with compatriot Hailu Mergia, Kamasi Washington, filmmaker Jim Jarmusch (for his film 'Broken Flowers') and The Heliocentrics. Finally, his songs have been sampled - whether in homage or not - by Nas & Damian Marley, Madlib, Gaslamp Killer and Four Tet, among others.
AB: "Mulatu, it was always a great honour to (have) you here on the AB stage - in 2012, 2017 and now for one last time in 2025. We will welcome you with open arms and musical love!"

For those who want to dive into the Mulatu Astatke Apple Essentials: have fun listening!
Here is a preliminary introduction by Tidal.