Tune on African Horn - Ethiopian Jazz

Maybe this is new for some people, but Ethiopia is a land of great music, especially jazz. During the 60’s and 70’s it was possible to hear great music in Addis Ababa’s cafes and clubs. Duke Ellington made his presence over there. More important, however, was (or is) the Ethiopian Fusion that was created and among the musicians from that time Mulatu Astatke is considered one of a kind.

However, with the overthrow of the “Rasta God” (as Bob Marley would say), Emperor Haile Selassie, by the “Derg”, Mulatu had to flee from his own country. With his bad also went the smile. The sound got quiet… and become a whispering in the African corner.

The communism regime create more than just hunger, violence and terror came with it. Censorship of speech and music let the vivid artistic scene of Ethiopia become a pallid and starving atmosphere.

Nonetheless, it seems the time is changing again for the colorful Africa. With no doubt the Éthiopiques series (with its 25 volumes so far) helped the world to understand such amazing sound, but the new generation has its own value in order to recreate the music scenario of that country. Again it is possible to see musicians playing in Addis. And Mulatu is also making his contribution, by creating jazz village in Addis to train youngster.

This week the Economist released an interview with Mulatu Astatke, which you can read it here: http://www.economist.com/node/21012023

For a feeling of his sound check out the Little Screen (below).

Enjoy!