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Addis Groove: Mulatu's Ethio-Jazz Revolution

Mulatu Astatke's Ethio-jazz pioneers Addis Ababa's 'Swinging Addis' era, where stars like Mahmoud Ahmed and Alemayehu Eshete forge a vibrant, globally recognized sound.

Tracklist

  1. Yègellé Tezeta — Mulatu Astatke
  2. Ere Mela Mela — Mahmoud Ahmed
  3. Tchero Adari Nègn — Alemayehu Eshete
  4. Tezeta (Soul) — Mulatu Astatke
  5. Muziqawi Silt — Girma Bèyènè
  6. Yekatit — Mulatu Astatke
  7. Yèkèrmo Sèw — Mulatu Astatke
  8. Telantena Zare — Alemayehu Eshete

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

Yègellé Tezeta — Mulatu Astatke

Returning to Addis Ababa after studying abroad, Mulatu Astatke fused traditional Ethiopian five-tone scales with Western jazz and Latin rhythms, pioneering 'Ethio-jazz.' He introduced instruments like the vibraphone, heard prominently on 'Yègellé Tezeta'.

Ere Mela Mela — Mahmoud Ahmed

Addis Ababa thrived in the late 60s and early 70s as 'Swinging Addis,' a vibrant scene despite government control. Amha Eshete launched Ethiopia's first independent label, Amha Records, capturing stars like Mahmoud Ahmed, whose album 'Ere Mela Mela' gained international recognition decades later.

Tchero Adari Nègn — Alemayehu Eshete

The 'Swinging Addis' era produced many local stars, including Alemayehu Eshete, who recorded extensively for Amha Records. His dynamic vocal style and modern arrangements cemented his place in Ethiopia's musical golden age with 'Tchero Adari Nègn'.

Tezeta (Soul) — Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke transformed traditional 'Tezeta,' a nostalgic Ethiopian mode, integrating the Fender Rhodes and wah-wah pedals. Despite initial accusations of imposing Western sounds, his 'Tezeta (Soul)' captures that deep emotional resonance.

Muziqawi Silt — Girma Bèyènè

The flourishing scene saw brilliant collaborators like Girma Bèyènè, a prolific lyricist, composer, arranger, and pianist who shaped over 60 titles. His track 'Muziqawi Silt' demonstrates the rich instrumental tapestry defining the Addis sound, complementing vocal powerhouses like Tilahun Gessesse, known for 'Sèwotch Mèla'.

Yekatit — Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu solidified Ethio-jazz with albums like 'Yekatit Ethio-Jazz' in 1974, featuring tracks recorded with his club band in Addis. This period also saw him collaborate with Duke Ellington during his 1973 Ethiopian tour. This is 'Yekatit'.

Yèkèrmo Sèw — Mulatu Astatke

The 1974 Derg coup abruptly ended Ethiopia's musical golden age. Decades later, Mulatu Astatke's sound found renewed global attention through Jim Jarmusch's 2005 film 'Broken Flowers,' which prominently featured 'Yèkèrmo Sèw'.

Telantena Zare — Alemayehu Eshete

The French label Buda Musique's 'Éthiopiques' series, launched in 1998, was instrumental in bringing hidden Ethiopian music to a global audience. Artists like Alemayehu Eshete, whose 'Telantena Zare' is a timeless classic, continue to captivate listeners worldwide.

Thank you for joining OffStereo as we journeyed through the soulful rhythms of 1970s Addis Ababa. May the echoes of that golden era continue to resonate, a testament to music's enduring power.

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