In one way or another, everything has already been written about the master of Ethio-jazz. So it’s not easy to unearth a never-used-before reason to encourage people to attend one of the London live music highlights of February and enjoy Mulatu Astatke gig at Roundhouse.

However, next to the creativity and musicianship of the artist born in the Easter Ethiopian town of Jidda, there’s still something which hasn’t been highlighted enough. That is the influence Mulatu Astatke had, has and will have for the decades to come on contemporary music.

In recent years, also thanks to the nth new dawn of Ethio-jazz, many up-and-coming acts of jazz, r&b, nu-soul, electronic and hip-hop scenes have paid tribute to the significance of Multatu Astatke’s career. Examples are The Weeknd, Sons of Kemet, Nicolas Jaar, who are just some of the names who have openly recognised the influence of Astatke’s music on their compositions.

That’s a simple, but symbolic factor to underline the momentousness of the Roundhouse event. Because, even after 50 years, Mulatu Astatke can still surprise and electrify his audience with the unfading originality of his sound.

Podcast: Radio Mukambo #500 – 10 Year Celebration

Ten years of making radio and 500 podcasts, that’s what Mukambo is celebrating this week. So we have a special program talking you through the very vest albums of those ten years. Get ready for a trans-Atlantic trip going from Africa over Latin America to Europe, and a pan-African ride…

Artists: Batida , Dele Sosimi , Dizzy Mandjeku , Doña Onete , Ebo Taylor , Gaspar Z'África , Guts , Gyedu-Blay Ambolley , Jungle Fire , Konono N1 , London Afrobeat Collective , Michi Sarmiento , Mulatu Astatke , Newen Afrobeat , Oghene Kologbo , Raúl Monsalve , Raul Monsalve Y Los Forajidos , Rocky Marsiano , Seun Kuti , Son Palenque , The Bongo Hop

London Gig Guide (December 2019)

At times, we are the first to lose track of how many exciting music events happen in London each month, so we have decided to offer you some sort of “public musical service”, meant for all the locals and passers-by, with the aim of suggesting where to listen to some…

Artists: Afriqoui , Arteria Fm , Diabel Cissokho , Dub Pistols , Freek , Kasai Masai , Kongo Dia Ntotila , Mamadou Diabate , Mozão , Mulatu Astatke , Natty Campbell , Neue Grafik Ensemble , Parov Stelar , Skylla , Sourakata Koite , Yama Warashi , Young Paris