Mulatu Astatke, revered as the godfather of Ethiopian jazz, has performed his final live concert, capping a six-decade career that pioneered the Ethio-jazz genre by fusing Ethiopian musical heritage with global jazz traditions. The 82-year-old musician’s last show, held in London last month, served as an emotional farewell to international audiences, marking the end of his touring life while affirming his lasting influence on world music.
The concert unfolded on a chilly November evening in a West End venue, where Astatke was met with a warm, eager crowd. Adorned in a shirt featuring artwork by Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle, he made a deliberate entrance to his signature vibraphone, an instrument central to his sound. With pink-felted mallets, he opened with a piece rooted in a 4th Century Ethiopian Orthodox church tune, highlighting the pentatonic scales that give Ethio-jazz its distinctive flavor. This nod to his cultural roots set the tone for an evening blending tradition with innovation.
Astatke’s musical journey began serendipitously during his schooling in Wales, where educators recognized his innate talent and steered him away from engineering. He further honed his skills at Trinity College in London and Berklee College of Music in Boston, becoming the first African to study at Berklee. Upon returning to Addis Ababa in the 1960s, he synthesized his training with Ethiopian modes, creating what he terms the “science” of Ethio-jazz—a fusion that initially faced resistance but soon garnered acclaim during the “Swinging Addis” era.
His career resilience is notable; he remained in Ethiopia through political shifts, such as the 1974 coup, continuing to produce music inspired by traditional instruments like the washint (flute), kebero (drum), and masenqo (a single-stringed fiddle). Broader recognition came via film soundtracks, including 2005’s “Broken Flowers” and the recent Oscar-nominated “Nickel Boys,” which introduced his work to new generations. These milestones underscore his role in bringing Ethiopian culture to global prominence.
Attendees described the final concert as “bittersweet,” with US composer Dexter Story praising its vibrant and reverent energy. Fans from diverse age groups shared sentiments of gratitude for witnessing a living legend, reflecting Astatke’s cross-generational appeal. In a post-concert interview, Astatke remained characteristically modest, focusing on the joy of performance rather than the farewell, though he acknowledged the significance of the moment.
Looking forward, Astatke has no intention of stepping away from music entirely. He aims to advance Ethiopian traditions by “computerising” the sounds of indigenous instruments, advocating for greater recognition of Africa’s cultural contributions. His legacy is secured through extensive recordings and the enduring impact of Ethio-jazz, which continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
In essence, Mulatu Astatke’s last concert closes a chapter on live performances but celebrates a lifetime of artistic innovation. His dedication to blending Ethiopian roots with jazz has not only enriched global music but also paved the way for future cultural dialogues, ensuring his influence will resonate long after his final bow.
