Mulatu Astatke

Cerys' musical legend for March is Mulatu Astatke, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and cultural ambassador who, in his 70s, is still busy touring and sharing his funky vibes with the world.

Born in the western Ethiopian city of Jimma in 1943, Mulatu was all set for a career in engineering when he headed to college in North Wales. But he quickly discovered a natural aptitude for music that would lead to further studies in London, Boston.

Mulatu’s music is firmly rooted in his native Ethiopia. But, fiercely intellectual and creative, he’s travelled the world to further his musical education. Along the way, he’s picked up new instruments, soaked up different rhythms and sounds, and created his own musical genre: Ethio-Jazz.

Mulatu talks to Cerys about switching from science to music; how he learned to combine traditional Ethiopian music with American jazz and Latin rhythms; and performing with his hero Duke Ellington.

With music from Mulatu himself. plus Dave Pike, Nas & Damien Marley, Frank Holder, Duke Ellington and more.

Picture: Mulatu Astatke