Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke, born in Jimma, Ethiopia, is known as the father of Ethio-jazz, blending pop, jazz, Ethiopian music, Latin rhythms, and Afro-funk. An alum of Berklee College, he collaborated with Duke Ellington and released iconic '70s music on Amha Records. His work gained Western recognition via Jim Jarmusch's film Broken Flowers. Mulatu collaborated with Either/Orchestra, The Heliocentrics, and Black Jesus Experience, recorded notable albums like Mulatu of Ethiopia, and held fellowships at Harvard and M.I.T. His music influenced hip-hop artists including Nas and Kanye West.