BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews

Music

Cerys takes listeners on a global journey of discovery with music of all genres and eras.

Cerys Matthews celebrates music of all genres and eras, taking listeners on a global journey of discovery from the recordings of early pioneers to latter-day luminaries.

BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews: Mulatu Astatke

Discussion & Talk

Cerys Matthews with Dr Mulatu Astatke

12/03/2016 GMT

Mulatu Astatke

BBC World Service - BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews, Mulatu Astatke

Cerys celebrates Ethio-Jazz and the big brains behind it, multi-talented Mulatu Astakte.

Cerys celebrates Ethio-Jazz and the big brains behind it: the multi-talented, East African musician Mulatu Astakte.

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

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

Accessibility links

Programme Index

BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews

Mulatu Astatke

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

About BBC World Service