Mulatu Astatke Salutes Fans at Final Concert in London

Sun Dec 28 2025 13:43:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The iconic 'Godfather of Ethiopian Jazz', Mulatu Astatke, performed his last concert amidst heartfelt tributes from fans and friends, marking the end of an era in world music.

Mulatu Astatke, the pioneering Ethiopian jazz musician, held his final live concert in London at the age of 82, celebrating over six decades of musical innovation. Known for creating Ethio-jazz, Astatke's unique sound blends traditional Ethiopian music with jazz elements. His influence and legacy continue to inspire musicians worldwide, as evident in the emotional farewell from fans during the concert.

Ethiopian jazz musician Mulatu Astatke smiled as he held his arms aloft to acknowledge his audience for the last time.

Last month in London, the 82-year-old pioneer, who has done much to bring his blend of musical styles to the world, played his final live concert after a six-decade performing career.

Twenty years ago, he gained a wider listenership after the soundtrack for the 2005 Hollywood film Broken Flowers included his music, and the use of one of his recordings in last year's best-picture-Oscar-nominated Nickel Boys saw further interest.

But since the 1960s he has used the studio and rehearsal room as a laboratory where he has mixed musical styles to create what he calls the science of Ethio-jazz.

Outside, it was a cold November evening, but inside the West End venue, Mulatu was bathed in the warm embrace of a crowd eager to get one last glimpse of this alchemist at work.

Dressed in a shirt featuring work by Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle, he slowly and steadily walked on stage.

Squeezing past a set of congas he came to his signature instrument – the vibraphone.

With two pink-felted mallets in his right hand and one in the left, he began to pick out the mesmeric rhythm and melody, expertly striking the xylophone-like metal bars creating a delicate, resonant sound. The first song was based on a 4th Century tune from the Ethiopian Orthodox church, a nod to his musical heritage and the Ethiopian pentatonic scale.

It was a beautiful show. Really enjoyed it, Mulatu told the BBC in his gentle voice after the concert. He would not be drawn on how he felt saying goodbye to his international fans. For US musician and composer Dexter Story, the gig was bittersweet. It was so vibrant and so alive. A reverent and gracious… and wonderful, wonderful energy, he expressed.

Mulatu Astatke's tracks weave together traditional instruments from Ethiopia like the washint (flute), kebero (drum), and the masenqo, a single-stringed fiddle. His legacy, mixed with modern influences, continues to resonate with fans around the world. While his touring may be over, Astatke remains committed to promoting Ethiopian music globally, stating, It's not the end.