Farewell to the Legend: Mulatu Astatke Plays Final Concert

Sun Dec 28 2025 13:19:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Iconic Ethiopian jazz musician Mulatu Astatke reflects on a remarkable career as he performs his last live concert in London at the age of 82.

Mulatu Astatke, the respected father of Ethio-jazz, delivered a heartfelt final performance in London, celebrating his six-decade musical journey. The 82-year-old musician, famous for blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with jazz, performed to a warm audience. Despite the chills of a November evening, spirits soared as Astatke dazzled the crowd with his signature vibraphone. His music has influenced many and continues to echo across global musical landscapes.

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 Oscar-nominated Nickel Boys saw further interest.

Since the 1960s, he has used the studio and rehearsal room as a laboratory for mixing musical styles, creating 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 gradually walked on stage. Squeezing past a set of congas, he arrived at his signature instrument – the vibraphone.

With pink felt mallets in hand, he began to strike the xylophone-like bars producing melodies deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture. The first song honored a 4th Century tune from the Ethiopian Orthodox church, melding traditions that define his unique sound.

'It was a beautiful show. Really enjoyed it,' Mulatu expressed softly after the concert. However, when asked about his farewell to fans, he remained evasive.

For US musician Dexter Story, the performance was 'bittersweet.' He described the energy in the room as 'vibrant and alive,' expressing sadness at the conclusion of Astatke's touring days but acknowledging that his recordings will live on.

As one of the first African musicians to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mulatu Astatke began shaping his Ethio-jazz sound by integrating various influences, including traditional Ethiopian instruments with modern jazz. His enduring legacy, characterized by a fusion of cultures, has inspired generations, and he remains committed to promoting music from Ethiopia globally.

Mulatu Astatke reassured his fans, 'It's not the end.' His dedication to extending the reach of Ethiopian music illuminates a path forward, ensuring that his soulful melodies will resonate for years to come.