Mulatu Astatke, often hailed as the father of Ethio-jazz, is a pioneering Ethiopian musician, composer, and arranger whose innovative sound blends traditional Ethiopian melodies with elements of jazz, Latin, and funk. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he broke new ground in the 1960s and 70s, crafting a distinctive fusion that influenced generations of artists worldwide. His groundbreaking recordings, international collaborations, and appearances on acclaimed film soundtracks have solidified Astatke’s status as a visionary force in global music.