Mulatu Astatke, the pioneering Ethiopian musician and arranger, is celebrated as the father of Ethio-jazz—a genre that masterfully blends traditional Ethiopian melodies with jazz and Latin rhythms. After studying in London, New York, and Boston, he returned to Ethiopia in the late 1960s, introducing this innovative sound. In 2009, Astatke collaborated with the London-based collective The Heliocentrics on the acclaimed album "Inspiration Information," merging his rich musical heritage with their experimental funk and jazz influences. This partnership revitalized his global presence, leading to performances worldwide and solidifying his status as a musical innovator. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulatu_Astatke?utm_source=openai))