Mulatu Astatke x Nas x Damian Marley

The first single taken from the Nas & Damian Marley collaboration album Distant Relatives, "As We Enter" samples Mulatu Astatke’s classic Yegelle Tezeta (Download). Set for release in May, the album's proceeds will go benefit projects in Africa.
Mulatu’s original was recorded in 1969, featured prominently in Jim Jarmusch’s film Broken Flowers and most recently appeared on Strut's Astatke retrospective, New York – Addis - London: The Story of Ethio Jazz.

On Mulatu Astatke's first official solo release in over 20 years, the revered Ethiopian musician explores new directions in fusions of Western jazz with Ethiopian modes, moving forward the pioneering sound he developed during the ‘60s and ‘70s. The tracks were recorded with members of Either/Orchestra in Boston, with contributions by traditional Ethiopian musicians in Addis, members of The Heliocentrics and some of the UK’s leading jazz and African players during the final sessions in London in November 2009. Mulatu Steps Ahead will be released March 30th on Strut.


Mulatu Astatke - Green Africa (Download)