The Italian-Ethiopian Jazz Festival, featuring a performance by world-renowned jazz musician Mulatu Astatke, continues on April 29 and 30, 2025, with two concerts marking International Jazz Day. These events are held at the Italian Cultural Institute in Addis Ababa and the African Jazz Village, concluding the “Jazz in Africa” project—a collaborative initiative between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome.
Event Details
Dates: April 29 & 30, 2025
Venues:
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Italian Cultural Institute, Addis Ababa
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African Jazz Village, Ghion Hotel
Admission: Free entry
Time: 7:30 PM businessdailyafrica.com+1addisjazzfestival.com+1
Highlights
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Mulatu Astatke: The father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke, will perform at the festival. Born in Jimma, Ethiopia, in 1943, Astatke is a multi-instrumentalist known for blending traditional Ethiopian music with jazz and Latin influences. He introduced instruments like the vibraphone and conga drums into Ethiopian popular music and has been active since the 1960s. businessdailyafrica.com+3addisjazzfestival.com+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia
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Eddie & The Kids: The Italian jazz trio Eddie & The Kids will also perform, bringing a fusion of Italian jazz with Ethiopian rhythms. The trio consists of Enzo Favata (saxophone), Pasquale Mirra (vibraphone), and Fabrizio Sferra (drums).iicaddisabeba.esteri.it+1Wikipedia+1
About the “Jazz in Africa” Project
The “Jazz in Africa” project is a collaborative initiative between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. It aims to promote cultural exchange and celebrate the rich jazz traditions of both Italy and Ethiopia. The project culminates in these concerts, showcasing the fusion of Italian and Ethiopian jazz.
Venue Information
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Italian Cultural Institute: Located in Addis Ababa, the institute serves as a cultural hub promoting Italian language and culture.
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African Jazz Village: Situated at the Ghion Hotel, this venue is known for its vibrant jazz performances and intimate atmosphere. It has become a prominent spot for jazz enthusiasts in Addis Ababa. businessdailyafrica.com
Admission
Both concerts are free to attend, offering an excellent opportunity to experience world-class jazz performances and cultural exchange.
For more information and updates, you can visit the Addis Jazz Festival website.
