The mighty Krar Collective serve up a mind-blowing feast of exuberant Ethiopian song and dance tunes. Led by Temesgen Zeleke, student of jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, the band perform a contemporary take on roots music reflecting the diversity of cultures within Africa’s second most populous country. In the virtuoso hands of Zeleke, the ancient krar lyre becomes a gritty rock guitar, weaving around the stunning vocals of Genet Assefa and the driving rhythms of Amare Mulugeta on traditional kebero drums. The line-up has recently expanded to include virtuoso Baby Masinko on the extraordinary one-stringed Ethiopian masinko fiddle and Dawit Seyoum on bass krar for added funkiness! 

“One of the grooviest and most hypnotic bands at Damon Albarn’s Africa Express bonanza.” Time Out

This event is supported by and presented in collaboration with Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham.

Price from £8. Book via mac Birmingham here.

Part of Surge in Spring festival 2022. View the full festival programme here or download the festival brochure here.

Photo: Jacob Crawfurd.