Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, is a renowned Ethiopian musician known for blending pop, modern jazz, traditional Ethiopian music, Latin rhythms, reggae, and Afro-funk. Born in 1943 in Jimma, Ethiopia, Mulatu studied music in London, New York City, and Boston, becoming the first African graduate of Berklee College of Music. He recorded influential albums in the '60s and '70s, collaborating with artists like Duke Ellington and Mahmoud Ahmed, and later experiencing a resurgence in popularity after his music was featured in the film Broken Flowers. Throughout the 2010s, Mulatu continued to evolve creatively and collaborate with various bands, including the Heliocentrics and Black Jesus Experience.

In his career, Mulatu Astatke has constantly expanded his musical vision, collaborating with artists such as the Heliocentrics on updated versions of his classic compositions. He completed a Radcliffe Institute Fellowship at Harvard University and a residency at M.I.T., where he helped modernize traditional Ethiopian instruments. Mulatu's diverse projects include the release of albums like Mulatu Steps Ahead in 2010 and Sketches of Ethiopia in 2013, showcasing his exploration of jazz suites. His ongoing partnership with Black Jesus Experience led to the release of Cradle of Humanity in 2016 and To Know Without Knowing in 2020, further solidifying his influence on contemporary music.