For many of these lists, I have heard of the artist but not their music. This is the first list where I had heard of neither the artist nor his music. But when I came across two pieces on Mulatu Astatke—the “Father of Ethiopian Jazz”—in the space of three days, I figured it was a sign from the universe that I should give him a list. One of the mentions was on World Is Africa, a thoughtful, informative blog that is to this one as Beethoven is to Alvin and the Chipmunks. Dedicated to Djibril.

Mulatu Astatke AllMusic page