Ethiopian jazz is a major branch of African music that comes from the bars of Addis Ababa and draws its influence from jazz and traditional Ethiopian music, azmari, Latin sounds and Anglo-American funk. Choosing to adapt this music in a contemporary and more urban style, Arat Kilo draws inspiration from rock music and the hypnotic sounds of dub.

Their show alternates compositions and standard Ethiopian arrangements (a beautiful meeting was held at RFI’s studio with Mulatu Astatké, the father of Ethiopian jazz)

www.myspace.com/aratkilozik

You can download the press review here

The Guardian ***
« Mulatu Astatke, the veteran "father of ethio-jazz" plays vibes on his own Dewel, while the best track, Get a Chew is transformed by the exquisite, drifting, Ethiopian-edged vocals from Mali's Rokia Traore.»

The Financial Times ****
« Close your eyes and listen to the wah-wah guitar and the pentatonic brass runs, and you would thing you where in Addis Ababa before the Derg... Their Ethiopique ventroiloquism is pretty much faultless, especially when they are joined by Mulatu Astatke himself.»

The Daily Telegraph ***
« These french musicians take a laid-back direction with hip-hop touches, deftly recreating the smocky textures of the classic Addis Ababa sound.»

Echoes
« The result is a diverse and gorgeous album, out now! »

BBC One
Gilles Peterson has choosen Arat Kilo to be part of his favourite tunes - July 2011