Get ready for the 5th edition of the Addis Jazz Festival, happening 6–8 February 2026 at the Ghion Hotel.
Addis Jazz Festival 2026
Dawit Yifru
feat. Girma Beyene
(Ethiopia)
Few names resonate as deeply in the fabric of Ethiopian music as Dawit Yifru—a pioneer whose prolific career has helped shape the soul of modern Ethiopian sound. Born in Addis Ababa Yifru’s journey spans over five decades as a keyboardist, composer, arranger, and visionary bandleader. He co‑founded legendary ensembles like Roha Band and Dahlak Band, collaborations that defined the soundtracks of Addis Ababa’s vibrant music scene throughout the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. His deft arrangements and melodic ingenuity accompanied some of Ethiopia’s greatest vocal talents, including Muluken Melesse, Mahamud Ahmed, Hamelimal Abate and Neway Debebe, weaving traditional pentatonic scales with jazz harmony and funk‑inflected grooves.
In 2023, the Ethiopian label Muzikawi reissued Yifru’s self‑titled instrumental album—recorded in 1978 and recently remastered—bringing his bold, syncretic vision to a new generation of listeners worldwide.
Few collaborations capture the golden spirit of Ethio‑jazz like Dawit Yifru and Girma Beyene. Together, they unite decades of Ethiopian musical mastery in a performance that is both historically rich and vibrantly contemporary.
Girma Beyene, a masterful arranger, pianist, and composer, rose to prominence in the 1960s and ’70s, crafting seminal arrangements for Ethiopia’s leading vocalists. His work—celebrated globally through the Éthiopiques series—fuses Ethiopian melodic traditions with jazz sophistication, infusing every note with lyricism and elegance. Their collaboration brings Beyene’s evocative piano and arrangement genius together with Yifru’s dynamic keyboard artistry, producing a soundscape that bridges Ethiopia’s musical heritage with the pulse of modern jazz.
Why see them live?
Experience a rare meeting of masters as history, rhythm, and improvisation converge—an electrifying, soulful journey through the heart of Ethio‑jazz.
In April 2023, Dawit’s self-titled vinyl was released on the Ethiopian label Muzikawi, and its first pressing quickly sold out. Get ready for Ethiopian music at its finest!
Selam Seyoum
(Selamino)
(Ethiopia)
At the heart of Ethiopia’s iconic Ibex Band are guitarist Selam Seyoum “Selamino” Woldemariam and bassist Giovani Rico, two masters whose synergy helped define the golden era of Ethiopian music. From the bustling clubs of Addis Ababa in the 1970s to international stages today, their music fuses traditional Ethiopian melodies with jazz improvisation, funk grooves, and cinematic flair — a sound both timeless and electrifying.
Selamino’s intricate guitar lines, rich in pentatonic melodies and fluid jazz harmonies, complement Rico’s deep, hypnotic bass grooves, creating a conversation between strings and rhythm that has anchored some of Ethiopia’s most celebrated recordings. Together, they contributed to landmark albums and live performances, backing legends like Mahmoud Ahmed and Aster Aweke, and shaping the Ibex Band’s signature sound — a seamless blend of pulse-driven funk, soulful improvisation, and ethereal harmonies.
Even decades on, their performances pulse with life: Selamino’s melodic storytelling and Rico’s rhythmic foundation invite audiences into a vibrant, swinging world where Ethio-Jazz comes alive.
Why see them live?
Because witnessing Selamino and Rico together is to experience the heartbeat of Ethio-Jazz — a masterclass in groove, melody, and cultural storytelling that leaves every listener dancing, mesmerized, and inspired.
Jorga Mesfin
(Ethiopia)
Ethiopia’s current torchbearer of Ethio‑Jazz, Jorga Mesfin is a saxophonist and composer whose music bridges ancient Ethiopian sonic traditions with the expansive spirit of modern jazz. A self-taught musician who began performing professionally at just 17, Mesfin has carved out a distinctive voice that resonates deeply both at home and abroad — melding modal Ethiopian scales, soulful improvisation, and rhythmic sophistication that reflects the genre’s past while propelling it forward. A protégé of the legendary Mulatu Astatke, Mesfin has collaborated with luminaries across the global music spectrum — from Ethiopian icons like Mahmoud Ahmed and Aster Aweke to jazz innovators such as Vijay Iyer, Kirk Whalum, and Japanese pianist Takana Miyamoto.
Mesfin’s journey includes a residency at Mulatu Astatke’s legendary African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa, founding the Ethio-jazz ensemble Wudasse, and composing the acclaimed score for Haile Gerima’s film Teza, which earned Best Music awards at both the Carthage and Dubai International Film Festivals. In 2024, he released his much-anticipated debut album, The Kindest One, a richly textured exploration of spiritual jazz and Ethiopian musical heritage.
Why see him live?
Mesfin’s performances are immersive journeys — where expressive saxophone, hypnotic grooves, and cultural resonance converge into an unforgettable live experience that speaks to both seasoned jazz lovers and newcomers to the genre.
Tilaye Gebre with Dahlak Band
(Mozambique)
Ethiopia’s saxophone maestro Tilaye Gebre returns to Addis Ababa for a long-awaited homecoming at the Addis Jazz Festival. After decades living and performing in the United States, this will be his first performance in the city in over ten years—a historic moment for fans old and new. Adding to the occasion, Tilaye will also celebrate the release of his new album with Muzikawi, making this festival appearance doubly special.
From his early training at the Haile Selassie First Theatre Music School to electrifying hotel stages across Addis Ababa, Tilaye shaped a sound that fuses Ethiopia’s complex rhythms with jazz, soul, funk, and R&B. A founding member of the Equators and later the Dahlak Band, he arranged seminal recordings including Muluken Melesse with the Dahlak Band, and brought Ethiopia’s unique grooves to international stages like Carnegie Hall, Millennium Park, and Berklee College of Music, collaborating with legends such as Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Aster Aweke.
Why see them live? Witness a true Ethio-Jazz icon returning home—Tilaye’s saxophone, now decades in the making, will fill the stage with rhythm, soul, and history, alongside the premiere of his much-anticipated new album.
Stephanie Lottermoser &
Samuel Yirga
(Sweden)
Stephanie is German saxophonist, vocalist and composer Stephanie Lottermoser has forged a singular voice in contemporary jazz, blending soulful melody with groove‑driven improvisation and emotional clarity.
German saxophonist, vocalist and composer Stephanie Lottermoser has forged a singular voice in contemporary jazz, blending soulful melody with groove‑driven improvisation and emotional clarity. Since her early discovery of jazz at 14, she’s charted a vibrant musical journey — from studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München to international stages from the EFG London Jazz Festival to festival circuits across Mexico, Ghana, and beyond. Her albums, including Paris Songbook, This Time (which climbed to No. 2 in the German Jazz Charts), and her latest IN‑DEPENDENCE, showcase a deft synthesis of jazz, soul, pop and funk, marked by lyrical sax lines and a beguiling vocal presence that transcends genre boundaries. Lottermoser’s musical leadership extends into mentorship and cultural ambassadorship, where she fosters creative exchange and community through performance, education and storytelling.
From the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa comes pianist‑composer Samuel Yirga, one of Ethiopia’s most dynamic voices in modern Ethio‑Jazz.
Yirga’s work weaves the rich modal traditions of Ethiopian music with jazz, funk, dub, Latin and classical influences — a tapestry first unveiled with his seminal album Guzo (“Journey”), celebrated for its visionary fusion and global collaboration. Despite early academic resistance to his experimental ethos, Yirga embraced a boundary‑less musical path, earning acclaim for both his solo work and performances with ensembles like Dub Colossus and Nubian Arc. His piano‑led explorations both honor and expand the legacy of Ethio‑Jazz pioneers, bringing hypnotic rhythms and soulful narratives to audiences worldwide.
Why see them live?
Witnessing Stephanie Lottermoser & Samuel Yirga together is to experience a crossroads of jazz traditions — where European groove, soulful lyricism and Ethiopian rhythmic heritage converse in real time. Their collaboration promises electrifying interplay, cultural resonance, and a once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration of Ethio‑Jazz in conversation with contemporary global jazz.
Admas
(Kenya)
Admas — whose name means “Horizon” in Amharic — stands as one of the most intriguing and boundary‑pushing collectives to emerge from the Ethiopian diaspora’s vibrant musical tapestry. Formed in Washington, D.C. in 1984 by Henock Temesgen, Abegasu Shiota and Tewodros “Teddy” Aklilu, the trio synthesized the deep roots of Ethiopian musical tradition with the cosmopolitan sounds radiating out of the U.S. capital. Their singular vision drew from reggae, highlife, samba, go‑go, electro and jazz — all filtered through the distinctive pentatonic scales that give Ethio‑jazz its hypnotic spirit.
Their sole album, Sons of Ethiopia, originally a privately pressed instrumental opus from 1984, has since become a cult treasure in both Ethio‑jazz and world‑fusion circles. It captured a moment of exile, longing and hope, blending Ethiopian melodic sensibilities with global rhythms and synth textures that were decades ahead of their time. Originally cherished by collectors and DJs, the record was reissued to critical acclaim and hailed as a rare document of Ethiopian musical innovation abroad.
Through decades of collaboration, touring and influence, Admas helped broaden the horizons of Ethiopian music on the world stage.
Why see them live?
Their performance is a rare chance to witness a pioneering force that embodies the free, fearless fusion at the heart of Ethio‑jazz — a sound that dances between continents and generations.
Tasew Wendim
(Sweden)
Tasew Wendim, born in 1991 in Gojam, Ethiopia, is a dynamic vocalist, washint (Ethiopian flute) virtuoso, music producer, and founder of the acclaimed Moseb Cultural Music Group. Beginning his musical journey at age seven while shepherding his family’s flock, Tasew’s early passion for the washint blossomed into a professional career that bridges Ethiopia’s traditional sounds with contemporary jazz expression.
Since joining Circus Ethiopia in 2008, he has performed at Ethiopia’s top cultural centers—including Kolfe Keranyo Culture and Tourism, Ethiopian National Theater, and African Jazz Village—collaborating with legendary figures such as Dr. Mulatu Astatke, Jorga Mesfin, Teferi Assefa, and many others. His recordings include his 2014 album Eregnaw Melegnaw and 2020’s flute-centered The Beauty of Breath | Yetnfash Wubet, as well as contributions to Betty G’s AFRIMA-winning Wegegta and Meklit Adere’s When the People Move, the Music Moves Too.
At the Addis Jazz Festival 2026, Tasew will focus on performing material from The Beauty of Breath in collaboration with Abiy Woldemariam, presenting an intimate yet expansive journey through Ethiopia’s sonic heritage.
Why see him live?
Tasew Wendim transforms every performance into a celebration of Ethiopia’s heritage, where the ethereal voice of the washint meets modern jazz rhythms—an experience that is both deeply rooted and exhilaratingly global.
Dibekulu Tafesse
(Sweden)
Known to fans as Dibe, Dibekulu Tafesse is one of Ethiopia’s most compelling live performers—an artist with a young fire and an old soul. Based in Addis Ababa, his sound flows effortlessly between jazz, rock, classical sensibilities, and deep African rhythms, shaped by improvisation and emotional storytelling.
Born into a family where music and faith ran deep, Dibe’s path was set early. His uncle, Araya Woldemichael of the legendary Millennium Band, alongside icons such as Tilahun Gessesse, Girma Beyene, Aster Aweke, Muluken Melesse, Asnakech Worku, Bizunesh Bekele, and Ketema Mekonnen, formed the backbone of his musical vision. His name, Dibekulu—from Ge’ez, meaning “destined for greatness”—proved prophetic.
Dibe rose to national prominence as a lead vocalist of Jano Band, one of Ethiopia’s most influential modern rock groups. He featured prominently on their debut album “Ertale”, with the breakout track “Ayrak” marking him as a standout voice of a new generation. With Jano, he toured extensively across Ethiopia and internationally, including performances in the USA, Europe, and a historic appearance on Coke Studio, making Jano the first Ethiopian band to perform on the platform.
Now a powerful solo artist, Dibe continues to evolve. His debut album “Yetu Gar Neh” showcased a deeply personal and expressive sound, followed by a successful U.S. tour alongside Yohannes Tona and American musicians. He is currently preparing his second solo album, signaling a bold new chapter in his artistic journey.
Why See Him Live?
Seeing Dibekulu Tafesse live is an experience built on energy, connection, and deep musical intuition. On stage, he moves effortlessly between voice and rhythm, blending powerful vocals with the pulse of African percussion, rock intensity, and jazz-inspired freedom. Each performance feels alive and unrepeatable—driven by improvisation, emotion, and a rare ability to read and lift the room. Whether in an intimate venue or on a major festival stage, Dibe doesn’t just perform songs—he tells stories, builds momentum, and pulls audiences into a shared musical journey that lingers long after the last note.
Diva Cruz
(Sweden)
Diva Cruz is a Colombian professional percussionist, songwriter and DJ based in Stockholm. She has performed at concerts in South America, North America and Europe. Played at festivals ranging as far north as Jokkmokk in the very north of Sweden to Barcelona, Berlin, California and Madison Square Garden in New York. For Diva, being a musician is not just a job, It`s a passion and she strongly believes that music positively influences our lives and can heal us. Her drums have let her travel the world and spread music and energy to crowds everywhere.
Her DJ sets are often packed with various live percussion which adds an extra dimension to any party and results in a unique musical experience for everyone involved. Diva has on her way performed with artists such as Tito Puente, Robyn, Fever Ray, Mapei and many others. Last year Diva and Olof Dreijer released the EP Brujas on the Dekmantel label where she sings, raps and plays percussion.
Why See Her Live?
Diva Cruz delivers pure, high-voltage energy on stage. Blending DJ sets with live percussion, she creates an immersive, rhythm-driven experience where Afro-Latin grooves, electronic beats, and spontaneous improvisation collide. Every show is physical, powerful, and completely alive — turning the dancefloor into a shared moment you don’t just hear, but feel
Marcus Price
Beats På Svenska
ft HaddinQo
(Sweden)
n 2023, Marcus Price released the acclaimed album Beats På Svenska, where he fused traditional Swedish folk tunes (gånglåtar and polskor) with exploratory, otherworldly electronic beats. Since then, he has continued to build on the “Beats på Svenska” concept, digging deeper into the soil where he can now discern the outlines of a second volume.
Price travels back in time, unearthing sounds and melodies that have echoed between mountains and valleys, across lakes and islands—where livestock once grazed and people toiled—and runs them through samplers, synths, and drum machines until the boundary between a traditional fiddlers’ gathering in Dalarna and a warehouse party in Detroit is completely blurred.
Why See Them Live?
This collaboration connects Marcus Price’s electronic reinterpretation of Swedish folk music with HaddinQo, an Ethiopian masinqo player deeply rooted in traditional sound. Together, they create a live dialogue between Ethiopian and Scandinavian musical heritage—where ancient melodies meet modern electronics, and tradition is pushed into bold, unexpected territory.
Zerubabbel Molla
(Sweden)
Zerubabbel Molla is a leading Ethiopian guitarist, singer, composer, and live performer, widely recognized for his powerful ability to sing while playing expressive lead and rhythm guitar. This rare guitar-and-vocal approach places him at the forefront of Ethiopia’s contemporary live music movement.
He studied music for three and a half years at Mekanisa Seminary Music School, following extensive early experience with the Mekrez Music Group, where his musical foundation was shaped over many years.
Zerubabbel later collaborated with multiple bands in Addis Ababa and performed with a band in South Africa, expanding his artistic reach and international stage presence.
His music is a bold fusion of Ethio-blues, funk, Ethiopian traditional music, reggae, and pop, combining deep cultural roots with modern groove and strong songwriting. He has performed in major concerts, appeared on national television, played at renowned music clubs and cultural venues, and traveled to several countries performing as a guitarist.
Zerubabbel released his debut album Enfalot, followed by more than seven singles, establishing a strong and consistent discography. He continues to work tirelessly in his studio, developing new material and pushing creative boundaries with a clear artistic vision.
At the Addis Jazz Festival, Zerubabbel Molla presents a commanding guitar-driven performance that reflects his leadership, originality, and lasting impact on the evolution of Ethiopian live music.
Why See Him Live?
Zerubabbel Molla is a rare live force—commanding the stage while singing and driving both lead and rhythm guitar with power and precision. His performances move effortlessly between Ethio-blues, funk, traditional Ethiopian sounds, and modern groove, creating a set that feels deeply rooted yet unmistakably current. Expect tight musicianship, strong songwriting, and a high-energy show from one of the key figures shaping Ethiopia’s contemporary live music scene.
HaddinQo with Desta Groove
(Sweden)
All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 Winner for Best African Artiste, Duo, or Group in African Jazz, Haddis Alemayehu, the artist better known as HaddinQo, was born and raised in Addis Ababa. He is one of Ethiopia’s most innovative musicians and a global ambassador for the MasinQo—the ancient, one-stringed bowed lute. Over the past 18 years, he has redefined the instrument’s sound, blending the ancient spirit of Azmari performance with jazz, afrobeat, reggae, pop, and other contemporary musical styles.
HaddinQo’s artistry has taken him to the world’s most elite stages—from the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony to Paris Fashion Week, Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and massive public performances at Meskel Square before 200,000 people. His debut album Streets of HAddis (December 2024) embodies his vision: One String, One World, bringing the MasinQo into the contemporary global soundscape.
Why see him Live?
HaddinQo’s live performance is a rare musical encounter where Ethiopia’s ancient MasinQo meets forward‑looking jazz and global grooves. Expect a spellbinding set that honors tradition while pushing boundaries, marked by rich textures, rhythmic depth, and the magnetic presence of an artist who has taken Ethiopia’s cultural voice to world‑class stages.
(Sweden)
Addis Legesse is a leading Ethiopian musician whose sound bridges traditional Ethiopian music, Ethio-jazz, and contemporary world influences. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, his artistry is deeply rooted in Ethiopia’s rich musical heritage, drawing from traditional melodies, rhythms, and the country’s distinctive pentatonic scales.
A versatile vocalist and instrumentalist, Addis blends jazz, blues, and global sounds into a modern yet unmistakably Ethiopian musical language. His work reflects a balance between honoring tradition and pushing creative boundaries, resulting in soulful compositions and dynamic arrangements that resonate with diverse audiences.
Addis has performed extensively across Ethiopia and on international stages, headlining major concerts and appearing at prominent festivals. Known for his commanding stage presence and expressive vocal delivery, his live performances consistently bring together audiences of all generations, creating a powerful sense of connection and shared experience through music.
Through his performances and recordings, Addis Legesse continues to expand the reach of Ethiopian music while keeping its spirit firmly alive on contemporary global stages.
Why see him
Addis Legesse brings Ethiopian tradition into a powerful modern live sound, blending Ethio-jazz, blues, and global influences. His soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence create an engaging, cross-generational performance rooted in heritage and driven by innovation.
Addis Legesse
Mergitu Workineh
(Sweden)
Mergitu Workineh is an Ethiopian singer whose work celebrates contemporary Oromo musical expression with deep cultural resonance. Known for singles like Obomboleettii and her latest release Jigaakoo, Mergitu blends heartfelt vocal lines with rhythms and melodies rooted in Oromo and broader Ethiopian musical traditions. Her music connects traditional roots with modern soundscapes, drawing listeners into a vibrant and expressive sonic world.
Why see her
Mergitu Workineh delivers a compelling live sound that brings Oromo‑inspired melodies and expressive vocals to life. Her performances fuse cultural depth with contemporary musical energy,
Navio
(Sweden)
Daniel Kigozi Jr, the artist better known as Navio is widely regarded as one of the most prolific East-African Artistes of all time. He is a talented musician who has transcended Genre, having been one of the pioneers of the Hip Hop scene in Uganda. Navio has spent nearly a decade in the industry and his growth to become a star has mirrored the growth of Hip Hop in Africa.
He has performed in cities all over the world such as: Antwerp, Nairobi, London, Boston, Lagos, Bangkok, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, Dar es Salaam, Chicago, Johannesburg, Atlanta, Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Berlin, Bobodiolasso, Kigali, Cotonou and Washington DC but to name a few.
Having shared the booth with hit makers Rkelly, Wyclef Jean, Kieth Sweat, Fefe Dobson, Kat Dahlia and a host of African talent, he remains humble and focused on his music and aiding his community.
The issues closest to him being Refugees, Poverty and the new threat to Uganda’s way of life- human trafficking.
Navio dwells on both the Commercial and Underground Charts, this year winning a “Best Male” Act and well as “Best Album” 2016-2017 for his critically acclaimed Album “The Chosen”. His gift is to be able to blend seamlessly from an Urban sound into African Rhythms that shock and awe the most astute music listener.
Why see him
Navio is a powerhouse performer whose stage energy and lyrical mastery have defined East African hip hop for over two decades. Blending urban beats with African rhythms, he delivers electrifying shows that connect deeply with audiences worldwide. Beyond the music, his performances are infused with passion and purpose, making every set a memorable celebration of culture, rhythm, and social consciousness.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Desta Groove
Important Event Information:
- No Backpacks Allowed:
For safety and convenience, please refrain from bringing backpacks into the event. Small bags and personal items are welcome. - Age Restriction:
This event is exclusively for attendees aged 18 and over. Please bring ID if you’re asked for age verification at the gate. - Security Check at the Gate:
For everyone’s safety, there will be a thorough security check upon entry. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure a smooth process for all guests. - Ticketing Info:
- QR Code: Whether you’re an invited guest or a ticket holder, please have your QR code ready. You can either print it out or have it accessible on your phone for quick scanning.
- Ticket Sales at the Door: Tickets will be available for purchase at the entrance. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!
- VIP Experience at Addis Jazz Festival 2025:
VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive perks, including a reserved seat for a more comfortable viewing experience and a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival. - info@addisjazzfestival.com
