Cost: Free

“This London-based Ethiopian three-piece, centred on the traditional krar harp, were one of the grooviest and most hypnotic bands at Damon Albarn’s recent Africa Express bonanza.” - Time Out

Krar Collective serve up a colourful feast of mind-blowing Ethiopian grooves. Led by Temesgen Zeleke, a former student of Ethiojazz legend Mulatu Astatke, Krar Collective perform a rootsy yet contemporary take on traditional music from Ethiopia based on other-worldly modes and driven by hypnotic rhythms. The traditional acoustic krar lyre is associated with the azmari minstrel tradition; electrified, in the hands of Zeleke it becomes a gritty, ancient rock guitar. Accompanied just by traditional kebero drums played by Grum Begashaw and fronted by the stunning vocals of Genet Assefa, Krar Collective with a minimal line up create a surprisingly full band sound, leading them to be dubbed ‘The Ethiopian White Stripes’.

With songs that journey from gently, rippling acoustic numbers to truly rabble-rousing, this music that is at once African, and yet unique to Ethiopia will move your soul and rock your feet.

Find out more about Krar Collective here.

Photo by Jacob Crawfurd