1. Thanksgiving / 2. The Portal / 3. Longing / 4. Pilgrimage / 5. The Kindest One / 6. Tizita / 7. Spring Water / 8. Ye Abay Gizo

This is Mulatu Astatke’s protege and Ethiopian saxophonist and composer Jorga Mesfin’s debut album. It’s a long foray into Ethio-jazz that takes this courageous syncretism further by fusing spiritual experimentation with bits from all kinds of situations in Ethiopian music, jazz music, and specifically Ethiopian jazz music that precedes it.

Jorga Mesfin is widely regarded as one of the most talented contemporary musicians and composers in Ethiopia. He started his professional career at the young age of 17 and has since collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Tsegaye Gebremedhin, Carolyn Beard Withlow, The Last Poets, Vijay Iyer, Wayna Wondossen, Kirk Whalum, Takana Miyamoto, Gizze Reggae band, Dionne Farris, Aster Aweke, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Mulatu Astatke. Additionally, Mesfin was a resident at Astatke's legendary African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa every Thursday.

Jorga Mesfin is the founder of the Ethio-jazz group called Wudasse. He composed the music for the epic Ethiopian film "Teza" directed by Haile Gerima. His work on the film earned him the Best Music Award at the 22nd Carthage Film Festival and Best Composition at the 5th Dubai International Film Festival.

The debut album The Kindest One is set to release on May 24th on Muzikawi. The release will take place during the Addis Jazz Festival, which is the flagship event for the label and the only festival of its kind in East Africa.

Muzikawi is an Ethiopian record label, music publisher, studio, artist management, and event organiser with offices in Addis Ababa and Stockholm. We understand and honour the culture of Ethiopia.