Getatchew Mekurya

Über Getatchew Mekurya

Getatchew Mekurya was a titan of Ethiopian saxophone, a self-taught player who adapted the shellela, a fierce warrior's chant traditionally sung a cappella, into wild, honking horn solos. His raw, keening tone predated free jazz by years, and Éthiopiques introduced him to the world. Late in life he found an unlikely new audience touring and recording with the Dutch punk band The Ex, a collaboration that thrilled crowds across Europe.