Ethiopian jazz maestro heading to NZ

Ethiopian jazz maestro Mulatu Astatke - who has been sampled by Kanye West and Damian Marley to name a few - is heading to New Zealand to play the Powerstation on November 25.

The multi-instrumentalist and composer is renowned as the "Father of Ethio-jazz", a style of music merging jazz, soul and funk with traditional Ethiopian sounds he pioneered and developed during the 60s and 70s. The 68-year-old's latest album Mulatu Steps Ahead was released last year.

He will be supported by nine-piece ensemble the Black Jesus Experience with members from Ethiopia, Australia, and New Zealand. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster. And in case you haven't heard, rowdy Canadian band F***** Up will be supporting Foo Fighters at Western Springs on December 13, along with Tenacious D.

- TimeOut