Hailu Mergia - Ethio Jazz Legend in concert

Presented in association with Talking Gigs, join us for a wonderful full concert from Ethio-jazz legend, Hailu Mergia.

Former leader of Addis Ababa’s favourite dance band Walias during the 1970s, he has enjoyed a second career peak after the hugely successful re-release of his 1985 album on legendary US label Awesome Tapes From Africa.

With a brand new album, Yene Merchia (“My Choice” in Amharic), Hailu Mergia is building on the success of Lala Belu, the album that helped relaunch his career.

Yene Mircha consolidates Mergia’s philosophy that there are a multitude of Ethiopian musical approaches, not just one sound.

Having played to audiences big and small all around the world, The New York Times, BBC and Pitchfork have called his music “triumphantly in the present”.

The virtuoso keyboard and accordian player will tour alongside musicians Alems Alemseged Kebede (bass), Ken Joseph (drums), a rock-solid trio encapsulating the future of contemporary jazz.

“You can do anything with Ethiopian music, it shouldn’t be only this sound or that sound. That’s why I called the album My Choice. This is the sound I choose.” – Hailu Mergia.

University Sheffield Concerts are pleased to be promoting this event in association with their regular partners Talking Gigs.

This will be a full concert performance, with a seperate introduction from Alasdair Dempster, and a raffle for local charity Assist.