Krar Collective are a London-based trio who started out playing at weddings in the Ethiopian community, and have developed their own distinctive style, based largely on reworking traditional songs from across Ethiopia. The band is led by Temesgen Zeleke, who was encouraged to bring a new approach to his playing of the krar, the ancient Ethiopian lyre, by the Ethio-jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, who is honoured here on Mr Astatke. Zeleke's approach involves the use of electric, acoustic and bass krars, and a style that includes rousing, driving songs like Ete-Mete and the gently rippling, acoustic Tizita.
