The Return of Ayalew Mesfin Tickets

The Return of Ayalew Mesfin is a standout figure in Ethiopian music, renowned for pioneering Ethio-Groove (ethio-funk) and steering the Black Lion Band in the early 1970s. His work blends bold grooves with soulful melodies, creating a sound that resonates with fans of world music and vintage funk alike. After facing imprisonment during Ethiopia's Derg regime and a subsequent exile to the United States, Mesfin returned to wider recognition in the 2010s and 2020s. His resurgence has been supported by thoughtful reissues and compilations that bring his 1970s master recordings to new audiences.

Key releases include the Hasabe (My Worries) compilation (2018, Now-Again/Vinyl Me, Please) and the 2025 Vampisoul reissue. A major 2020s project, Wegene, consolidates five albums—Mot Aykerim, Tewedije Limut, Good Aderegechegn, Che Belew—and The Complete Works (5 LP Set), all remastered and reissued by Now-Again. These titles highlight Mesfin’s influence on Ethio-Groove and his enduring legacy in world music. Local venues across cities like the city host performances that celebrate his classic era and contemporary re-emergence, with media outlets including OkayAfrica and Pan-African Music chronicling his impact.