Indonesia and Ethiopia Blend Folk Songs and Ethio-Jazz in Addis Ababa
- 28 Jul 2026 19:15 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Indonesian jazz pianist Nial Djuliarso collaborated with leading Ethiopian musicians at the African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa, blending Indonesian folk songs with Ethio-jazz.
- The performance featured Indonesian classics such as "Indonesia Pusaka," "Juwita Malam," and "Es Lilin," alongside Ethio-jazz, jazz standards, and Latin pop-jazz repertoire.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A collaborative music performance brought Indonesian jazz maestro, Nial Djuliarso, together with top Ethiopian musicians at the African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa. The event became a unique stage for cultural acculturation, beautifully blending Nusantara folk songs with Ethio-jazz.
Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the African Union, Faizal Chery Sidharta, said the event marked a new milestone in cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
Organized by the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) Addis Ababa Cultural Center, Loka Budaya, the event entertained more than 120 attendees with dazzling improvisations and repertoire. The audience included diplomatic officials, Ethiopian cultural figures, jazz fans, and members of the Indonesian diaspora.
"Tonight marks Nial’s debut performance in Africa, a new chapter in his musical journey, while promoting communication between two different cultures through a universal language, which is jazz," said ambassador Faizal in an official statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
"There is no better place to begin that journey than here at the African Jazz Village, the home of Ethio-jazz," he added, as quoted by Antara.
Nial performed alongside Indonesian vocalist Tia Mutiasari and Ethiopian singer Rebka Getachew. They were accompanied by leading Ethiopian musicians such as guitarist Girum Gizaw, double bassist Mebratu Shewa, drummer Muse Mekonen, and saxophonist Girum G/Meskel. Emerging Ethiopian jazz artist Hilina Berta and Colombian vocalist Guillermo also joined the performance impromptu.
The concert featured a cross-genre selection of Indonesian national and regional songs, including "Indonesia Pusaka," "Juwita Malam," and "Es Lilin." The program also highlighted Djuliarso’s original "Moscow Morning," the Ethio-jazz standard "Yekermo Sew," Nat King Cole’s iconic "L.O.V.E.," and the Latin pop-jazz classic "Bésame Mucho."
Nial expressed his delight at the opportunity to perform and said the works of Mulatu Astatke, widely regarded as the founder of Ethio-jazz, were a major inspiration.
In addition to the concert at the African Jazz Village, Nial held workshops and a masterclass at the Loka Budaya space of the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa. The sessions focused on improvisation, technique, and jazz traditions for local musicians, students, and music enthusiasts.
"I'm thrilled to experience the local musical tradition, especially Ethio-jazz. After this workshop, I hope local artists can continue to expand their networks, play together, and further explore different jazz traditions," he said.
"I also can't wait to create songs inspired by my experiences and visit to Addis Ababa," he added.
World-renowned Ethiopian dancer and choreographer Melaku Belay attended the performance as an audience member. The founder and director of the Fendika Cultural Center praised KBRI Addis Ababa’s efforts to foster authentic international dialogue through music.
Belay described the natural collaboration between Indonesian and Ethiopian musicians as an extraordinary performance. "This is not merely a fleeting moment but a foundation that will continue. I have always believed that art is a primary solution for building bridges, unity, and peace," he concluded. ***
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