Admass: The Driving Force of Modern Ethio-Jazz
Admass is an Ethiopian-born musician and producer who has become a central figure in the global revival of Ethio-jazz. Based in London, his work blends traditional Ethiopian melodies with contemporary jazz, funk, and electronic music, culminating in his acclaimed 2022 album Yene Mircha.
Early career
Admass Teshoma began his musical journey in Addis Ababa, deeply influenced by the sounds of legendary artists like Mulatu Astatke. He moved to the United Kingdom in his late teens, where he formally studied music production and sound engineering. His first official release, the 2016 EP Selam, was a self-produced project that caught the attention of niche world music labels and online radio stations.
Breakthrough
Admass's international breakthrough arrived with his 2019 single Ere Mela, which was picked up by the London-based label Awesome Tapes From Africa for digital distribution. The track's innovative fusion of krar rhythms with deep house grooves earned heavy rotation on specialist radio, leading to a licensing deal with the independent label Heavenly Sweetness for his subsequent album releases.
Key tracks
Ere Mela — This 2019 single defined his signature sound and secured his first major label partnership.
Yene Mircha — The title track from his 2022 album showcases his mature composition style and skilled live band arrangements.
Tezeta 808 — A bold reimagining of a classic Ethiopian standard using vintage drum machines, highlighting his production prowess.
Addis to London — Featuring saxophonist Theon Cross, this collaboration bridges the jazz scenes of his two home cities.
Following the release of Yene Mircha, Admass embarked on extensive touring across Europe and North America, performing at festivals like Roskilde and WOMAD. His studio work expanded into notable collaborations, including production credits for Ethiopian songster Meklit and a remix for British jazz group Nubiyan Twist. While specific chart positions remain elusive in his genre, his albums consistently appear in editorial features on major music platforms.
Listeners who enjoy the modern Ethio-jazz of Admass often appreciate the innovative spirit of Mulatu Astatke, the pioneer who created the original Ethio-jazz sound. The cross-cultural electronic explorations of Nu Genea share a similar retro-futuristic production aesthetic. For the London jazz scene connection, the powerful grooves of Nubiyan Twist offer a parallel musical journey.
The music of Admass is a staple on eclectic online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in global sounds and contemporary jazz. His tracks are frequently featured in curated playlists on classic FM stations with world music programs, as well as on dedicated alternative rock radio stations that embrace genre-defying artists.
You can experience the captivating fusion of Admass on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his music and the modern Ethio-jazz genre through our curated selection of global internet radio stations.
