The man behind what for me was undoubtedly the best band at Fuji Rock this year, Mulatu Astatke, was kind enough to answer a few questions after his life-altering show at the Orange Court on Sunday night. Here is what he said:

What did you think of the audience?

Mulatu: “I think there was good communication between us. I enjoyed playing and i think the audience also enjoyed it so it was beautiful, I loved it.”

How did you find such incredible people for your band?

Mulatu: “Face to face. The saxophone player knows everybody and he goes around and brings me musicians, we talk . They are great musicians and great guys. The main thing is they love Ethio-jazz that was created all those years ago, they love that music. I enjoy playing with them.”

What is the main difference between playing and recording in the 60′s and 70′s and now. Have things changed a lot?

Mulatu: The world changed and I tried to change myself. I am trying to show Ethio-jazz to the rest of the world and I am almost breaking through. I think now with my new album ‘Sketches of Ethiopia’ we can reach that goal easily. Playing at a big festival like this is fantastic, I am so happy that we are reaching that point.”

Do you have any message for your fans in Japan?

Mulatu: “I have always really looked forward to coming to play in Japan and for my first ever show here I think I came to the right place. We would all love to come back to Japan.”

Mulatu Astatke’s new album “Sketches of Ethiopia” will be released at the end of August on the Harmonia Mundi label.