Temesgen Zeleke, a former pupil of legendary Ethiopian jazz multi-instrumentalist Mulatu Astatke, leads the Collective on krar. This 6 stringed lyre is electrified for a contemporary edge on Ethiopian traditional music. The collective also features traditional kebero drums and is fronted by vocalist-dancer Genet Assefa. With these few instruments, the trio create a surprisingly full sound, driven by hypnotic rhythms alongside gritty electrified strings and stunning vocals.

London-based Krar Collective have performed regularly at Celebrating Sanctuary Festival as well as other festivals and venues across the UK. Most recently, they represented Ethiopia in the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad with artists such as Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, Seckou Keita, and Staff Benda Bilili.

More information at www.ocmevents.org/ocm/events/krarcollective