Jorga Mesfin grew up in a house filled with jazz records, mostly the greats – John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Kassa Tessema, Dr. Mulatu Astatke, and Jimmy Smith. This early musical influences laid the foundation for a profound connection with Ethio Jazz, with Dr. Mulatu Astatke standing out as his paramount inspiration. Jorga’s affinity for the saxophone found resonance in the sounds of John Coltrane and Getachew Mekuria, while Emahoy TsegeMaraiam’s piano style further developed his musical palette.
Starting his musical journey at a young age, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Tsegaye Gebremedhin and Vijay Iyer. As the founder of the Ethio-jazz group Wudasse, he also composed the music for the acclaimed film “Teza.” His work on “Teza” earned him the Best Music Award at the 22nd Carthage Film Festival and Best Composition at the 5th Dubai International Film Festival.
He recently unveiled his highly anticipated album, “The Kindest One,” on May 24th at Addis Jazz Festival via Muzikawi. The meditative Ethio jazz masterpiece stands as a momentous creation, crafted during a one-time home concert in Atlanta, Georgia, where He invited all the kind and generous friends at the time and recorded the essence of an improvised musical exploration.