Ethio-Jazz Legend Girma Woldemichael Returns to the Spotlight with NAFQOTÉ Album Release Concert in Toronto

Toronto, ON — April 2026

Legendary Ethio-Jazz saxophonist Girma Woldemichael is set to captivate audiences in Toronto with a landmark live performance celebrating the release of his new album NAFQOTÉ. The highly anticipated concert will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Redwood Theatre.

Widely regarded as a pioneering figure of the golden era of Ethio-Jazz, Woldemichael’s journey is as powerful as his music. Born into poverty in Ethiopia and raised in an Addis Ababa orphanage, his life changed when he was handed his first instrument—a clarinet—and encouraged to pursue music as a livelihood. By his teenage years, he had mastered both clarinet and saxophone, quickly becoming a sought-after performer in the vibrant nightclub scene that helped define the Ethio-Jazz movement.

Ethio-Jazz, a genre blending traditional Ethiopian pentatonic scales with jazz, funk, soul, and Latin rhythms, gained international recognition through icons like Mulatu Astatke. Woldemichael stood alongside Astatke as a member of the influential Ethio Stars Band, and went on to perform with some of Ethiopia’s most celebrated artists, including Aster Aweke, Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Tilahun Gessesse.

Following the political upheaval of Ethiopia’s 1974 revolution, Woldemichael sought refuge in Canada, eventually settling in Toronto. There, he balanced the demands of immigrant life—including years working as a taxi driver—while continuing to nurture his musical career. Over decades, he has performed across North America and beyond, preserving and evolving the Ethio-Jazz tradition.

Now fully dedicated to music once again, Woldemichael returns with NAFQOTÉ, a bold and contemporary project created in collaboration with acclaimed producer Arthur McArthur—a Juno Award winner and Grammy nominee known for his work with global stars such as Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and Logic. The album represents a dynamic fusion of heritage and modern sound, bridging generations and musical worlds.

The concert will also feature guest vocals by Melat Mengesha, adding another layer of richness to an already powerful lineup.

Event Details:

• Event: NAFQOTÉ Album Release Concert
• Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
• Venue: Redwood Theatre, Toronto
• Tickets: $20 advance (fees included) / $25 at the door

This special evening promises to be more than a concert—it’s a celebration of resilience, cultural legacy, and the ever-evolving spirit of Ethio-Jazz.