Gétatchèw Mèkurya

The Profile

Getatchew Mekuria (1935–2016) was an Ethiopian tenor saxophonist famed for his powerful, declamatory style and nicknamed the “Negus of Ethiopian Sax.” He was featured on Éthiopiques Vol. 14 and later collaborated with Dutch band The Ex on the album Moa Anbessa.

Ethiopian tenor saxophonist; born 1935 and died 2016; active from the 1950s; featured on Éthiopiques 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax; collaborated with The Ex on Moa Anbessa; known as the “Negus of Ethiopian Sax.”

A single review spotlights Getatchew Mekuria’s incendiary live collaboration with Dutch punks The Ex on Moa Anbessa. It frames Mekuria as an Ethiopian tenor sax titan whose style, rooted in traditional melodies, anticipated later avant-garde jazz currents. The piece praises the album’s intensity, grit, and revitalization of older compositions. Overall tone: celebratory and defiant.