Black Jesus Experience are a nine piece Ethio-jazz band based in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2009 they have been best known for collaborations with Mulatu Astatke as well as a growing discography of independent work.[1] Black Jesus Experience blend traditional Ethiopian music with hip-hop and funk.[2]
Black Jesus Experience | |
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![]() Mulatu Astatke performing with Black Jesus Experience at the 50th Anniversary of Australian and Ethiopian diplomatic relations event 2015. | |
Background information | |
Also known as | BJX |
Origin | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
Genres | Ethio-jazz |
Years active | 2008 (2008)–present |
Members |
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Past members |
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Website | blackjesusexperience |
In June 2009 they appeared on a segment of Sunday Arts, which was broadcast nationally by ABC-TV.[3] They are winners of The Age's "Best Tour 2010" award for their Australian tour with Astatke.[4]
Black Jesus Experience have played numerous festivals including Glastonbury Festival, Big Chill, City of London Festival, WOMADelaide, The Big Day Out and Melbourne Jazz Festival, supported Tony Allen and toured Europe and Ethiopia.[5]
Their fourth album, Migration. received the 'Best Global/Reggae album' accolade at The Age's 2014 Music Victoria awards.[6]
In 2016, Black Jesus Experience released their fifth studio album, Cradle of Humanity, a collaboration with Mulatu Astatke, followed by an Australian and New Zealand tour including the 2016 Melbourne Jazz Festival.[7][8]
On July 3, 2020 Black Jesus Experience released their second collaborative album with Mulatu Astatke entitled To Know Without Knowing following a 2019 Australian tour. The album received critical acclaim, vocals by Taye were hailed 'mesmerising' and the album deemed an 'irresistible collective effort'.[9]
Black Jesus Experience currently hold a weekly residence at Melbourne's The Horn African Cafe and Restaurant performing their catalogue each Sunday as well as holding regular live concerts across Melbourne.[10]
Title | Album details |
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Black Jesus Experience |
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Dark Light |
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Yeluinta |
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Migration |
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Cradle of Humanity (with Mulatu Astatke) |
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To Know Without Knowing (with Mulatu Astatke) |
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Good Evening Black Buddha |
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The Music Victoria Awards, are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2005.
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
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2014 | Migration | Best Global or Reggae Album | Won | [13] |
Best Jazz Album | Nominated | [14] | ||
2016 | Cradle of Humanity | Best Global or Reggae Album | Nominated | |
2020 | Black Jesus Experience | Best Intercultural Act | Won | [15][16] |
2021 | Black Jesus Experience | Best Intercultural Act | Nominated | [17][18] |
2022 | Black Jesus Experience | MAV Diasporas Award | Pending | [19] |