The Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE) is a Pan-African music project that brings together a range of traditional instruments and professional musicians from across Africa to create new musical concepts.
MATE was instigated by radio presenter/producer Stani Goma who has had a long held vision to create a platform for traditional African music virtuosos to collaborate. Through research, innovation, experimentation and improvisation and guided by the African principle of Ujamaa: sharing knowledge and working together to pursue a common goal - MATE seeks to develop an authentic pan African sound.
MATE is strictly based on traditional African instruments through a Pan African lens and currently brings together the music traditions of North East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa. Each composition is carefully workshopped to bring out the best expression of togetherness, strength, humour, shared vision, passion and positive energy. The end result is a uniquely powerful, never heard before African groove that transcends colonial borders.
MATE has four founding members, Anbessa Gebrehiwot, Haftu Reda, Kofi Kunkpe and Valanga Khoza.
Listen back to Flight 1067 to Africa for a live set from Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE). Studio 5 Live is proudly brought to you by Mountain Goat.
