Black Jesus Experience are bringing their unique fusion of Ethiopian traditional song and contemporary groove to The Beast this May.
The 12-piece collective Black Jesus Experience will showcase tight new arrangements ahead of their upcoming tour, alongside a free performance featuring Mista Monk versus Elf Tanzporter. Known for their irresistible danceable alloy of traditional African sounds and 21st century groove, Black Jesus Experience has built a reputation for delivering powerful live shows that reflect the multicultural vibrancy of their Melbourne home.
The award-winning ensemble’s sound draws from diverse influences including hip hop, jazz, Azmari traditions and funk to create something entirely unique.
Black Jesus Experience
- Friday 23 May 2025, 9pm
- The Beast, 80 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
- Free event
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Led by vocalist Enushu, who began entertaining her local community as a child in Addis Ababa before migrating to Australia, the band creates hauntingly beautiful compositions inspired by Ethiopian vocal traditions. She is joined by Zimbabwe-born, outback-bred lyricist Mr Monk, whose poetic prowess adds another dimension to their already rich sound.
When not touring, Black Jesus Experience runs a weekly session at cultural hub The Horn, where they create new songs live on stage with special guests – a practice rooted in the improvising traditions that inform their music.
The ensemble’s achievements include winning The Age-Music Victoria Best Global Album award for their fourth album Migration in 2014, while their most recent release, To Know Without Knowing, received international acclaim. Their performance history spans four tours of Ethiopia, collaborations with Ethiojazz legend Mulatu Astatke across Africa, Europe and Australia, and appearances at prestigious festivals including Glastonbury.
This free event at The Beast offers Melbourne music lovers a rare opportunity to witness one of Australia’s most distinctive cross-cultural ensembles in an intimate setting before they embark on their next tour. The evening promises to showcase the power and beauty of African musical traditions through the lens of contemporary global sounds.
For more information, head here.
