Fairfield Ethio-Jazz Project

Frome’s finest contemporary musicians join forces with stars from across the South West in a unique musical tribute to the region’s historic residency of former Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I. Laura Jurd, Will Gregory, Martin Kolarides and other local luminaries explore Ethio-Jazz, a unique fusion of the traditions of jazz and African music.

From 1936-1941(43) HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Royal Family lived in exile in Fairfield House, Bath during Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia. After his return to Ethiopia a flourishing jazz scene emerged during the 1960s & 70s, led by musicians such as Mulatu Astatke, Hailu Mergia & Walias Band.

Today Fairfield House, Bath is a community social enterprise dedicated to preserving and celebrating HIM’s legacy www.fairfieldhousebath.co.uk. When Bath celebrated the 70th anniversary of HIM being awarded the Freedom of the City Fairfield House convened its Ethio-Jazz Project to support those celebrations.

Fairfield Ethio-Jazz Project’s debut album ‘Bath Ketema’ is released in 2026 by Kelston Records & Severn Songs both digitally and on vinyl (also featuring Adrian Utley and Harriet Riley).

This event is part of Frome Festival.