A fascinating ensemble of seven creating musicians, based in Israel - all coming from very different cultural and musical backgrounds - who play together in an integrated creation, through which they have managed to manifest and translate the cultural ‘melting pot’ that Israel is, into the one universal language – Music. The band started working together in December 2003, and has been performing since July 2004 in various venues around Israel. During that period of time they have performed at the 2005 Tel-Aviv Jazz Festival’s Gala opening night, as the Warm-Up act for Archie Shepp and David Murray, and also shared the stage with Tony Allen, the Afro-Beat legend, during his recent tour in Israel. Their music is based partly on Ethiopian Folk songs from different parts of the country, musically arranged by a few various band members, into a new musical idiom inspired by Afro-Jazz and Afro-Beat. The other parts of Kuluma’s repertory contain original songs in Hebrew, all written, composed and arranged by different band members. Kuluma’s members;Abate Berihun-Soprano Saxophone & Vocals, David Alfandari-Saxofon, Alon Yoffe-Drums & Vocals, Uri Naveh- West African Percussion, Sangit Segal-Afro Cuban Percussion & Vocals, Orr Bareket-Bass, David Adda-Keyboards & Vocal; share the belief that music, as a language, can provide a cultural bridge for all people. Their Debut Album ‘Mother Tongue’ was released in Israel, March 2006