Black Jesus Experience

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the Black Jesus Experience, often shortened simply to BJX, are an Afro-beat collective whose dynamic range includes elements of funk, hip-hop, and, most prominently, Ethio-jazz. After forming at the tail end of the 2000s, the group went on to record a series of highly rated independent releases while touring widely across Europe, Australia, and parts of Africa. Beginning with 2016's Cradle of Humanity, they became known for their albums with pioneering Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke, a collaboration that continued on 2020's To Know Without Knowing. In 2022, BJX issued their seventh studio album, Good Evening Black Buddha. Formed amid Melbourne's multicultural creative scene and comprising a range of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and African musicians, BJX released their self-titled debut album in 2008. By 2010, they group had two more albums, Dark Light and Yeluinta, to their credit as well as a tour supporting future studio collaborator Astatke. Over the next several years, the group continued to expand their range, touring Ethiopia and Europe, supporting legendary drummer Tony Allen, and playing major festivals like Glastonbury, the Big Day Out, and WOMADeleide. Released in 2014, BJX's fourth album, Migration, earned them a Music Victoria Award for Best Global or Reggae Album. Two years later, they paired up with legendary bandleader Mulatu Astatke for the critically acclaimed Cradle of Humanity, the first of two collaborative albums they made together. The second, To Know Without Knowing, appeared in 2020. In addition to their recordings, tours, and festival appearances, BJX has maintained a longtime residency at local Melbourne club the Horn African Cafe and Restaurant, where they are known for their long improvisations and frequent guest musicians. The group returned in September 2022 with Good Evening Black Buddha, their first album without Astatke since 2014.
© Timothy Monger /TiVo