Elias Negash

Elias Negash is an accomplished musician who has combined his Native Ethiopian music with his jazz education, and influences from the world music segment. He played through the seventies and became one of the pioneering figures to have brought Reggae and African music to the Bay Area with smash hit groups including Obeah, Axum, Caribbean All Stars and the Rastafarians.

After moving to Los Angeles Elias worked on the Royal Princess Cruise ship out of South Hampton England for four months. He has also done sound track for a Television movie titled Glitz and also preformed on a TV series, Murder She Wrote. Elias has also traveled as a solo pianist and with Magyk Band to Japan.

In addition to his role as a musician, Elias dedicates his time in multiple humanitarian efforts such as fundraising for HIV/Aids research and treatment and building schools and water-wells in the rural areas of Ethiopia. Further, Elias is currently the president of Ethiopian Arts forum that strives to accomplish its objectives through the presentation of Ethiopian music, dance, poetry, drama and visual arts to the community.

Elias has put out four solo CDs titled 'Love', 'Harrambe' (lets pull together), 'Peace' and 'Feel Like Dancin’ His new CD titled 'Jazzed Up' will came out in October 2011.