Tezeta Band is an eight-piece ensemble that plays nostalgic Ethiopian-influenced soul music. While rooting their sound in Ethio-Jazz, Tezeta Band (Pronounced Tih-Zeh-Tah Band) has been playing old-school African grooves across dance floors and festivals to popular acclaim since 2008.

Tezeta Band was formed in Portland by former members of the legendary 90s hip-hop band, Five Fingers of Funk. After the Fingers dissolved in the early 2000s, members Ted Hille and Tim Cook discovered a cassette of music from the French compilation, Ethiopiques and decided to start a new group with their former bandmates. The band, which began as a tribute to golden age Ethiopian soul music, has evolved to now play an inspired mix of both classic and original Ethio-Jazz compositions.

Tezeta Band has had the distinct honor to open for such legends as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Aweke, Hugh Masekela, Toots & the Maytals, Hailu Mergia, Cubanismo and Vieux Farke Toure. In 2016, Tezeta Band self-released a full-length LP, The Origin of Nightlife and their music has been featured on internationally known compilations, Noise and Chill Out: Ethiopian Groove Worldwide and Beyond Addis 1 & 2. Tezeta Band has also had their music featured in Songlines Magazine and on award winning documentary Zemene. The Band is currently at work on their next LP, which will feature all original music.

Tezeta Band consists of Ted Hille on saxophone, Tim Cook on keyboards, Curt Bieker on trombone, Josh Prewitt on trumpet, Brent Martens on guitar, Arcellus Sykes on bass, Jim Fisher on percussion, and Mark Blanding on drums.