Samuel Yirga is an Ethiopian musician[1] and composer signed to Peter Gabriel's Real World Records.
Samuel Yirga | |
|---|---|
| Born | Addis Ababa |
| Origin | Ethiopia |
| Genres | Ethiopian music fused with different styles |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Piano |
| Labels | Real World |
| Website | samuelyirga |
Overview edit
At the age of 16, Samuel was accepted into Yared School of Music in Addis Ababa.[2] He was later dismissed for his tendency to experiment and his insistence on playing traditional and contemporary Ethiopian music, instead of adhering to the classical curriculum.[2][3] His music fuses traditional azmari music, Ethio-jazz, dub, reggae, jazz, Latin, and classical music.[2][3]
The title of his debut album, Guzo, means "journey".[3] Featured vocalists include the Creole Choir of Cuba, Iraqi-British singer Mel Gara, and Nigerian-British singer Nicolette. Dubulah (Nick Page) produced the album. Instrumentalists on the album hail from Ethiopia, Europe and the Caribbean.
Samuel is also a member of Dub Colossus and Ethiopian funk band Nubian Arc.[2]
Discography edit
- Albums
- Guzo - 2012 (Real World Records)[4]
- Contributing artist
- The Rough Guide to the Music of Ethiopia - 2012 (World Music Network)
- Hagere - 2011 (EP, 4 tracks)
- The Habesha Sessions - 2011 (6 tracks)
References edit
- ^ "Samuel Yirga: Guzo – review". The Guardian. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Samuel Yirga". Real World Records. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Eyre, Banning (21 November 2012). "Samuel Yirga: A Prodigy Reviving Ethiopian Jazz". All Things Considered. NPR. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ^ "Guzo, by Samuel Yirga". Real World Records. Retrieved 2022-07-11.