Samuel Yirga is an Ethiopian musician[1] and composer signed to Peter Gabriel's Real World Records.

Overview

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

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

External links

• Official website