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

Samuel Yirga
BornAddis Ababa
OriginEthiopia
GenresEthiopian music fused with different styles
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, singer-songwriter
InstrumentPiano
LabelsReal World
Websitesamuelyirga.com

Overview

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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

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Albums
Contributing artist

References

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  1. ^ "Samuel Yirga: Guzo – review". The Guardian. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d "Samuel Yirga". Real World Records. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Eyre, Banning (21 November 2012). "Samuel Yirga: A Prodigy Reviving Ethiopian Jazz". All Things Considered. NPR. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  4. ^ "Guzo, by Samuel Yirga". Real World Records. Retrieved 2022-07-11.
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