Sami Dan - Keras Gar Negeger [2016] [ethiopia]

        Samuel Berhanu popularly known as Sami Dan is a reggae artist. He attended Addis Ababa University where he graduated with a degree in Construction Technology and Management. His music career began while in high school. At the time he played with the Eldan band for five years. He took a break to focus on his education and after he graduated he joined Hasset Acoustic Band and played for three years. With Hasset, he had the opportunity to be part of Sydney Solomon and Imperial Majestic Band and played there for a year.

         In 2014 Sami Dan started his own band, Zewd Acoustic. That year Sami also released a four-song promotional CD. His singles ‘Anchi Yene’ and ‘Shegitu’ got overwhelmingly positive feedback on radio and online. 

         He released his debut album Keras Gar Negeger in 2016.

Sami Dan - Kalesh Anchi [Lyrics] (ካለሽ አንቺ)

     

        Now with an intention to approach the entertainment world with a unique sound and style, Sami Dan has written all 13 tracks on the new album, songs that address critical social issues in Ethiopia like legislation and work ethics. Keras Gar Negeger (Speaking with oneself) is released by Blue Media PLC, the company better known for organising the Taste of Addis Food Festival and the Addis Beer Fest.

       An energetic live performer, Sami says his new album contains his own deep ideas and life experiences. He believes that artists are leaders in society and therefore need to address issues that affect the society, while also pointing out problems in the society with a view of encouraging positive change. “The ideas and the experiences I have acquired over the years in my career are interpreted in the album. I hope they will help someone learn from my challenges and successes,” he says.

*read interwiev with Sami Dan here >

Sami Dan - Man Yamnishal [Lyrics] (ማን ያምንሻል)

        Reggae is the dominant genre on the album but Sami says that as a versatile artist he has also included other genres. He reckons that reggae in Ethiopia is growing, but based on the history of the genre it has not yet attained the status it deserves. He is hopeful that a new crop of artists will take Ethiopian reggae to greater heights, and that his new album will contribute to the growth of reggae in the country.

Sami Dan - 01 - Wede Lay (4:03)

Sami Dan - 02 - Kalsh Anchi (5:00)

Sami Dan - 03 - Dimts Alba Sew (4:58)

Sami Dan - 04 - Yefetari Dirset (5:37)

Sami Dan - 05 - Tefa Yemileyen (5:02)

Sami Dan - 06 - Ewnet (4:53)

Sami Dan - 07 - Zare (4:36)

Sami Dan - 08 - Hoya Hoye (6:35)

Sami Dan - 09 - Fikir Selam (4:47)

Sami Dan - 10 - Man Yamnishal (4:51)

Sami Dan - 11 - Esatu Zemen (4:15)

Sami Dan - 12 - Yene Hayl (4:39)

Sami Dan - 13 - Yagere Lij (4:28)