Dereb The Ambassador
“Australia’s own Ethio-Soul superstar”
Dereb the Ambassador and his big sound band of virtuoso musicians deliver energetic rhythms and melodies that consistently get crowds moving. Dereb Desalegn (aka Dereb the Ambassador) is a unique vocal talent, well known as one of Ethiopia's most respected singers. On his first solo album 'Korkorow Yalew' recorded in 2003, his hit single 'Wollo', reached number one in the Ethiopian charts. Dereb has since toured in America, England, Asia, New Zealand and Australia where he currently resides. After moving to Australia, Dereb collaborated with Nicky Bomba and the Bomba Band releasing a record and touring nationally in 2007.
In 2011, Dereb joined forces with producer Tony Buchen on a new project - Dereb the Ambassador - a title given to him years earlier by the Ethiopian media. Performing with a band of virtuoso musicians and inspired by the funky sounds of great Ethiopian artists of the 60's and 70's, such as Mahmoud Ahmed and Mulatu Astatke, they recorded their highly acclaimed debut album.
Dereb and his 6-piece band consistently livens up crowds with their addictive, gritty brand of Ethio-soul. Performance highlights include WOMAD UK, Peats Ridge Festival, WOMADelaide, Jeonju Sori World Music Festival Sth Korea, National Multicultultural Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, Falls Festival and tours in Ethiopia and Japan. .
“… as much a mid-'70s Miles Davis fusion affair as it was a Middle Eastern dance party as it was a modern tribal chant night. No matter what it was, it was impossible not to dance.”
themusic.com.au
“…full of raw energy, driving rhythms”
ABC Radio National
