Samuel Yirga Ethiopian Piano Prodigy

Jazz Up Close
Samuel Yirga Quartet-ETHIOPIA

Opening Act
Black Jesus Experience-AUS

Piano prodigy Samuel Yirga is one of the brightest talents to emerge on the Ethiojazz scene in the last decade.

Auditioning for Addis Ababa’s Yared School of Music at the age of 16 by tapping out rhythms on the top of the piano with a coin, Yirga’s innate talent was immediately apparent.

His ability to merge traditional Ethiopian rhythms, deeply-felt classical piano undertones and homages to the likes of Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock, has won him a cult following in Addis. Yirga is now taking his unique voice to the world stage, with recent appearances at WOMAD and London’s Southbank Centre.

In this debut Australian performance Yirga is joined by leading musicians of the rising Ethiopian generation, alternating between deeply impassioned solo piano and infectiously engaging ensemble playing.

Black Jesus Experience open with their cross-continental blend of traditional Ethiopian song with jazz, funk, afro-beat and hip hop.

Comedy Theatre

Thursday 7 June, 8pm – 10:30pm

$49 / $39 CONC

Samuel Yirga — piano / Feleke Woldemariam — saxophone
Yoseph Hailemariam Bekele — bass guitar / Nathaniel Zewde — drums

Black Jesus Experience:

Enushu Taye — voice / Mr Monk — MC, vocal
Peter Harper — alto saxophone / Ian Dixon — trumpet, flugelhorn
Cassawarrior – bass,voice / Pat Kearney — drums
Zhonu Nui Moon aka Future Roots — percussion
Hue Blanes — keyboards

read an interview with Samuel Yirga on www.africanoz.com