By Emrakel Sileshi
Why jazz? That was the first question I asked Samuel Yirga as we sat in a dim booth. Otis Redding softly crooned “How to Mend a Broken Heart” from a stereo in the corner. The cozy room was filled with closely packed tables and a small stage. Samuel Yirga is a busy man, constantly composing and performing live music. When I found him rehearsing with his band, he was deeply engrossed, but as we began the interview, he seemed to have all the time in the world.
Samuel is a classically trained pianist who studied at the Yared School of Music. When he performs, it’s clear how swiftly and playfully his fingers move across the keys. With his eyes closed, fully immersed in the music, he effortlessly finds melodies as if guided by instinct.
He has gained recognition both in Addis and internationally, performing with numerous artists, both local and global. Now, he is actively involved in cultural projects aimed at reviving the gradually fading Ethiopian jazz scene. This is why we were particularly excited to sit down with him, the owner of the newly opened jazz club ‘Yekermo Sew,’ to understand the inspiration behind his new venture.
What connects you with jazz? Why jazz?
I grew up with music, often listening to my mom’s playlist, which featured mostly traditional Ethiopian artists like Lemma G. Michael. By the time I was a youth, I had developed a strong interest in music, particularly in artists like Tilahun Gessesse and Girma Beyene. Their music was different and exciting, and I believe it fostered an openness in me to explore various types of music.
Although I was trained as a classical pianist, my early exposure to these diverse sounds encouraged me to experiment with different musical styles, particularly blending traditional and contemporary Ethiopian songs with jazz elements. Jazz, with its inherent flexibility, can accommodate and harmonize these different sounds.
What do you feel when you perform?
I’m not sure if I can fully explain it in words; it’s so profound. Performing takes me to a place I’ve never been before, a place that’s unknown yet strangely familiar and deeply spiritual. Music is like the ocean—so vast and profound that it extends beyond our understanding. That’s why I truly believe it’s a gift from God. It transcends time; it’s always been here and always will be.
“Music reveals the unknown.”
While I never ignore the needs of the listeners, I also have to compose music that speaks to my own heart. Music is a divine gift; it’s always been there, waiting to be experienced, just like the ocean. Even scientific studies of music reveal a clear pattern in the structure of the world, waiting to be discovered. Even a single note is complete in itself, and its relationship to other tones is so complex that its essence feels like a creation and gift from God.
I hold music in such reverence that I submit myself completely to what I’m creating. I don’t believe in musical mistakes—there are fundamentals, but beyond that, music is expressed through your understanding, experience, and skills. The key is to give it your all, even if you’re limited by your technique. Music is for everyone.
Who is your mentor that influenced you to become the artist you are right now?
I’m a huge fan of Tilahun Gessese, his performance is amazing and transcends time. Even in terms of modernity, his music is symbolic. Kiros Alemayehu’s songs remind me of a time I don’t know, helping me travel to a world I’ve never seen. Mulatu Astatke is also incredibly inspiring, and Emahoy Tsege-Mariam Gebru’s piano compositions are extraordinary. All of these artists have influenced me deeply. Girma Yifrashewa showed me the grand potential of the piano as a powerful musical instrument.
Through their influence, I’ve learned the importance of being true to myself in whatever music I create. I strive to ensure that my work reflects my own unique color, taste, and expression—something original and entirely my own.
As an artist what do you think about the current jazz scene in Addis?
Jazz in Addis has lost much of its popularity. There was a time when artists like Abegaz and Henock kept the genre alive, but now, jazz music is difficult to access, with performances occurring only once or twice a week.Music thrives best when it has a nurturing environment in which to grow and develop. However, we currently face significant limitations in both the availability and production of diverse musical genres, particularly jazz. It’s rare to find a place dedicated solely to the music; instead, jazz is often used as a means to attract more customers, where it becomes secondary to the business
“Music needs a home to grow, yet we are severely limited in terms of availability and production, with extremely low coverage of jazz.”
What’s the story behind the name ‘Yekermo Sew’?
I wanted an Ethiopian name that reflects the essence of Ethiopian jazz. Two widely known jazz pieces embody this spirit: Girma Beyene’s “Musicawi Silt” and Mulatu Astatke’s “Yekermo Sew.” The latter was originally composed for a theater play called “Yekermo Sew.” Naming my project after this piece pays homage to one of the greatest Ethiopian jazz artists and incorporates an important Ethiopian symbol.
What Makes a Club a Jazz Club?
While there are many lounges and clubs, a true jazz club must embody the essence of jazz itself. It should be a space that reflects the theme of jazz and serves as a hub for experimentation, conversation, and performance. In such a place, jazz music isn’t just performed—it’s lived and breathed.
The venue we are currently renting was once a lounge. A friend of mine suggested that we partner to transform it into a jazz club with an all-African theme. Our vision is to create a space that reflects the rich tapestry of African art and heritage, offering a collective experience that celebrates and honors African culture through jazz.
People should experience the magic of jazz…
Despite my busy schedule, I am committed to making this happen. While our venue may not be perfect or traditionally designed for jazz, we have prioritized the essentials, such as a high-quality sound system and an adequate stage. Our goal is to create a welcoming home for jazz rather than a fancy venue.
We plan to open during the daytime to increase accessibility, offering food and performances in the evening. Our programming will feature a mix of traditional, contemporary, and fusion music. On weekends, we aim to start jazz performances early, around 2 or 3 PM on Sundays, so families can enjoy jazz, funk, African music, and other genres. We also want to provide a platform for emerging talents and explore other forms of artistic expression, including poetry and stand-up comedy.
Sustaining an art-based business can be challenging, and we aspire to extend our reach to various art forms to create a vibrant cultural hub. To achieve this, we seek support from the government and the community to ensure the longevity and success of this cultural project.
How do you balance the artistic side with running a club business?
I am not primarily a businessman, so I rely on a business partner who manages the financial aspects and a club manager who handles daily operations. Despite this, I am directly involved in all creative aspects of the club.
Who Would You Invite? Top Artists to Feature at Your Jazz Club for an Unforgettable Experience
I would be deeply honored to extend an invitation to distinguished musicians such as Mulatu Astatke and Mahmoud Ahmed. Their contributions to music have been monumental, and having them perform would be a remarkable opportunity for our community. Even if Mahmoud Ahmed could grace us with just one song, it would be a momentous occasion that resonates deeply with our audience.
My vision for the club is to create a space where musicians feel truly welcomed and valued—a place where they can perform with the comfort and familiarity of home. By inviting these iconic artists, we aim to foster an environment of warmth and appreciation, celebrating their artistry and making them feel like an integral part of our musical family.
