Dereb The Ambassador

Electrifying, kaleidoscopic vintage soul… his blistering vocal attack is beyond compare: hail one of the world’s most exhilarating new voices”MAG

“Beautiful soulful joyous music that isn’t afraid to groove. You can’t go wrong.”Bob Baker Fish

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 CD and touring nationally in June 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. More recently they have found success with the album released in Japan on the P-Vine label and Dereb the Ambassador featured on one of Francis Falceto’s (of Ethiopiques fame) Ethiosonic releases, showcasing new music from the Ethiopian Diaspora.

Dereb and his 7-piece band consistently livens up crowds with their addictive, gritty brand of Ethio-soul. Performance highlights include WOMADelaide, Jeonju Sori World Music Festival Sth Korea and tours in Ethiopia and Japan.