Dereb The Ambassador
Currently performing with his group Dereb The Ambassador, Dereb Desalegn first achieved popular fame in his native Ethiopia, where he released his 2003 solo album Korkoro Yalew to much acclaim.
On moving to Australia he performed and recorded with group Lion of Judah, before heading up Dereb The Ambassador. If his success to date is anything to go by, it seems his adopted country is as fond of him as his African homeland.
Humble and reserved as a performer, Desalegn approached the microphone without fanfare to perform in front of a good-sized audience gathered in front of the third and smallest of WOMADelaide's main stages. Armed with a beautiful and tender vocal style, he performed a soul and jazz set drawn from the African music movement of the 60's and 70's. Desaleg's quiet stage presence put the music at the fore, allowing the songs to speak for themselves, and they did. A great show that whetted the appetite for Dereb The Ambassador's imminent self-titled release, due out in March on Other Tongues.
Nicole Russo
Photography by Nicole Russo
