After years of shaping Ethiopia’s modern soundscape with his Afro-fusion and reggae rhythms, Sami Dan returns with a deeply personal and culturally rooted project — “Lelagnaw Melke”, which translates to “My Other Look.” The album, set for release on November 18, takes listeners on a journey through identity, unity, and the vibrant beauty of Ethiopia.

The Meaning Behind “Lelagnaw Melke”

When asked about the inspiration behind his new album, Sami smiles thoughtfully.

“The exact meaning is ‘my other look,’” he explains. “People know me mostly for Afro-fusion and reggae, but I can also sing in many different styles. I wanted to show my versatility — my other musical side.”

Beyond musical experimentation, Lelagnaw Melke reflects something even deeper: cultural unity.

“Growing up, my community taught me values from many different cultures,” Sami continues. “I don’t define myself by a single ethnicity. I am part of all of them — that’s who we are as Ethiopians. This album expresses that unity, my other personality, and my ability to connect with all the heritages of my country.”

Women, Beauty, and Country

In past albums, Sami Dan’s admiration for women has always stood out — not just for their outer beauty, but for their strength, grace, and soul. When asked if that essence carries into the new album, his answer is both poetic and grounded.

“Yes, there are songs about women,” he says, “but this album focuses more on unity, my journey across Ethiopia, and the beauty of our country. Most of the time, I resemble a woman as a symbol of the nation — graceful, strong, and nurturing.”

On Humor, Positivity, and the Internet

Sami is known for his humor and easygoing nature, even when faced with negativity online. So how does he stay so lighthearted?

“I don’t take negative comments seriously,” he laughs. “They actually make me laugh. People’s moods affect how they write comments — they usually don’t mean it. And honestly, negative comments are still engagement!”

He adds with a grin, “As a society, we sometimes struggle to express love and appreciation directly — but that doesn’t mean we don’t feel it. We just show it in our own unique ways.”

The Heart of the Album
Every track in Lelagnaw Melke holds a special place for Sami.

“Each song gives me a different sense and value,” he reflects. “They’re all close to my heart. While working on this project, I traveled across the country — I saw love, unity, and greatness everywhere. That made the album even more personal for me.”

What’s Next for Sami Dan

Fans have a lot to look forward to. Lelagnaw Melke isn’t just an album — it’s a visual experience.

“It’s a video album,” Sami reveals. “There are 11 tracks in total — 7 of them have full video clips, and the remaining 4 come with lyric videos. We’ll launch it officially on November 18, then release CDs in the U.S. After seeing the audience’s reaction, I’m planning concerts and a tour across Ethiopia — hopefully after Christmas.”

He adds confidently, “This album gives my listeners many different tastes to choose from. I believe they’re going to love it.”

Behind the Scenes: The Funny and the Unforgettable

No great album comes without a few wild stories. Sami laughs as he recalls two memorable adventures from his travels.

“In Dorze, we decided to hike a huge mountain,” he begins. “I have a terrible fear of heights, but I pushed myself anyway. My friend helped me climb all the way up — but when it was time to go back down, he was gone!”

He laughs at the memory. “It was terrifying but worth it. We got a beautiful video out of it! I’m a doer — if I decide to do something, I do it, no matter how many barriers there are.”

Another unforgettable moment happened near Harar, in a small village called Beso.

“Our car broke down in the middle of the desert, and we had to sleep there overnight,” Sami recalls. “The next morning, we lifted the car onto a crane and continued our trip to Addis — while sitting inside the car! It was crazy but unforgettable.”

On the Changing Music Industry

With a long career behind him, Sami has witnessed the transformation of Ethiopia’s music scene firsthand.

“Now, artists finally have their own platforms where we can manage our songs and work,” he says. “Before, we used to rely on others — often through third-party YouTube channels — and it wasn’t profitable. But today, we can actually earn from our music and see real growth.”

He highlights how online payment systems have made a huge difference.

“Payments are digital now, which reduces fraud and ensures artists get what they deserve. The industry is moving forward — it’s not perfect yet, but it’s heading in the right direction.”

Still, he reminds us that music-making is never easy:

“The process doesn’t pay immediately. There are so many expenses — from production to studio time. But the real reward is when people connect with your music. That feeling is worth more than money.”

And when it comes to supporting newcomers:

“We must appreciate upcoming artists,” he insists. “There are so many talented young people with unique voices and fresh styles. We should give them their flowers — they are the future of our industry.”

On AI and the Future of Music

Sami also shared thoughtful insights on technology’s growing role in music.

“AI could be both the biggest threat and the biggest help to the industry,” he says. “It depends on how wisely we use it. Right now, AI-generated music can’t truly be monetized like human art — but that will change.”

He emphasizes balance:

“As we welcome technology, we must protect artists’ rights and royalties. If used responsibly, AI can make things easier while still keeping the human soul alive in music.”

A Final Word from Sami Dan

As the interview wraps up, Sami takes a moment to express his gratitude.

“I want to thank HM Plus News for the interview, and everyone who’s been part of this project,” he says sincerely. “To my listeners — thank you for your love and patience. Please wait for my new album ‘Lelagnaw Melke’ — it’s coming out on November 18. I can’t wait to share it with you all.”

“Lelagnaw Melke” will be available on all streaming platforms on November 18.

Stay tuned to HM Plus News for exclusive updates