Negash Ali, an artist & accomplished songwriter signed to Warner/Chappell, has just sent out his first big international single “What You Got”, a future club banger that we’ve been blasting on repeat, upping our Monday energy levels.
In 1990 during the atrocious conflict between Eritrea & Ethiopia, at the age of just 16 Negash’ mother was forced to flee to Denmark, having to make the tough decision of leaving her husband behind, who was working at a busy local hospital. Already mother to a 1 year old daughter and pregnant with Negash, she dreamt of a better life in Europe.
The family spent 5 years in various refugee camps before being granted asylum in 1995 and finally settling in Aarhus, Denmark. Negash spent his early years devoted to books and his passion for writing, already knowing he wanted to be an artist.
It paid off when he got his 1st artist development deal at the age of 13. Negash’ national breakthrough came when he was 16 and joined the successful group Majors, which also consisted of DMC winner Dj Noize. The album was released in Germany and the group performed at PopKomm, Roskilde Festival & Europe’s 2 biggest hip hop festivals; Splash & Hip Hop Kemp. In 2009 Negash’ debut solo album “Asmarino” was released in Denmark & the US by Orchard Music. “Asmarino” was critically acclaimed and accomplished commercial success. The album also paved the way for performances in Los Angeles, Paris, London, Stockholm, Berlin & Cairo in co- operation with Live Nation. His sophomore effort ”GettoPOP” was released in 2012 on Negash’ own newly started label GettoPOP Music. The album was met to lavish reviews and a nomination for ”Best Urban Album of The Year”.
The young stars first placement as a song writer is Jadakiss Ft. Chris Brown – ”Get Twisted”, which is slated to be the 1st single on Jadakiss’ upcoming album. This placement led Negash to signing an international publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music. Since then he has worked with the likes of Bob Sinclar, Lucas Secon, Coco Malaika of Quadron, Outlandish, SX, DSign, Providers, Focus, Viktoria Hansen, Knightstarr and many more.
Negash is soon ready to release “The African Dream” EP which he believes is by far his best work to date. “The concept “The African Dream” touches what it means to be an African in Europe. Africans in Europe has long looked up to the “The American Dream”, as a reference for what it means to be successful. But a new generation is at stake, where you sense there is an energy to the more unique African initiatives – and it is in this wave I belong!”
The EP is Negash first big step as an artist into the international music scene.
@negashali
