Dereb The Ambassador make a long awaited return with the release of their new single 'Fikera' from their forthcoming EP Dereb The Ambassador Volume II.

Following on from Eshururu (Witness), released last year on Paris DJs 'Electric Afroland' compilation, 'Fikera' delivers more of the hard-hitting Ethiopian soul the band are renowned for, this time with a gritty dancehall inspired twist. 'Fikera' will leave you no choice but to get up you off of your seat!

The band will mark the release with their first live performances in over a year, with shows at The NightJar Festival in Torquay, Melbourne's The Corner Hotel, The Polish Club in Canberra, and a return to The Basement in Sydney on January 29.

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"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

Australia's own Ethio-Soul superstar Dereb the Ambassador and his big sound band of virtuoso musicians deliver energetic rhythms and melodies that consistently get crowds moving.

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.

The Band...

Dereb Deselegn - Vocals

Peter Farrar - C Melody Saxophone and alto saxophone

Matt Ottignon - Tenor Saxophone / Flute

Daniel Pliner - Keyboard

Jonathan Pease - Guitar

Jarrol Renaud - Bass

Ross Ferraro - Drums

TICKETING INFO

General Admission ticket buyers have an added option of purchasing The Basement's Plate & Glass deal on the following booking page.

The Plate & Glass meal includes one meal option with one glass of selected wine which will be made available at the Green Room Bar from the time doors open through to 10:30pm.

Plate and Glass meal and wine options are listed on the following booking page.

Dinner & Show tickets include entry, seating and 2 course meal.

Dinner & Show tickets are only available via Moshtix.

Some Dinner & Show Bookings may be on a shared table. Please let us know at the time of the booking as a special request should you prefer not to share, and subject to availability we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Note it is not possible to join ticket holders together across ticket groups (meaning A Reserve ticket holders cannot sit with B Reserve etc).

Standard and Premium Beverage Packages are available by exclusive table service to Dinner & Show Ticket Holders for 3 hours from Doors. Beverage packages are available for purchase on the following booking page. *RSA and conditions apply

DOORS OPEN AT 7.30PM
MUSIC STARTS AFTER DINNER SERVICE, AROUND 9.00PM
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM SHOW TO SHOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When General Admission Ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door on the night.

All patrons must be over the age of 18

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
(applies to both Standing and Dinner sales)

Please ensure you bring photo ID as proof of age

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Dress is Smart/Casual at Manager's discretion. No thongs.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Basement has very limited accessibility for patrons with disabilities, however please contact the venue to ensure there is adequate availability for you to enjoy the show comfortably and they can advise on the recommended seating options.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) 
RESTAURANT HOURS ARE DEPENDENT ON SHOW
Please call The Basement to confirm opening times - (02) 9251 2797

SEATING MAP FOR DINNER & SHOW BOOKINGS
Please Note: tables cannot be joined together. Please ensure everyone you intend to seat at your table is included in your booking to avoid being seated separately. Unfortunately, Dinner & Show bookings are for a minimum of 2 people.

Specific table reservation is not available for this performance. It is the venue's decision as to which table you will be allocated. Whilst the venue would love to give everyone their preferred seats, it is not always possible. We ask that you respect this decision and enjoy the performance.