Addis Ababa, November 29th, 2022: Hip hop artist, Kassmasse has joined the international cast of top talent signed to Johnnie Walker™, alongside fellow Ethiopian artist Sami Dam and other African artists including Ivoirian rapper Didi B and Zambian star Cleo Ice Queen. Nigerian producer Don Jazzy and K Pop star, CL, are artists who have also collaborated with Johnnie Walker™ in the past.
Arguably the most influential Ethiopian hip hop artist of his generation, Fikru Semma aka Kammasse uses the beauty and sophisticated wordplay of Amharic to comment on the state of society and uncertainties & beauty of being human.
In this exciting partnership with Johnnie Walker™, fans can look forward to new Kassmasse music videos, album launches and unique performances in coming months.
“This is an exciting time in my career and a bold step for me. I have a lot of new projects in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to bringing my best to everything I do. Partnering with an iconic global brand like Johnnie Walker™, which is known for collaborating with top artists worldwide, is affirmation that I am on the right path,” says Kassmasse.
After releasing his groundbreaking EP “Maleda”, in 2020, within just 18 months, Kassmasse’s rise to fame has been nothing short of phenomenal, with his first full length studio album, “Bahil Weg”, released this year, including a feature from global music sensation, Julian Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley.
Kassmasse has also just released a remix of his single, “Mela Mela”, featuring two-time Grammy nominated reggae artist, Protoje.
“We want to applaud the steps Kammasse has taken in his career as he expresses his role in society, along with recognizing him as a creative force in Ethiopian music. He has proven that nothing defines your path as much as talent and being true to oneself,” says Yambawork Maigregu, Senior Brand Manager Johnnie Walker + Reserve.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
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