Swiss singer, songwriter, and producer Elijah Salomon releases his sixth album, Essenz, a project that marks a turning point in his artistic career. The ten tracks blend reggae and dancehall with shades of afrobeat, soul, hip hop, and electronic music, creating a sound that is modern, deep, and yet danceable.
The origins of Essenz trace back to the 2021 lockdown, a period during which Elijah spent long days in his studio surrounded by synthesizers and samplers, experimenting with new sounds. The album emerged from that creative exploration, moving between the warmth of human connection and the resilience required to face life’s challenges.
Songs like Mir Zwei and Whine Up celebrate the joy and togetherness found in dance, while the title track Essenz delves into the search for love and acceptance. In Fatou, Elijah pays tribute to the energy of the Mandinka woman, accompanied by the sound of the West African kora and production from Nigerian artist Juwhiz. Tracks like Keep on Rocking, Stronger, and Blieb Starch encourage inner strength and perseverance, conveying a message of hope that runs throughout the Album.
The album features Didi (Zurich, Switzerland), Chris Obasi (Zurich, Switzerland), Angel Doolas (Jamaica), Mike Brooks (UK/Jamaica), Joe Ariwa (UK), Big Zay (Senegal), Diha Trawally (Gambia), and Kebba & Saow (Gambia). Other contributors include Michele Bochicchio (The Dubby Conquerors), Kirk Bennett (Beres Hammond), Delroy Hamilton (Raging Fyah), Nico Grosskopf (Koffee), and Colly Cisee, alongside Elijah Salomon himself.
