Malta-based Ethiopian artiste finds fame in North America

An Ethiopian magician and comedian has returned to Malta with his Maltese wife and four children after spending two months in the United States and Canada giving "all in the family performances".

For Samson Leguesse, his wife Josephine and sons Yonas, Vince, David and Fikre, their visit was not just about performances however but about meeting hundreds of Ethiopian immigrants with whom to rekindle memories.

Mr Leguesse was invited to the United States by Samson Seyfou, an Ethiopian who lives in Washington DC, and who is the chairman of the Old Students of French Lycee Gebre Mariam in Addis Ababa, the school both men attended in their childhood.

Mr Seyfou, who promotes Ethiopian talent in America, came to Malta to meet Mr Leguesse and assess his show. He offered to promote him through Yegnaw Enterprise, a company he set up for this purpose.

Washington DC is home to the biggest Ethiopian community overseas. They are so many that the Amharic language has become one of the five official languages spoken there, Mr Leguesse said.

"My whole family set out to take part in the shows in America and Canada. Josephine was the costumes manager and in charge of back stage. Yonas, the youngest son, was the make-up artist and in charge of props. Vince was the technician in charge of sound and light. David and Fikre took part in the shows as they are into spirit combat and helped on stage.

"When we arrived we saw fliers hanging all over the city, an interview was held on the radio and an advert was placed on the Washington City paper. The website www.samagic.com was created and visited by many fans, many of whom wrote encouraging messages on the guest book," Mr Leguesse said.

His wife confessed she could not explain the emotions of meeting so many people. "My husband has been in Malta for 21 years and he did not know what happened to most of his relatives and acquaintances because of the instability in his country.

"Each one of the Ethiopians we met had a story to tell. Many of them went through very hard times before finally landing on the success they are enjoying today.

"Samson is a Maltese citizen who has always tried to promote Malta among tourists. His motto is 'Laughter is the best medicine' and he has always succeeded to keep people happy. He is a born artist with exceptional talent. He feels it is his duty to make people happy and in this he has succeeded very well.

"But in spite of the success in Malta Samson had always felt the need to find old contacts.

"I had to keep back tears when I heard the people thanking Samson for making them laugh after such a long time and telling him he made them live again the old times.

"Everyone was stupefied by Samson's skill both as a comedian and as a magician but mostly by his ability to capture his audience no matter what nationality," she said.

Mr Seyfou was so impressed with the way Mr Leguesse and his family were greeted that he is working on the production of a DVD and video recording of the shows.

"This was an unforgettable experience from all points of view and something that happens only once in a lifetime. It was the best therapy Samson could get to start afresh on his return here," Mrs Leguesse said.

Mr Leguesse, who until recently was involved with an animation team at a hotel, said animation was not taken seriously enough in Malta. "It is the way hotels can make excellent PR with their guests. Animation gives life. Creates activities. People love it. I am willing to share my experiences with anyone who wants to contact me through the website or otherwise," he said.

He signs off with one good word of advice: "People should keep one thing in mind. Life is too short to make things complicated."