A cover of the Bryan Adams song Heaven propelled the Spanish musician Samuel Bouriah to a number one position in the UK singles chart in 2002. Known globally by his stage name DJ Sammy, the composer and recording artist built his professional foundation within the clubs of Mallorca, eventually producing five studio albums over the course of his multi-decade career.
Early Career and Training
Born in 1969 in Palma, Bouriah began his professional activities in 1984, performing in various pubs and dance clubs across Mallorca. He acquired formal technical qualifications while attending the Mallorca Music College, where he trained as a sound technician. By 1991, he initiated a collaboration with dancer Marie-José van der Kolk at Zorba's Club. The following year, he secured a position as the resident disc jockey at the Joy Palace Club in Arenal.
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Bouriah’s recorded output gained commercial traction in November 1995 with the release of his first single, Life Is Just a Game, which featured vocals by van der Kolk. The pair performed under the name DJ Sammy featuring Carisma. He subsequently established his own business interests, including the label Super M Records and the Gamba Music Company. His 1998 debut album, Life Is Just a Game, preceded the 2002 album Heaven, which featured collaborations with Dutch vocalist Do and covers of tracks by Don Henley.
Later Projects and Remixes
The 2005 album The Rise included the track Rise Again, which appeared on the soundtrack for the film It's All Gone Pete Tong. In 2007, Bouriah expanded his reach into production and songwriting for other artists, including Enrique Iglesias on the track Tired of Being Sorry, Marta Sánchez on the song Superstar, and David Bisbal on the track Aquí Ahora. During the Balearic Masters tour, which began in 2007, he introduced his protégé, the singer Nyah, who later appeared on several of his co-produced tracks.
Recent Discography
His production work continued into the following decade. In June 2013, he released the single Shut Up and Kiss Me, featuring vocals by The Jackie Boyz, with a music video directed by Mark Feuerstake. More recently, in July 2020, he released the single This Is Who We Are in collaboration with Australian vocalist Chloe Martin. He also currently hosts a weekly radio show and podcast titled MyClubRoom.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Palma, Spain
- Occupations: Composer, disc jockey, musician, record producer
- Debut album: Life Is Just a Game (1998)
- Daughter: Saphira María (born 10 February 2005)
- Notable collaboration: Enrique Iglesias
- Record label founder: Super M Records
- Radio program: MyClubRoom
Questions readers ask
What is DJ Sammy's real name?
His legal name is Samuel Bouriah.
Did DJ Sammy attend formal music training?
Yes, he completed training as a sound technician at the Mallorca Music College.
Achievements
- Genres: Eurodance