Karl Wolf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karl Wolf
|
|
|---|---|
Karl Wolf performing in Montreal in June 2011
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Carl Abou Samah |
| Also known as | KW, Karl Wolf |
| Born | April 18, 1979 Beirut, Lebanon |
| Origin | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, soul, fusion |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, record producer, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | LW Records LW Entertainment EMI (2001–2010) Universal Republic (2010) Universal Music Canada (2011–present) |
| Associated acts | Sky, Choclair, Culture, Striger |
Carl Abou Samah (born April 18, 1979), known by his stage name Karl Wolf, is a Lebanese-Canadian musician who lives in Toronto, Ontario. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer who has been making music since 2001.
Wolf is most famous for his hit song "Africa". This song was a remake of the original by the band Toto. Wolf's version became a huge success in Canada and other parts of the world. He has released many albums, including Face Behind the Face (2006), Bite the Bullet (2007), and Nightlife (2009).
Besides his own music, Wolf helps other new artists through his company, Lone Wolf Management. He also co-wrote the hit song "Hula Hoop" for the singer OMI.
Contents
From Lebanon to Canada
Karl Wolf was born in Beirut, Lebanon, into a musical family. His mother taught piano, and his father played several instruments, including the guitar and the oud (a Middle Eastern stringed instrument). When he was three, his family moved to the UAE to escape the civil war in Lebanon.
His stage name, "Wolf," came from a nickname he got on his high school basketball team. Because he was the smallest and fastest player, his teammates called him Wolf.
In 1995, at age 16, Wolf moved to Montreal, Canada. He studied Film at Concordia University. He started his music career by writing and producing for other artists. He also sang backup for the Quebec band Dubmatique.
Music Career
Early Success
Wolf's early work with Quebec singer Gabrielle Destroismaisons was very successful. He co-wrote two number-one songs for her, which earned him a Félix Award, a major music award in Quebec.
This success led him to join the Canadian pop band Sky as their new lead singer in 2002. He helped write and produce their album Picture Perfect. He also worked on the popular Quebec TV show Star Académie, which produced one of Canada's best-selling albums in 2003.
Becoming a Solo Star
In 2005, Karl Wolf decided to start his solo career. He released his first album, Face Behind the Face, in 2006. It had popular singles like "Butterflies" and "Desensitize".
His big break came with his second album, Bite the Bullet, in 2007. This album included his remake of the song "Africa". Wolf's version, featuring the artist Culture, became a massive hit. In 2009, it jumped to number 2 on the Canadian music charts and was number 1 on iTunes. It remains his most famous song.
After the success of "Africa," he released other popular singles like "Carrera" and albums such as Nightlife (2009) and Finally Free (2012).
Working with Other Artists
Karl Wolf has worked with many other musicians. He has featured Canadian artists like Choclair, Culture, and Kardinal Offishall on his songs. He has also worked with international stars like Timbaland and Fatman Scoop.
In 2015, he formed a group called BAE (Be All Equal) with Show Stephens and Brenda Mullen. That same year, he co-wrote the song "Hula Hoop" for OMI, which became a worldwide hit.
Through his own record label, Lone Wolf Records, he continues to produce music and help new artists get started in the industry.
Discography
Here is a list of Karl Wolf's main studio albums.
- Face Behind the Face (2006)
- Bite the Bullet (2007)
- Nightlife (2009)
- Finally Free (2012)
- Stereotype (2014)
- WOW (2015)
- Blacklight (The Export, Vol. 2) (2018)
- 2AM Vibes (2021)
Famous Singles
Some of Karl Wolf's most popular songs include:
- "Africa" (featuring Culture)
- "Carrera"
- "Yalla Habibi"
- "Ghetto Love" (featuring Kardinal Offishall)
- "Mash It Up" (featuring Three 6 Mafia)
- "Magic Hotel" (featuring Timbaland & BK Brasco)
Awards and Recognition
Karl Wolf has won many awards for his music. Here are a few of his major wins:
- ADISQ (Felix Award) (2001): Best Mix and Sound of the Year
- SOCAN Award (2004): Best Popular Song
- MTV Europe Music Award (2008): Best Arabia Act
- SOCAN Award (2010): Urban Music Award for "Africa"
- Canadian Urban Music Award (2013): Urban Artist of The Year
He has also been nominated for many Juno Awards, which are Canada's top music awards.
See also
In Spanish: Karl Wolf para niños
