DJ Sammy

Samuel Bouriah, known professionally as DJ Sammy, was born on October 19, 1969, in Mallorca, Spain. His music career began in 1984, performing in various pubs and dance clubs across Mallorca. During this formative period, he also underwent training as a sound technician at the Mallorca Music College, acquiring the technical skills that would later support his production work. In 1991, a significant turning point occurred when he met dancer Marie-José van der Kolk, who would become his future wife and a key vocalist in his early projects. They performed together at Zorba’s Club in Palma, and by 1992, DJ Sammy had secured a residency at the Joy Palace Club in Arenal, with Marie Jose serving as a resident dancer.

DJ Sammy’s professional recording career commenced in November 1995 with the release of his debut single, “Life Is Just a Game,” featuring Marie-José, who by then had transitioned to singing under the stage name Carisma. This track achieved Top 10 status in the Spanish record chart, laying the groundwork for subsequent successes. Further singles, “You’re My Angel” and “Prince of Love,” gained popularity on the German record charts. In June 1998, he released his debut album, also titled “Life Is Just a Game.” Demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative, DJ Sammy established his own music label, Super M Records, and co-founded the Gamba Music Company, expanding his influence beyond performance and into music business operations.

The early 2000s marked a period of international breakthrough for DJ Sammy. In 2002, he released the album “Heaven,” which featured chart-topping singles such as “Sunlight” and covers of well-known songs. Notably, his cover of Bryan Adams’ “Heaven,” featuring Dutch vocalist Do, became a global success, reaching number one in the UK and entering the top 10 in multiple other countries, including the U.S. This was followed by a successful cover of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.” His 2005 album, “The Rise,” included the charting single “Rise Again,” featured in the soundtrack for the film “It’s All Gone Pete Tong,” and a cover of Annie Lennox’s “Why.” Throughout his career, DJ Sammy has collaborated with numerous artists and producers, including Enrique Iglesias, Marta Sánchez, David Bisbal, and Soraya Arnelas, further solidifying his position as a notable figure in electronic dance music.