Daniel Lemma (born October 12, 1970) is an Ethiopian-born Swedish singer-songwriter, composer, and musician based in Gothenburg. His work draws on American roots music, combining elements of blues, soul, gospel, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and folk. Although his recordings often have a retro character, Lemma's songwriting and arrangements give the music a contemporary and personal identity.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lemma moved to Sweden as an infant. He formed his first band as a teenager and later relocated to Gothenburg, where he became part of the city's live music scene. During the 1990s, he performed with the group Mo Blues. He subsequently spent time in New York, recording an album for Pallas Records that was never released because of a legal dispute. The experience nevertheless helped shape his reputation as a seasoned performer before he established himself as a solo artist.
Lemma's breakthrough came after his return to Sweden around 2000. He recorded music for Josef Fares' film *Jalla! Jalla!* (2000), including the romantic song "If I Used to Love You." The track became his best-known early recording and earned a Swedish Grammis nomination. His debut album, *Morning Train* (2001), reached a much wider audience and was certified gold in Sweden. The album introduced the warm vocal style, restrained arrangements, and roots-oriented songwriting that would remain central to his career.
He followed the debut with *Meeting at the Building* (2002), an album that expanded his sound with denser and more modern production. *Dreamers and Fools* (2005) continued that development and included music connected with the film *Om Sara*. During this period, Lemma also contributed to film projects including *Kops* and continued to work as a live performer.
Seeking greater artistic independence, Lemma established the label Dextra Music. His first release on the label, *Somebody on Your Side* (2007), was largely self-produced and returned to a more direct, spontaneous style. The album emphasized his acoustic guitar, expressive vocals, and a compact band sound. It was followed by *Rebound* (2009) and *Telescope* (2012), records that maintained his blend of soul, blues, gospel, and roots music while allowing room for further experimentation.
Lemma has also worked across music and theater. In 2016, he appeared at the Gothenburg City Theatre in *Stjarnornas trost*, a production based on the poetry and prose of Karin Boye. The music, composed by Fredrik Jonsson, placed Lemma's voice in a quieter setting influenced by country and soul. He later returned to Boye's work with *Evighet - Daniel Lemma sjunger Karin Boye*.
In 2011, Lemma and Par Klang wrote and performed "Changing the World," the official song of the World Scout Jamboree. His later recordings include the collaborative projects *Common Ground* and *Punch of Love* with Hot This Year Band, as well as *Sorgardens Tak* (2021). The album *Addis* (2023) marked a renewed musical connection with Addis Ababa and incorporated Ethiopian influences into his established roots-based approach. Across his career, Lemma has remained known for an understated but powerful vocal presence and for songs that place groove, emotional clarity, and live musicianship ahead of polished pop convention.