Sammy Virji: The God of Garage Is Here to Stay
Let's get one thing straight: Sammy Virji isn't just making waves—he's creating a tidal force that’s sweeping across the global dance music scene. Since 2017, this UKG prodigy has been cooking up beats that make you want to throw your hands in the air and forget about everything but the groove. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t some overnight sensation story. Sammy's rise has been a well-deserved climb, and in 2024, he’s proving that he’s ready to take his place among the elite.
Flashback to the late 2010s when UK garage was simmering on the underground scene, waiting for someone to come along and turn up the heat. Enter Sammy Virji, a fresh face with a knack for blending the old-school garage vibes with a modern twist. His talent caught the eye of Conducta, the UKG wizard himself, who slid into Sammy's DMs on Facebook—yes, Facebook! Conducta wanted to drop Sammy’s track on his newly minted Kiwi Rekords label, and the rest is history. Tracks like “Shapes” and “Whippet” put Sammy on the map and had garage heads nodding in approval.
In 2020, Sammy Virji dropped his debut album, *Spice Up My Life*, and let’s just say, it did exactly that. The lead single “Until Tomorrow” was an instant hit, but it was the album as a whole that really showed us what Sammy was made of. Peaking at No. 7 on the UK Dance Albums Chart, this was the moment the industry started to take notice. This wasn’t just another garage artist; this was a game-changer.
He followed up with “Santorini,” a collab with Smokey Bubblin' B that featured on the 1Forty compilation EP. This track was like sipping a cocktail on a Greek island—smooth, refreshing, and left you wanting more.
Fast forward to 2023, and Sammy is officially on fire. His collaboration with Salute on the track “Peach” was pure magic—despite a cheeky prank Sammy pulled on Salute during its production. When that track dropped in March, followed by the release of Salute’s *Shield* EP, it became clear: Sammy Virji was in a league of his own.
And who could forget his viral DJ Mag set in August 2023? If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and hit up TikTok. Sammy’s remix of Hamdi’s “Counting” (yes, the one that samples Mason and Princess Superstar’s “Perfect (Exceeder)”) and his flip of Unknown T’s “Goodums” were nothing short of genius. It was a set that cemented his reputation as the DJ who can make you dance like nobody’s watching—all while flashing that infectious megawatt smile.
By May 2024, everyone from garage purists to casual listeners knew that Sammy was more than just a DJ—he was a performer, an artist, a vibe. Felicity Martin from Planet Woo even dubbed him “that DJ who’s always smiling,” and honestly, who could argue? With a sound that dips between bassline, UKG, reggae, and old-school house, Sammy’s sets are a rollercoaster of euphoria.
As if dominating the UK wasn’t enough, Sammy’s “Like a Virjin” headline tour in 2024 was a sell-out success across the UK, and now he’s bringing that energy across the pond. Liverpool, Nottingham, Leeds, Cardiff, Newcastle—you name it, he’s been there, done that, and left the crowd begging for more, which they will be getting soon. And now, he’s hitting Washington DC, Toronto, NYC, and LA on his UK/North America tour too, spreading the gospel of garage across the globe.
And let’s not forget about his latest hits. “If U Need It” charted at No. 94 on the UK singles chart—no small feat for a genre that was once considered niche. Singles like “Hot in Here,” “Moonlight,” and “Summertime Blues” (featuring none other than Chris Lake and Nathan Nicholson) have only further solidified his status as the god of garage.
So, what’s the verdict? Sammy Virji is not just another DJ; he’s an icon in the making. His sound is unique, his energy is unmatched, and his ability to blend genres is pure artistry. Whether you’re catching him live on tour or vibing to his latest release, one thing’s for sure: Sammy Virji is here to stay, and we’re all better for it.
The god of garage has spoken—now it’s time to listen.
