Karl Wolf

Although raised in Lebanon, Karl Wolf launched his music career in Canada, where his multi-platinum cover of Toto's "Africa" sparked a string of hit Canadian singles that combined elements of R&B, pop, and electronic dance music. Born in Beirut on April 18, 1979, Carl Abou Samah earned the nickname "Wolf" in high school, thanks to his speed on the basketball court. He immigrated to Canada while still a teenager and launched his music career shortly thereafter, initially working as a producer and co-writer for artists like Gabrielle Destroismaisons. After performing with the pop/rock band Sky from 2003 to 2005, he launched his solo career with 2006's Face Behind the Face. Bite the Bullet followed in 2007, featuring his cover of the 1980s pop hit "Africa." A massive hit across the globe, Wolf's "Africa" peaked at Number 2 in Canada, Number 3 in the Czech Republic, Number 4 in Hungary, and Number 20 in Japan. His third album, 2009's Nightlife, spawned another international hit with "Yalla Habibi," while 2012's Finally Free included the gold-selling singles "Ghetto Love" and "Mash It Up," both of which cracked the Canadian Top 40. While continuing to release additional solo material during the decade's remainder, Karl Wolf also resumed writing songs for other artists. "Hula Hoop," co-written by Wolf and recorded by Jamaican reggae star Omi, became a worldwide smash in 2015, going platinum in Canada and Australia while peaking at Number 3 in Sweden, Number 8 in Denmark, Number 12 in Germany, and Number 20 in the Netherlands.