“In the vast global array of rap stars shining beyond the mainstream, Sampa The Great is a particularly luminous presence. Over the course of seven years, the 29-year-old has evolved in front of our eyes from an ambitious up-and-comer to an acclaimed two-time Australian Music Prize winner. The Zambia-born, Botswana-raised, former Australian resident’s second studio album ‘As Above, So Below’ compel”
“Before she relocated to Zambia during the pandemic, Sampa Tembo (AKA Sampa the Great) had a message for the Australian music industry: “I’ve seen the industry scheme, and it’s a killer; I’ve seen the industry kill the dreams of a dreamer.” Time’s Up was a scathing manifesto that Tembo unleashed on her critically acclaimed debut album, The Return. From there she was named Double J’s artist of the y”
“Sampa The Great embraces new horizons with As Above, So Below”
“There’s a slight Sasha Fierce vibe to the concept behind Sampa Tembo’s latest album as Sampa the Great. Described as uniting her outside self (As Above) and inner self (So Below), the album is an exploration of identity in the truest sense, rooted in reality and fantasy. Rather than Beyoncé’s Sasha, though, Tembo’s alter ego is Eve. The character represents Tembo’s ideal self and is channeled thro”
“The rapper continues to explore identity and belonging on her second album. Recorded in her native Zambia, it folds together zamrock, polyrhythmic percussion, and choral harmonies.”
