Words by Musonda Mukuka
Zambian-born hip-hop icon Sampa The Great is set to make her highly anticipated return to the music scene with her third studio album, Nu Zamrock, her first full-length project in four years.
The album, which follows her critically acclaimed As Above, So Below, is scheduled for release on September 30 and sees the internationally-acclaimed artist drawing inspiration from one of Zambia’s most influential musical traditions — Zamrock.
Known for her ability to blend Kalindula, Kwaito and 1990s Hip-hop with contemporary sounds, Sampa is taking her musical exploration in a new direction with Nu Zamrock.
The project is deeply connected to her Zambian heritage and pays particular tribute to her uncle, George “Groovy Joe” Kunda, a founding member of Zamrock pioneers W.I.T.C.H.
The album forms part of what Sampa describes as her “return to Africa movement”, a journey she says represents a reclamation of her professional career in the place that has provided much of the inspiration for her artistic identity.
Born in Zambia, raised in Botswana and having spent much of her professional career in Australia, Sampa The Great has built an international career that has taken her across continents and musical genres.
Her achievements include four ARIA Awards, a feature on the FIFA soundtrack and the distinction of becoming the first Zambian artist to perform at Coachella.
She has also performed at major international festivals such as Glastonbury and toured alongside globally recognised artists including Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar.
Sampa is also the first and only artist to have won the Australian Music Prize twice, an achievement that has further established her as one of the most distinctive artists to emerge from Australia’s music scene.
However, her influence extends beyond awards and international recognition. Her music reflects the diverse environments and cultures that have shaped her, incorporating elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B, jazz, spoken word and African rhythms.
As a rapper, singer and songwriter, Sampa has also developed a distinctive visual identity, with her music videos and live performances becoming an important part of her artistic expression.
In recent years, her work has increasingly explored her Zambian roots and the musical traditions associated with the country. On Never Forget, she paid tribute to Zamrock while reflecting on her personal connection to Zambia.
She has also incorporated sounds such as Amapiano and kwaito into her music, demonstrating her willingness to experiment while remaining connected to African musical traditions.
That spirit of experimentation continues on Nu Zamrock, which represents another chapter in her artistic journey following a lengthy hiatus.
The album brings together the energy and lyrical force of hip-hop with the rawness of rock, while drawing directly from the foundations of Zamrock.
The 16-track project features collaborations with a diverse group of artists, including Sia, Mwanjé, Uncle George, KAMAUU and Nicole Gumbe.
For an artist whose career has consistently crossed geographical boundaries, musical genres and cultural identities, Nu Zamrock represents another significant step in Sampa The Great’s continuing exploration of the sounds, stories and heritage that have shaped her.
The album also provides an opportunity for a new generation of listeners to encounter Zamrock through the perspective of one of Zambia’s most successful contemporary musical exports.
With her distinctive approach to music, visual storytelling and cultural identity, Sampa The Great’s return promises to add another chapter to an already remarkable international career.
Picture: Sampa the Great