‘As Above, So Below’ / Sampa The Great [Feature]
Sampa the Great brings us the sound of her homeland Zambia to her second studio album ‘As Above, So Below’.
Returning to be amongst family during the pandemic, Sampa the Great (born Samp Tembo) spent the last three years in Zambia where she produced her sophomore record As Above, So Below with one of her dream producers Mag44.
In As Above, So Below Sampa unites her outer self with her inner, considering how to emancipate herself from expectations - from a mask or role. The vulnerability inherent within the narrative has brought a new sound and feel to her music, where listeners can experience a more un-guarded and honest version of Tembo.
The record plays into the ideal version of the artist's self - from the serious to the more sensual. Dealing with themes of femininity and identity personified through the character of Eve “The woman I’ve always wanted to be is Eve,” she says. This is a wordplay on the first woman as Sampa intends to be the first woman in her family that redefines what African women can be, and break generational stereotypes put in place. Through this idea of Eve the record further delves into the notion that “the outer world is literally a manifestation of our inner chaos”: Sampa is becoming Eve.
“As a woman in hip hop, there’s always a one-dimensional way of expressing who we are. I wanted to make sure that my womanhood is expressed in a way that’s comfortable for to me and in my art… When I decided to go on the journey of Eve, I had to push myself to be more comfortable in expressing my femininity through my art, on my own terms. I then used that energy to birth ‘As Above, So Below’.”
In As Above, So Below we not only see ideas surrounding the past, present and future of femininity but also the sonic sounds that influence Tembo as an artist.
In the record Tembo collaborates with Emmanuel Jagari Chada from the iconic 70s Zamrock band W.I.T.C.H on the sixth track “Can I Live”, as well as paying homage to the band on the third track of the album “Never Forget”. Alongside these collaborations, she collaborates with five-time Grammy award winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo who she grew up listening to.
As for Magg4, Tembo talks of him in high regard: “You’re the spark, you’re the innovator. Our very own African Timbaland”. A true groundbreaker in his field, Mag44 brings the Zambian sound to the forefront, particularly in “Never Forget” where traditional Ngoma drums by band Nomakankani are placed next to hand claps, marimba, and modern 808’s. These instrumental choices are alongside ethereal harmonies by Sampa’s sister Mwanje, an ode of respect to family and those who came before, merging “past, present and future through music; passing the baton from one generation to the next”.
Time and time again Sampa has proved herself to audiences around the world, from cutting her teeth in the industry in Naarm to playing on stages all over the world from Brazil to America. Moving back to Zambia was pivotal in creating this record as we hear her growing beyond her roots and becoming truly expansive, transcending all genres and expectations - both as an artist and as a woman. “I can be everything and anything,” she says. “Nothing is limiting because I can do it all.” An important sentiment that can truly be heard throughout the record.
This is Sampas truest expression to date as it truly feels like an important chapter in her career as she cements her position within the world of hip-hop alongside her melodic flow.
Stay up to date with Sampa the Great on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Written by Evie Vlah (@cherrygarcon)
Photos by Constantine Spence (@constantine_spence) and Imraan Christian (@imraanchristian)
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