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Sampha

Sampha Lahai Sisay (born 16 November 1988) is a British singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer from Morden, South London.^[1] Born to Sierra Leonean immigrant parents as the youngest of five brothers, he is renowned for his emotive falsetto vocals and introspective lyrics that explore themes of grief, identity, and spirituality.^[2]^[3] His music blends alternative R&B, electronic, and soul influences, earning critical acclaim for its vulnerability and innovation.^[4] Sampha first gained prominence through collaborations with leading artists in the 2010s, contributing his distinctive voice to tracks such as "Too Much" by Drake, "Saint Pablo" by Kanye West, and "Don't Touch My Hair" by Solange, among others including Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, and Alicia Keys.^[5] Early associations with producers like SBTRKT and Jessie Ware helped establish his reputation in the UK electronic and alternative scenes.^[5] He released his debut EP, Dual, in 2013, followed by the studio album Process in 2017, which became his breakthrough as a solo artist.^[5] The studio album Process, released in February 2017 via Young Turks, delves into personal loss, including the death of his mother from cancer, and features piano-driven arrangements that highlight his raw emotional delivery.^[4] It won the Mercury Prize in September 2017, propelling Sampha to wider recognition and peaking at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart.^[6]^[4] His second studio album, Lahai—named after his middle name and inspired by Sierra Leonean folklore and his experiences with fatherhood—arrived in October 2023, incorporating jazz and dance elements while continuing his exploration of heritage and self-reflection.^[2] In October 2025, he released the single "Cumulus / Memory", an outtake from the Lahai sessions co-written with Romy of the xx.^[7] Throughout his career, Sampha has maintained a focus on live performances and production, influencing a generation of genre-blending artists.^[8]

Early life

Family background and childhood

Sampha Lahai Sisay was born on 16 November 1988 in Morden, South London, to parents who had immigrated from Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom in the 1980s.^[9]^[10] As the youngest of five brothers, he grew up in a household that maintained close connections to their Sierra Leonean roots, including an extended family still based in the country.^[11]^[9] His father, Joe Sisay, worked as a diamond evaluator after relocating the family to London in 1982, and he played a pivotal role in the home's musical atmosphere by regularly introducing Sampha and his siblings to diverse recordings, ranging from Sierra Leonean and Malian folk music to contemporary pop, opera like Pavarotti, and artists such as Salif Keita.^[12]^[10]^[13] This weekly ritual of new CDs fostered an early appreciation for global sounds within the family's encouraging environment in Morden.^[14]^[15] Sampha's initial foray into music began in this setting, where a piano was a fixture in the home, prompting him to start learning the instrument as a young child before pursuing more formal lessons in secondary school.^[5]^[11] His older brother Sanie further shaped these interests by constructing a makeshift home studio and exposing him to production tools like Cubase around age 12, blending familial influences with hands-on experimentation on family instruments.^[16]^[17]

Musical education and influences

Sampha's musical education was largely self-directed, beginning with piano lessons informally guided by his family at age three using the household instrument. As a teenager, he honed these skills independently, teaching himself jazz chords and delving into music production within his brother Sanie's home studio setup. This hands-on approach allowed him to experiment with songwriting and electronic elements, fostering a versatile foundation without structured training.^[10]^[14] Enrolled in a South London comprehensive school characterized by a predominantly white student body and minimal formal music curriculum, Sampha sought out extracurricular outlets to nurture his interests. He participated in church activities, attending services and engaging with gospel music until around age 11, when personal doubts led him to step away. These experiences, combined with bonding over shared tracks during school bus rides with friends and immersion in local South London music circles, provided vital early exposure to communal performance and diverse sounds.^[10] His formative influences drew from a rich blend of soul, hip-hop, and global rhythms, including Stevie Wonder's emotive melodies, D'Angelo's neo-soul introspection, and J Dilla's innovative beats, which resonated through family listening sessions. West African rhythms, rooted in his Sierra Leonean heritage, intertwined with U.K. garage and rare groove tracks played at home, shaping his rhythmic sensibility. Online platforms like MySpace further expanded his horizons in his late teens, around 2007 (age 19), where he encountered Burial's atmospheric electronic productions, inspiring his own textural experiments. He began creating initial recordings—intimate bedroom demos blending piano, vocals, and budding production techniques—around ages 15 to 16. He uploaded these to MySpace for feedback and connection with like-minded artists.^[10]^[14]

Career

Early collaborations

Sampha's entry into the music industry began in 2009 when he joined the Young Turks label as an intern, following the label's discovery of his online demos; this opportunity led to his official signing and early exposure within London's burgeoning electronic scene.^[10] His breakthrough arrived through an extensive partnership with producer SBTRKT, where Sampha provided soulful vocals on nearly every track of SBTRKT's self-titled debut album in 2011, including the standout single "Movements," which introduced his emotive style to electronic music audiences.^[18] This collaboration marked Sampha's pivotal role in blending R&B influences with post-dubstep production, earning critical acclaim and establishing him as a sought-after collaborator.^[19] In 2012, Sampha contributed to Jessie Ware's debut album Devotion by co-writing the track "Night Light," a reflective ballad that highlighted his songwriting prowess alongside Ware's powerful vocals; this followed their earlier joint single "Valentine" in 2011, which showcased their shared South London roots and glitchy pop sensibilities.^[20]^[21] His guest appearance on Drake's 2013 album Nothing Was the Same, delivering introspective vocals on "Too Much," further elevated his profile, connecting him to international hip-hop circles after Drake received Sampha's beats via Young Turks.^[5] By 2016, Sampha featured on Solange's critically acclaimed A Seat at the Table, providing harmonies on "Don't Touch My Hair," a track addressing identity and cultural pride.^[22] These early partnerships solidified Sampha's reputation as a versatile vocalist and producer, bridging UK electronic, R&B, and alternative scenes through his nuanced contributions that emphasized emotional depth over genre boundaries.^[18]

Solo releases and breakthroughs

Sampha's solo career gained momentum with the release of his debut EP, Dual, on July 29, 2013, through the Young Turks label.^[23] Recorded in his bedroom in South London, the EP features five tracks, including "Without" and "Demons," characterized by lush, electro-acoustic production that blends intimate vocals with subtle electronic elements.^[24] Critics praised its patient and nuanced approach, highlighting Sampha's falsetto and emotional depth as a promising shift toward his independent voice.^[18] Sampha's breakthrough arrived with his debut studio album, Process, released on February 3, 2017, also via Young Turks. Co-produced by Sampha and Rodaidh McDonald, the album explores themes of grief and self-discovery, deeply influenced by the death of his mother from cancer in 2014.^[25] Key tracks such as "Blood on Me" and "Plastic 100°C" delve into personal loss and vulnerability, with sparse instrumentation underscoring raw emotional narratives.^[14] The record received widespread acclaim for its meditative introspection, earning a Mercury Prize win in September 2017 and topping the UK R&B Albums Chart.^[4]^[26] Following Process, Sampha embarked on extensive touring, including a headline set at Glastonbury Festival in June 2017, where he performed standout renditions of album tracks like "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano."^[27] He also supported major artists such as Solange on her European tour dates, solidifying his reputation through dynamic live shows that emphasized his vocal range and improvisational style.^[28]

Recent developments

In 2023, Sampha released his second studio album, Lahai, on October 20 via Young Records, marking his first full-length project in six years and featuring 14 tracks that blend electronic, R&B, and live instrumentation, including orchestral swells and expansive arrangements.^[29] The album delves into themes of joy, ancestry, fatherhood, and breaking generational cycles, drawing from Sampha's Sierra Leonean heritage and personal reflections on family.^[2] Key singles included "Spirit 2.0," released in June with its upbeat, drum-driven energy, and "Only," a September release emphasizing introspection and connection. Supporting Lahai, Sampha embarked on a North American headlining tour in spring 2024, commencing March 26 in Miami and concluding April 14 in Vancouver, with stops in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto to showcase the album's live dynamics.^[30] He also performed at major European festivals that year, including Glastonbury in June on the Woodsies Stage, Lowlands in the Netherlands in August, and Way Out West in Sweden, where his sets highlighted tracks like "Dancing Circles" and "Suspended" alongside older material.^[31] In October 2024, a deluxe edition of Lahai arrived, adding four bonus tracks to expand its sonic universe. In 2025, Sampha shared the single "Cumulus / Memory" on October 23, a nearly seven-minute outtake from the Lahai sessions co-written with Romy Madley Croft of The xx, who provides backing vocals; the track adopts an ambient electronic style evoking clouds and memory.^[7] This release coincided with ongoing production endeavors, including his 2024 collaboration with Romy on "I'm On Your Team," a dreamy electronic track born from joint sessions. In interviews, Sampha has hinted at future projects, expressing interest in collaborations with artists like André 3000 to further evolve his sound.^[32]

Personal life

Health challenges and family loss

In 2010, Sampha's mother, Binty Sisay, was diagnosed with cancer, a development that profoundly affected the musician as his career began to gain momentum.^[33] The illness went into remission but returned several years later, and Sisay passed away in September 2015.^[34] During this time, Sampha balanced touring commitments with caregiving responsibilities, often splitting his time between professional obligations and supporting his family in South London.^[5] Additionally, during Sampha's late teens, his older brother suffered a stroke that left him physically disabled, adding to his caregiving duties.^[5] Sampha himself faced significant health anxieties around 2015, discovering a persistent lump in his throat that underwent endoscopy but remained undiagnosed by medical professionals.^[34] This unexplained issue, compounded by his family's history of cancer—his father, Joe Sisay, had died from lung cancer in 1998—intensified his fears of personal illness and contributed to a period of emotional vulnerability.^[5] Although it did not require surgery, the scare prompted Sampha to pause aspects of his professional life for introspection, influencing the introspective tone of his debut album Process.^[35] The cumulative grief led Sampha to seek solace with extended family, including a trip to Sierra Leone—his parents' homeland—to bury his mother and reconnect with relatives for emotional support.^[36] This relocation provided a cultural anchor amid loss, though he has described the experience as one of quiet processing rather than overt mourning. The emotional weight subtly permeates his songwriting, manifesting in abstract explorations of mortality, isolation, and resilience rather than direct narratives of bereavement.^[2] Following the 2017 release of Process, Sampha has engaged in public discussions about cancer's impact on his life, using interviews to highlight the importance of early detection and familial support in interviews with outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times.^[5] These conversations serve as a form of advocacy, encouraging awareness without formal campaigns, and reflect his ongoing commitment to destigmatizing health struggles in the music community.^[2]

Fatherhood and later life

Sampha became a father to a daughter in the spring of 2020 with his long-term partner.^[11]^[37] The experience of raising his child amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic provided a grounding influence, restructuring his priorities and infusing his life with renewed purpose.^[11]^[38] Fatherhood emerged as a profound source of optimism for Sampha, shaping the themes of his 2023 album Lahai, which explores family legacy, spirituality, and breaking generational cycles.^[39]^[11]^[40] In interviews, he has described parenthood as a joyful counterpoint to earlier grief, fostering a deeper appreciation for life's interconnectedness and enabling him to channel personal renewal into his creative process.^[41]^[42] Named after his grandfather, Lahai reflects this shift toward embracing fear and celebrating familial bonds.^[43] Residing in South London with his partner and daughter, Sampha prioritizes privacy in his family life, sharing limited details to shield their daily routines from public scrutiny.^[44] His Sierra Leonean heritage remains central, with extended family ties in the country informing his sense of identity, though he has kept recent personal travels understated.^[9]^[11] Following his prior health scare, this period has allowed greater focus on family, complemented by involvement in South London community efforts, such as supporting music education initiatives at his alma mater, Ewell Castle School.^[45] As of 2024, Sampha continues to balance these personal commitments without reported major relocations or upheavals.^[46]

Artistry

Musical style

Sampha's signature musical style is characterized by his use of falsetto vocals layered over electronic beats, piano loops, and orchestral swells, creating a fusion of R&B, soul, electronic music, and West African percussion.^[34]^[9]^[47] This approach is evident in tracks like "Kora Sings" from his debut album Process, where scampering percussion and West African-inspired rhythms blend with electronic elements to evoke emotional depth.^[34] In later work such as Lahai, this evolves into a broader palette incorporating jungle and broken beat rhythms alongside West African Wassoulou influences, resulting in a sonically futuristic yet timeless sound.^[48]^[49] His production hallmarks include layered synths and the integration of field recordings, which add intimate, atmospheric textures to his compositions.^[34] On Process, co-produced with Rodaidh McDonald, these elements contribute to sparse yet tension-filled arrangements, with synths and electronic noise enhancing the meditative quality of the tracks.^[34] This style has evolved in Lahai toward jazz-infused arrangements, featuring syncopated breakbeats, warm synths, and contributions from collaborators like Kokoroko's Sheila Maurice Grey, introducing more dynamic and textured layers.^[50]^[47] Sampha's vocal delivery is intimate and emotive, employing phrasing that conveys raw vulnerability without reliance on auto-tune, prioritizing authenticity in his performances.^[9] His gentle, shimmering falsetto often cracks to express grief and emotional range, serving as the focal point above the instrumentation.^[34] This approach draws from soulful traditions, allowing his voice to shimmer with delicate power across bouncy electronic beats and staccato rhythms.^[51] As a multi-instrumentalist, Sampha centers his work on keyboards and piano, using them as foundational elements for personal expression, while incorporating guest strings and brass in later projects to add orchestral depth.^[34] In Lahai, glistening keys interplay with strings and brass sections from collaborators, enriching the soulful and jazz-oriented soundscapes.^[48]^[47]

Themes and influences

Sampha's music frequently grapples with themes of grief and healing, most prominently in his 2017 debut album Process, which confronts the emotional aftermath of his mother's death from cancer in 2015. The album navigates mortality and loss through raw, introspective lyrics, as seen in tracks like "Plastic 100°C," where he evokes the sensation of being "burned alive" to symbolize overwhelming sorrow and the struggle for recovery.^[52] This work emphasizes personal reckoning without descending into despair, highlighting the therapeutic potential of confronting pain.^[53] In his 2023 sophomore album Lahai, Sampha pivots toward themes of ancestry, joy, and identity within the diaspora, inspired by fatherhood and familial legacy. Named after his paternal grandfather—whom he never met but honors through shared photographs and stories—the record explores breaking generational cycles and finding communal uplift, with songs like "Jonathan L. Seagull" using gospel-infused harmonies to represent unity and spiritual renewal.^[50] These motifs reflect his Sierra Leonean roots, weaving in ancestral narratives passed down from his grandmother and a sense of diasporic belonging.^[40]^[13] A hallmark of Sampha's songwriting is its expression of personal vulnerability untethered from strict autobiography, allowing universal resonance through emotional authenticity rather than literal recounting. As he has described, it involves "getting things off my chest, or expressing vulnerabilities, even if they're not things that are autobiographical in the traditional sense."^[9] His influences draw from Sierra Leonean folklore and traditions, evident in the incorporation of local drumming and coastal symbolism in Process' accompanying film, evoking rebirth amid loss.^[13] Early exposure to London grime shaped his rhythmic sensibilities, stemming from his South London upbringing where he produced beats under the alias Kid Nova before evolving toward soulful introspection.^[16] Additionally, he nods to Nina Simone's emotive intensity, citing her "Sinnerman" as inspiration for the urgent, narrative-driven flow in "Blood On Me."^[54] Sampha's lyrical evolution traces a path from the solitary introspection of his early EPs, such as Dual (2013), which pondered existential doubt in sparse, confessional tones, to the outward celebration of connection in Lahai.^[12] This progression mirrors a broadening perspective, from individual healing to collective joy, often employing vivid metaphors like shifting weather patterns in "Cumulus / Memory" (2025, from Lahai sessions) to convey fleeting emotions and inner turmoil.^[7] Collaborations with peers like James Blake, a longtime friend whose electronic soul parallels Sampha's, further inform this communal ethos.^[16]

Discography

Studio albums

Sampha has released two studio albums to date, both issued through Young Turks, a subsidiary of XL Recordings. These works represent his evolution from introspective electronic soul to more expansive, genre-blending compositions, drawing on personal themes of loss, identity, and spirituality.^[55] His debut album, Process, was released on February 3, 2017, and features eight tracks co-produced by Sampha and Rodaidh McDonald. The record explores grief and familial bonds, inspired by the death of Sampha's mother from cancer and his own health scare involving a lump in his throat. Standout tracks include the piano-driven ballad "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano," which captures raw emotional vulnerability, and the rhythmic "Under 33," blending falsetto vocals with subtle percussion. Process received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative production and lyrical depth, praised by The Guardian as a "powerful debut of experimental R&B about death and grief." Commercially, it peaked at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart following its win of the 2017 Mercury Prize, the prestigious award for the best British or Irish album of the year. In the US, it sold over 20,900 pure copies by 2018.^[56]^[25]^[4]^[57]^[58] Sampha's sophomore effort, Lahai, arrived on October 20, 2023, comprising 14 tracks that expand his sonic palette with lush synths, live drums, and orchestral elements, reflecting a self-directed vision influenced by fatherhood and cosmic wonder. Key highlights include the soaring opener "Only," which meditates on redemption and faith, and "Dancing Circles," a syncopated track evoking fleeting connections through layered harmonies and breakbeats. The album garnered praise for its emotional expansiveness and textural richness. It debuted at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart and topped the UK R&B Albums Chart, marking Sampha's highest-charting release. Features from collaborators like Yaeji and Léa Sen add diverse vocal textures, underscoring the project's communal spirit.^[55]^[59]^[60]^[61] As of November 2025, Sampha has not released a third studio album, though he issued a deluxe edition of Lahai in 2024 with additional tracks and a standalone single, "Cumulus / Memory," in October 2025. His earlier EPs, such as Dual (2013), served as precursors to the cohesive narratives in these full-length projects.^[62]^[7]

EPs and singles

Sampha's earliest solo release was the Sundanza EP, issued in a limited run of CDs by Young Turks on June 21, 2010.^[63] This six-track project showcased his initial foray into electronic music, featuring atmospheric and experimental soundscapes with tracks such as "Kij," "Curves," and "Subconscious."^[64] The EP was distributed in a small quantity before the original master files were accidentally deleted, leading to a reissue on Bandcamp in January 2014 after Sampha recovered and remastered the material.^[65] Sundanza highlighted Sampha's production skills and nascent vocal style, marking his transition from collaborative work to standalone efforts with an emphasis on textured, instrumental-driven compositions.^[66] Following a three-year gap, Sampha released his second EP, Dual, on July 29, 2013, via Young.^[67] This six-track collection, recorded in his bedroom in Morden, South London, served as a pivotal early solo statement, blending intimate piano ballads with subtle electronic elements and exploring themes of loss and introspection.^[18] Key tracks included "Demons," "Without," and "Indecision," which demonstrated his evolving songwriting and emotional depth, paving the way for his debut album.^[68] Dual received critical acclaim for its raw vulnerability and was reissued on limited-edition orange vinyl in 2023 to mark its 10th anniversary.^[69] In addition to his EPs, Sampha has issued several notable non-album singles and digital-only releases that advanced his career trajectory. His 2013 double A-side single "Too Much / Happens," produced in part by Emile Haynie, addressed relational overthinking and personal reflection, with "Happens" serving as a B-side that echoed the introspective tone of Dual.^[70] The track "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano," released in January 2017 as the lead single from his debut album Process, became a breakthrough, peaking at number 92 on the UK Singles Chart and earning praise for its poignant tribute to his late mother and childhood piano.^[71] Later that year, "Plastic 100°C" emerged as another standout single, premiered in June 2016 and capturing the pressures of health and relationships through melting metaphors, further solidifying his reputation for emotive, genre-blending R&B.^[72] Advancing into the 2020s, Sampha's singles continued to reflect personal growth amid challenges. "Spirit 2.0," released on June 28, 2023, as the lead for his second album Lahai, marked his return after six years and explored themes of healing and spirituality with a gossamer arrangement.^[73] In 2025, the digital single "Cumulus / Memory," co-written with Romy of The xx and issued on October 23, was revealed as an outtake from Lahai sessions, blending two-part structures over seven minutes to delve into memory and emotional flux.^[7] Other digital releases, such as the 2024 single "Satellite Business 2.0" and B-side remixes tied to earlier works, have been available exclusively online, emphasizing experimental remixes and unreleased demos that extend his electronic roots without album integration.^[74] These singles and EPs collectively trace Sampha's progression from underground electronic producer to a Mercury Prize-winning artist, with limited charting success underscoring his cult appeal over mainstream metrics.^[75]

Awards and nominations

Mercury Prize

In July 2017, Sampha was announced as one of 12 nominees for the Mercury Prize, recognizing outstanding British and Irish albums released between July 29, 2016, and July 21, 2017, with his debut album Process selected for its intimate exploration of grief and personal health struggles.^[76]^[77] The shortlist, revealed by the Mercury Prize judging panel chaired by Tony Wadsworth, also included high-profile acts such as The xx for I See You, Ed Sheeran for ÷, and Stormzy for Gang Signs & Prayer.^[78] On September 14, 2017, at the ceremony held at London's Eventim Apollo and hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music's Mary Anne Hobbs, Sampha performed a poignant rendition of "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano" before being announced as the winner for Process.^[79] Actor Idris Elba presented him with the £25,000 prize, which Sampha described as an "incredible" triumph, dedicating it to his parents for providing the best possible upbringing amid personal hardships.^[80]^[81] The win, a surprise over favorites like Glass Animals and The xx, elevated Process—already acclaimed for its soulful vulnerability—as a landmark in contemporary British music, underscoring the prize's role in championing innovative artistry.^[4]^[82] The victory triggered a significant commercial surge for Process, with streams increasing by 672% and physical/digital sales rising 540% in the week following the announcement, propelling the album back into the UK Top 10 at number three.^[83]^[84] This boost not only amplified Sampha's visibility but also highlighted the Mercury Prize's enduring impact on artists' careers through heightened exposure and critical validation. As of 2025, Sampha has received no further Mercury Prize nominations, including for his 2023 album Lahai.

Other recognitions

In addition to his Mercury Prize win, Sampha received a nomination for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the 2018 Ivor Novello Awards for "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano," recognizing the track's lyrical depth and composition from his debut album Process.^[85] He was also shortlisted for the British Breakthrough Act at the 2018 BRIT Awards, highlighting his emergence as a key figure in British music following the release of Process.^[86] Sampha earned multiple nominations at the 2017 MOBO Awards, including Best Male Act, Best R&B/Soul Act, and Best Album for Process, underscoring his impact in the R&B and soul genres.^[87] In 2023, he was nominated for Best R&B/Soul Act at the MOBO Awards. At the 2025 MOBO Awards, Sampha was nominated for Album of the Year for Lahai, Best Male Act, and Best Video for "Only".^[88]^[89] Further accolades include a nomination for Album of the Year at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, as a featured artist on Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.^[90] At the 2024 Ivor Novello Awards, Sampha led nominations with nods for Best Album for Lahai and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for "Spirit 2.0," co-written with Yussef Dayes.^[91] At the 2024 AIM Independent Music Awards, Sampha won Best Independent Track for "Spirit 2.0" and Best Independent Video for "Only".^[92] Earlier in his career, he placed fourth in the BBC's Sound of 2014 poll, signaling his rising prominence among emerging UK artists.^[93]

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Sampha: Process Album Review | Pitchfork
Feb 3, 2017 · His father, Joe, passed away from lung cancer in 1998. His mother, Binty Sisay, died of cancer in September 2015. Throughout the spare electro- ...Missing: influence | Show results with:influence
[34]
Sampha Prepares for the Spotlight With 'Process' After Family Tragedy
Feb 3, 2017 · Sampha's wild creativity has inspired famous fans, from Drake to Kanye West, who are rooting on a debut album that grapples with his mother's death.
[35]
The heartbreaking story of how losing his mum to cancer inspired ...
Sep 15, 2017 · But the star was called back home to the London suburb of Morden in late 2014 to care for his seriously-ill mother. One of five brothers, Sampha ...
[36]
The Music Week Interview: Sampha
Oct 18, 2023 · ... Sampha's brother used to read him as a child), Lahai operates on a more cosmic level, too. Our chat also meanders into far out territory ...
[37]
SAMPHA- 'I had a very nutritious musical upbringing' | RNZ
Dec 9, 2023 · Sampha Sisay, A.K.A SAMPHA is a British singer, producer, musician and songwriter known for his smooth and rich voice. He first burst onto ...
[38]
Sampha On Embracing Fear, Fatherhood and The Beauty of Life ...
Oct 23, 2023 · Sampha On Embracing Fear, Fatherhood and The Beauty of Life With 'Lahai': Six years after 'Process', Sampha takes flight with his familial, ...
[39]
Sampha: Breaking & Rebuilding Generational Cycles on LAHAI ...
Oct 23, 2023 · Sampha is a once in a generation artist who takes his time putting immense care and intention into everything he touches - and LAHAI is no different.
[40]
Sampha on Headstands, Homesickness, and Spiritual Intervention
Dec 18, 2023 · British musician Sampha calls us up after dropping his sophomore album to talk party tricks, psychedelic cartoons, and existential crises.
[41]
Interview: Sampha's preoccupation with family, life and the other ...
Dec 13, 2023 · We caught up with Sampha to talk the themes of family, life challenges, and spirituality that saturate 'Lahai'
[42]
Sampha Opens Up About Fatherhood and Musical Journey in 'Laha'i'
Through “Lahai,” Sampha embarks on a journey to connect with his grandfather's legacy, learning about his role as a community pillar who significantly ...
[43]
Sampha on the lifetime spent making his new album
Oct 31, 2023 · The south London artist meets author Caleb Azumah Nelson to discuss his record 'Lahai', fatherhood and navigating music's changing landscape.
[44]
Mercury Prize-winner Sampha Sisay returns to Ewell Castle School
Nov 29, 2017 · Mercury Prize-winning musician Sampha Sisay returned to his old school to open its new music pavilion and performing arts centre.
[45]
Sampha on New Album and Return to Australia and New Zealand
Feb 7, 2024 · Sampha's Sierra Leone roots come alive in the lively arrangments, fusing Wassoulou and West African folk with glitchy electro-soul layered atop ...
[46]
Sampha's 'LAHAI': A Rich Tapestry of Jazz, Soul, and West African ...
Sep 6, 2023 · “LAHAI” is a testament to Sampha's unparalleled versatility, effortlessly bridging genres like jazz, soul, rap, dance, jungle, and West African ...Missing: influences arrangements
[47]
Lahai - Album by Sampha - Apple Music
Oct 20, 2023 · Lifted by warm synths and strings, songs are energised by the busy rhythms of jungle, broken beat and West African Wassoulou music. Images of ...
[48]
“Lahai” is Sampha's masterful fusion of electronic and R&B elements
Oct 22, 2023 · Sampha creates a beautiful fusion of electronic and R&B elements, creating an album that is sonically futuristic, yet timeless.Missing: orchestral | Show results with:orchestral
[49]
Sampha - Lahai - Northern Transmissions
Dec 24, 2023 · Sampha calls out to his family: “Everybody gather round / Gonna take this picture now”, encapsulating a special moment in his life much like the ...<|separator|>
[50]
Sampha's vocals, production shine in dreamy sophomore album
Oct 27, 2023 · “Lahai” contains genuinely intriguing ideas related to self-realization, change and a search for purpose, and these themes could have proved ...
[51]
Sampha's Album Process Is Grief Writ Large, and Beautifully - Vulture
Feb 3, 2017 · Process is haunted by these realities of loss and mortality. When Sampha's not reliving his real world adversities he's being burned alive in opener “Plastic ...
[52]
Sampha's debut album explores pain and grief - The Daily Texan
Feb 6, 2017 · Sampha is a human reveling in his success and wallowing in his failures. He expresses the aches and pains of mourning, and the importance of recovery.Missing: healing | Show results with:healing
[53]
“I just imagined me running away from, I don't know, something ...
Feb 15, 2018 · I just imagined me running away from, I don't know, something.” —Sampha ... I guess I was kind of inspired, as well, by Nina Simone, “Sinnerman.
[54]
Jeshi Embraces London's Stench On 'The Great Stink' - TRENCH
Sampha Revisits 'LAHAI' Sessions For New Release "Cumulus / Memory" ...
[55]
Lahai | Sampha - Bandcamp
Lahai by Sampha, released 20 October 2023 1. Stereo Colour Cloud (Shaman's Dream) 2. Spirit 2.0 3. Dancing Circles 4. Suspended 5. Satellite Business 6.<|control11|><|separator|>
[56]
Sampha - Process Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
Feb 3, 2017 · The album was produced by Sampha and Rodaidh McDonald and was released on the English independent label Young Turks.
[57]
Process by Sampha - Music Charts
Process by Sampha appeared on 10 charts for 18 weeks, peaked at #7 in United Kingdom. View detailed chart stats and album information.
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chart data on X: "US pure album sales: @sampha, Process 20,900 ...
Aug 18, 2018 · US pure album sales: @sampha, Process 20900 (total).Missing: performance UK
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Sampha - Lahai Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
Oct 20, 2023 · LAHAI is Sampha's long-anticipated sophomore album, coming after the release of his debut album, Process, six years prior.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[60]
Inspired by a childhood tale, Sampha takes to the sky on 'Lahai' - NPR
Feb 15, 2024 · In this session, Sampha talks about making the album; about the lessons he's learned in fatherhood; and he and his band perform songs from Lahai.
[61]
LAHAI – SAMPHA | Official Charts
Latest chart stats about LAHAI - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest news.Missing: performance UK 20
[62]
https://www.discogs.com/artist/1561067-Sampha
[63]
Sampha - Sundanza Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
Jun 21, 2010 · Sundanza is Sampha's first EP, released on June 21, 2010 by Young Turks on CD. On January 21, 2014… read more ». About “Sundanza”. About ...
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Sundanza - Cumulus / Memory | Sampha - Bandcamp
Sundanza by Sampha, released 21 January 2014 1. Kij 2. Curves 3. Rainstars 4. Arctic 5. Shades 6. Subconscious.
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Listen: Sampha Releases Sundanza Collection of Early Recordings
Jan 21, 2014 · He's re-released Sundanza, a project he put out through Young Turks in 2010, on Bandcamp. Initially distributed in a limited-edition run of CDs.
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Sampha - Sundanza - Reviews - Album of The Year
Music Reviews: Sundanza by Sampha released in 2010. Genre: Electronic ... Overall a solid EP worth checking out if you're a fan of Sampha. Score - 7/10.<|control11|><|separator|>
[67]
Dual - Cumulus / Memory | Sampha
Free deliveryDual by Sampha, released 29 July 2013 1. Demons 2. Beneath the Tree 3. Without 4. Hesitant Oath 5. Indecision 6. Can't Get Close.
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Sampha - Dual Lyrics and Tracklist | Genius
Jul 29, 2013 · Dual is the second EP from English singer, songwriter, and producer Sampha. The EP follows Sundanza which was released three years prior.
[69]
https://www.discogs.com/master/646840-Sampha-Dual
[70]
Sampha - Too Much / Happens Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
Before his work for Drake and Kanye West, Sampha made “Too Much”, a single about not overthinking a relationship. He wants… read more.
[71]
https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/sampha-no-one-knows-me-like-the-piano/
[72]
Sampha Premiers New Song In An Emotional Video Performance
Jun 28, 2016 · The song, called “Plastic 100°C,” is a beautiful anthem for those trying to deal with the immense pressures of life.
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Sampha Returns With First New Song in 6 Years, 'Spirit 2.0'
Jun 28, 2023 · Mercury Prize-winning singer and producer Sampha returned Wednesday with “Spirit 2.0,” his first solo song in over six years.
[74]
Dual - EP by Sampha | Spotify
Dual. Sampha. 20136 songs, 17 min 27 sec. Demons · Sampha · Beneath the Tree · Sampha · Without · Sampha · Hesitant Oath · Sampha · Indecision.
[75]
SAMPHA songs and albums | full Official Chart history
SAMPHA songs and albums, peak chart positions, career stats, week-by-week chart runs and latest news.Missing: performance | Show results with:performance
[76]
Ed Sheeran, the xx, Sampha Lead Mercury Prize Nominations
Jul 27, 2017 · The Mercury Prize committee announced the shortlist of nominees for the British album of the year on Thursday, with Ed Sheeran, Sampha, Alt-J, the xx and ...
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Ed Sheeran, The xx, Sampha Lead Mercury Prize 2017 Nominees
Jul 27, 2017 · The 2017 Mercury Prize nominees, celebrating the best U.K. albums, include Ed Sheeran and The xx.
[78]
Judging panel announced for the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize Awards
Jul 5, 2017 · Music executive Tony Wadsworth CBE is the chair of the judging panel, with the 2017 Albums of the Year shortlist to be announced on July 27. The ...
[79]
Sampha wins Mercury Prize 2017 - PRS for Music
Sep 15, 2017 · Actor Idris Elba presented Sampha with his £25,000 prize at the ceremony in London, where the singer performed a stunning version of (No One ...
[80]
Sampha wins! - Mercury Prize
Sep 14, 2017 · Sampha has been crowned the winner of the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize for his debut album 'Process'. The Awards Show was hosted by BBC Music's ...
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Sampha Has Won The 2017 Mercury Prize | The FADER
Sep 14, 2017 · "I'd like to dedicate this award to my parents...they just wanted to give us the best upbringing possible." He also performed "Nobody Knows Me ...Missing: influence | Show results with:influence
[82]
Beyoncé, Drake Collaborator Sampha Wins Mercury Prize, Beating ...
Sep 14, 2017 · Soul singer Sampha has won the prestigious Hyundai Mercury Prize for his debut album Process – marking him down as a name to watch after years ...Missing: details speech
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Sampha benefits from post-Mercury sales boost - Music Week
Sep 18, 2017 · Spotify said that, following his Mercury Prize win, Sampha's album streams increased by 672% compared to a week earlier. Relive the best ...
[84]
Mercury Prize winner Sampha returns to Top 10 with Process
Sep 22, 2017 · Sampha has returned to the Top 10 with debut album Process, following his Hyundai Mercury Prize victory last night. Having peaked at No.
[85]
Ivor Novello Awards 2018: Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and More Nominated
Apr 24, 2018 · Other nominations for Best Song Musically and Lyrically include Sampha's “No One Knows Me,” and Elbow's “Magnificent (She Says).” Related.
[86]
https://www.brits.co.uk/news/2018/british-breakthrough-act-announced/
[87]
2017 MOBO AWARDS NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED!
Oct 17, 2017 · Mercury Prize winner Sampha receives three nominations for Best Male, Best R&B/Soul Act and Best Album for his critically acclaimed debut “ ...
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MOBO Awards: The full list of nominations | Music - Jazz FM - Rayo
Dec 14, 2023 · MOBO Awards 2023: The full list of nominations. Author: David May ... SAMPHA. SAULT. BEST HIP HOP ACT. AVELINO. CLAVISH. DIGGA D. ENNY. FREDO.
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https://mobo.com/news/2025-mobo-awards-nominations-announced-newcastle-ceremony
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Sampha, Yussef Dayes and Daniel Pemberton top Ivor Novello ...
Apr 23, 2024 · Sampha and Dayes get nods for best album and share in nomination for Sampha's song Spirit 2.0 at awards for British songwriting and composition.
[91]
BBC Sound of 2014: Sampha - BBC News
Jan 7, 2014 · Introspective electronic producer and singer-songwriter Sampha has come fourth in the BBC's Sound of 2014 new music list, which showcases emerging artists for ...