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Zamrock Revival: Sampa the Great's Bold New Sound
20 Dec
Summary
- Sampa the Great is incorporating 1970s Zamrock into her new album.
- Zamrock blends psychedelic rock with traditional Zambian sounds.
- Global artists like Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator are sampling Zamrock.
Zambian-born, Botswanan-raised artist Sampa the Great is drawing inspiration from her country's 1970s musical movement, Zamrock, for her third studio album. She described Zamrock as a sound of "new freedom" and "boldness" that reflects a post-colonial identity, which she aims to reintroduce with a contemporary twist. The lead single from her forthcoming album, "Can't Hold Us," already showcases this fusion with prominent fuzz guitar riffs and Sampa's confident rapping.
This musical revival extends beyond Sampa the Great, as other prominent contemporary artists have also explored Zamrock's rich sonic landscape. Notably, American hitmakers Travis Scott, Yves Tumour, and Tyler, the Creator have sampled tracks from influential Zamrock bands like Ngozi Family, Amanaz, and WITCH. This suggests a growing global appreciation for the genre's distinctive sound, previously confined primarily to the African continent during its initial popularity.
The influence of Zamrock is now also reaching audiences through popular media. Its unique sound has been featured in the soundtracks of television series such as HBO's superhero drama 'Watchmen' and the Emmy-winning comedy 'Ted Lasso.' This broader integration into mainstream entertainment highlights the genre's enduring appeal and its surprising journey from a niche African movement to global recognition in recent years.
