Sampa The Great - As Above So Below (Limited Edition Seaglass Blue Vinyl LP)

As Above, So Below is the second studio album by Zambian-born, Botswana-raised rapper and songwriter Sampa The Great, released on 9 September 2022. A powerful exploration of identity, heritage, spirituality and self-discovery, the album blends hip-hop, Zamrock, soul, jazz and traditional Southern African musical influences into a bold and distinctive sound. Featuring standout tracks Lane, Never Forget, Bona and Let Me Be Great, it captures an artist confidently embracing her roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop.

Following the critical success of her debut album The Return, Sampa returned to Zambia to reconnect with her family, culture and musical heritage. Those experiences became central to As Above, So Below, which draws heavily on African rhythms, live instrumentation, layered percussion and powerful vocal arrangements. Recorded with contributions from musicians across the African continent, the album celebrates cultural pride while exploring the complexities of belonging and personal identity.

The opening track Shadows establishes the album's atmospheric and introspective tone, while Lane, featuring American rapper Denzel Curry, delivers explosive energy and commanding lyricism. Never Forget, featuring Chef 187, Tio Nason and Mwanjé, is a celebration of African musical heritage, combining infectious rhythms with a powerful message about remembering where you come from.

Mask On explores identity and self-expression, while Bona incorporates traditional rhythms and Zambian musical influences into an energetic, danceable arrangement. Can I Live?, featuring W.I.T.C.H., draws on the psychedelic rock traditions of Zambia's influential Zamrock movement, highlighting the album's adventurous approach to genre and collaboration.

The second side explores more personal territory through tracks such as Imposter Syndrome and Tilibobo, balancing introspective songwriting with vibrant production. Lo Rain introduces a more atmospheric mood, while IDGAF delivers uncompromising confidence. The album concludes with Let Me Be Great, featuring Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo, a triumphant celebration of identity, resilience and self-belief.

Praised for its ambitious production, cultural depth and commanding performances, As Above, So Below demonstrates Sampa The Great's ability to unite traditional African musical influences with contemporary hip-hop. Its rich instrumentation and dynamic arrangements make it a particularly rewarding album for listeners who appreciate adventurous, genre-crossing music.

This collectible Limited Edition Seaglass Blue Vinyl LP presents the complete 11-track album on a single coloured vinyl record. Released through Loma Vista Recordings, this edition combines the album's distinctive artwork with a striking seaglass blue pressing, making it an appealing addition to collections of contemporary hip-hop, African music and modern soul.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Sampa The Great
• Album: As Above, So Below
• Format: Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl LP
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Soul / African Music / Zamrock
• Original Release: 9 September 2022
• Edition: Limited Edition Seaglass Blue Vinyl
• Vinyl Colour: Seaglass Blue
• Number of Records: 1
• Number of Tracks: 11
• Label: Loma Vista Recordings
• Barcode: 888072451957
• Condition: Brand new & sealed

Track List:

Side A
A1 Shadows
A2 Lane (feat. Denzel Curry)
A3 Never Forget (feat. Chef 187, Tio Nason & Mwanjé)
A4 Mask On
A5 Bona
A6 Can I Live? (feat. W.I.T.C.H.)

Side B
B1 Imposter Syndrome
B2 Tilibobo
B3 Lo Rain
B4 IDGAF
B5 Let Me Be Great (feat. Angélique Kidjo)