After
The Return
became
Sampa the Great
's second release to win the Australian Music Prize, she was set to embark on a major international tour when the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily put a stop to live events throughout the world. She moved from Australia back to Zambia, where she was born, and spent time reconnecting with her family as well as the music of her youth.
As Above, So Below
takes influence from past and present styles of music from Zambia, Botswana (where
Sampa
was raised), and South Africa, sounding organic and earthy yet thoroughly contemporary. A much more concise record than the sprawling, jazzy
,
As Above
similarly celebrates heritage and culture while looking inward and discussing personal issues. Stirring highlight "Never Forget" pays tribute to Zamrock (a '70s psychedelic rock movement) and kalindula music, acknowledging
's roots while affirming her place in history. The gritty, bluesy "Can I Live" is a collaboration with Zamrock legends
WITCH
, which counted one of
's uncles among its early members. "Tilibobo" incorporates amapiano-style log drums, and "Bona" has heavier, more forceful bass matching
's rapid, defiant rhymes.
Denzel Curry
Joey Bada$$
, and
Kojey Radical
assist
on some of the album's most aggressive, trap-influenced cuts, with the beat switch-ups during
Bada$$
's "Mask On" verse being a particularly riveting moment. "Lo Rain," one of two tracks featuring
's sister
Mwanje
, counters hard rhyming with lush harmonies. Afro-pop trailblazer
Angelique Kidjo
guests on the triumphant closer "Let Me Be Great," one of several songs about affirming one's legacy. ~ Paul Simpson