# Sampa the Great returns to Zambian sounds on third album

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/sampa-the-great-nu-zamrock-review-a-full-circle-moment-for-a-world-class-act/
- Published: 2026-10-30T14:00:17+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T14:22:19+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/oct/31/sampa-the-great-nu-zamrock-review-a-full-circle-moment-for-a-world-class-act
- Topics: Culture, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Sampa the Great’s third album reconnects her music with Zambian roots.
- *Nu Zamrock* blends African rhythms, rock, hip-hop and soul.
- The review praises her versatility and self-assured performance.

## Summary

Sampa the Great’s third album, *Nu Zamrock*, draws on Zamrock and other African sounds, bringing her back to the Zambian roots she has long emphasised. The review describes it as a full-circle moment: a blend of influences that have travelled across continents and genres before returning to southern Africa.

Tembo, who was born in Zambia and raised in Botswana, won major Australian music awards after beginning her career there, but has spoken about resisting being labelled Australian. The album combines polyrhythms, kalindula and fuzzed guitar with hip-hop, soul and pop; songs range from the resilience anthem “Can’t Hold Us” to the forceful “Canary” and the softer “Catch If You Can”. Sia appears on “Supernova”, while the review says Tembo’s charisma and command remain central.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.