Ahead of the release of her third album Nu Zamrock, Sampa the Great caught up with us to chat about the new bundle of rockin’ songs, as well as the unexpected place they came from.

How did your new album Nu Zamrock come about? It was inspired by my Uncle George Kunda and his story of being one of the pioneers of the genre ZamrocK. Knowing someone from my family pursued music and basically pioneered a genre encouraged me to take it further and expand and create a flip on the genre that I call Nu Zamrock.

Describe what the genre Zamrock sounds like to a new listener. It’s a mixture of psychedelic rock or rock and kalindula music (zambian folk music).

What makes this new era of music different to all the ones that have come before? I think the new era has access to a more global palette. In terms of sounds and art, we have more material to pull from when creating something that is essentially a hybrid. 

What song are you most looking forward to folk hearing from Nu Zamrock and why? “Canary”! Definitely a sound I don’t think I ever thought I'd make. It's an exciting growth that I can hear myself making. 

When did you find out about your uncle’s own musical background, and what did that mean to you? Around 2020 and 2021 after making music with WITCH, it was revealed that the founder of the band was my blood uncle. It made sense that this music and love to create was passed on from somewhere. It equally gave me permission to want to pursue more and redefine more. 

Where did making the album take you? Spiritually. Legacy. What I leave behind for my kids to feel is that if they ever pursue music, it was always in their blood. 

What’s next for Sampa the Great? Music and film. They go hand in hand and I’ve always said that. Can’t wait to explore and see where it takes me!!

For more ace music chats, have a squiz at our chinwag with rad rocker Maia Toakley or take a gander at Babyccino’s perfect playlist. Plus, sign up to our newsletter to stay in the music loop.