Zambian rapper and singer Sampa the Great returns with Nu Zamrock, a 16-track album that connects her hip-hop sound with the musical history of her home country.
Released on October 30, 2026, the project takes inspiration from Zamrock, a musical movement that emerged in Zambia during the 1970s. The genre combines psychedelic rock, funk, African rhythms and electric guitar sounds.
There is a personal story behind the album. While reconnecting with relatives in Zambia, Sampa discovered that her uncle, George Kunda, popularly known as Groovy Joe, was a founding member of WITCH, one of the pioneering bands of the Zamrock movement. That discovery inspired her to explore her family connection to the genre and introduce it to a new generation.
Rather than simply recreating the old Zamrock sound, Sampa brings her own style into the music. Her rap delivery sits alongside distorted guitars, live instrumentation and traditional African influences. The result is a project that moves between hip-hop, soul and psychedelic rock.
The album also features some notable collaborations. British singer Sia appears on “Supernova,” while American rapper KAMAUU joins Sampa on “Star.” Mwanjé features on “Can’t Hold Us,” and Nicole Gumbe contributes to “Gone.”
Other recordings include “Simon Says,” “Catch If You Can,” “Location,” “Canary” and “I Can Love.” The closing track offers a more personal moment, with Sampa exploring self-acceptance and the ability to love despite personal doubts.
Nu Zamrock is her third studio album, following The Return and As Above, So Below. Released through Loma Vista Recordings, the project runs for approximately 37 minutes.
Full Tracklist – Sampa the Great – Nu Zamrock
1. Intro
2. Prayer In A Dance
3. Can’t Quit Music
4. Simon Says
5. Catch If You Can
6. Can’t Hold Us (feat. Mwanjé)
7. Location
8. Canary
9. Maybe Then
10. Supernova (feat. Sia)
11. So Mone
12. Star (feat. KAMAUU)
13. The Journey Is Underrated
14. Gone (feat. Nicole Gumbe)
15. Nicole’s Interlude
16. I Can Love
With Nu Zamrock, Sampa the Great brings an important part of Zambia’s musical heritage into contemporary music. Listen to the album and tell us which track caught your attention first.
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