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Have you ever felt a disconnect from your heritage? Like a piece of you was missing? For Zambian-born artist Sampa The Great, music became the bridge that reconnected her to her roots.
Raised between Botswana and Zambia, Sampa always felt caught between two worlds. "It was a huge sort of identity thing for me when I was younger…where you knew that you were being raised in a country outside of the country where you're from, so you didn't quite fit in," she shares in a conversation with National Geographic Explorer Danielle Lee.
This feeling of being a cultural chameleon followed her into adulthood, especially when her music career took off in Australia. The pressure to represent an entire culture while navigating her own identity led to a period of self-discovery.
Returning to Her Roots Through Zamrock
Sampa's journey of rediscovering her Zambian heritage led her to Zamrock – a unique genre that blends traditional Zambian music with psychedelic rock. Popular in the 1970s, Zamrock resonated deeply with Sampa. It was a sound that was uniquely Zambian, yet it had gained international recognition, much like her own career trajectory.
This musical exploration wasn't just about appreciating a bygone era; it was about understanding her own musical lineage. Sampa discovered that her uncle was a founding member of the iconic Zamrock band, The Witch. This revelation solidified the power of heritage and the unspoken connections that flow through generations.
The Power of Language in Music
For Sampa, language is more than just words; it's a vessel of culture, emotion, and ancestral memory. In her music, she seamlessly weaves together English, Bimba (her mother's language), and Nyanja, showcasing the richness and diversity of Zambian culture.
"There's so much you miss out on…to hear music in English versus music in your ancestral tongue," Sampa explains. She recognizes the power of language to evoke deeper emotions and create a stronger connection with her listeners.
Finding Solace in Nature
The life of a touring musician can be exhilarating and exhausting. For Sampa, returning to her family's farm in Zambia is essential for her well-being. Surrounded by the tranquility of nature, she finds the space to recharge and reconnect with herself.
"It reminds me that I'm alive more than any stage could," she reveals. The farm is her sanctuary, a place where she can shed the weight of expectations and simply exist.
Sampa The Great's journey is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultural divides, heal old wounds, and reconnect us to the essence of who we are. Through her exploration of Zamrock, her celebration of Zambian languages, and her deep connection to nature, she inspires us all to embrace our heritage and find our own unique rhythm.
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