Zambian rapper and singer Sampa the Great has returned with “Nu Zamrock,” a 16-track album connecting her hip-hop sound to Zambia’s musical history. Released on October 30, 2026, the project draws from Zamrock, a 1970s movement built on psychedelic rock, funk, African rhythms and electric guitar.
The story behind “Nu Zamrock” runs through her own family. While reconnecting with relatives in Zambia, Sampa learned that her uncle, George Kunda, known as Groovy Joe, was a founding member of WITCH, one of the movement’s pioneering bands. That discovery pushed her to explore the genre and carry it to a new generation.
She does not simply recreate the old sound, though. Her rap delivery sits alongside distorted guitars, live instrumentation and traditional African influences, so the album moves between hip-hop, soul and psychedelic rock.
The guest list spreads across borders too. British singer Sia appears on “Supernova,” while American rapper KAMAUU joins her on “Star.” Mwanjé features on “Can’t Hold Us,” and Nicole Gumbe contributes to “Gone.”
Albums like this keep a forgotten sound alive while pushing it forward.
What do you make of Sampa the Great – “Nu Zamrock”? Drop your thoughts in the comment section.
