Sampha releases second album ‘Lahai’

Sampha’s new LP, Lahai, is the album we didn’t know we needed.

The announcement of Sampha’s Australia and New Zealand tour for early 2024, follows the release of his second album in October, Lahai – the name deriving from his middle name inherited from his grandfather, emphasising the importance of family and relationships in his art.  

Earlier in the year, Sampha blessed us with his presence on stage after a 5-year hiatus, only making Australia’s arms open wider for the musician to visit us Down Under. While he left his fans waiting for new music, he was busy at work. Having worked with legends Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, and so many more – his smooth-like-butter vocals are craved by other artists and fans alike.

In his first album, Process, it was clear he was in a darker emotional space after the passing of his mother. “Oh, sleeping with my worries, yeah / I didn’t really know what that lump was / My luck.” (Plastic 100°C). His messaging is clear, made further in ‘Reverse Faults’ and throughout the album, “Smashed this window in my heart / And I blamed you / This anger’s taking me apart.” 

But Lahai sheds a new light on the South London singer-songwriter. He’s reconnected with the world and his audience and puts his fatherhood identity in the melodies. “Through the eyes of my child, I can see an inner vision.” (Satellite Business).

Sampha’s sound knows no bounds; conjuring R&B, soul, jazz, and African music with electronic dance undertones thrown in. The soothing and alluring notes from Lahai only leave you wanting more from him and hoping that the message he brings us next, whenever that may be, is just as detailed, insightful and profound.

A rather unconventional method of performance will take place in Melbourne in March 2024, where he and his band will be positioned in the centre of the arena, completely immersing the crowd in his sounds from all around. An experience not worth missing!

Lahai is out now and tickets are on sale for Sampha’s tour 2024.

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