Sampa The Great is here to give every one of us a sensational reminder of the importance and foundation of African culture. 

Her new single “Never Forget,” featuring Chef 187, Tio Nason, and Mwanjé is from the upcoming sophomore release As Above, So Below and is a certified banger.

Syncopated with deep bass, penetrating drum lines, and live strings are lyrical truths like:

Who took movement/

Spirit included/

Made it a movement/

We did/

Never forget

{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drydvdBCaHU }

As an ode to Zamrock music (a melange of psychedelic rock and Zambian music), “Never Forget” is a celebration of heritage, movement and song.

The visuals are stunning.

The creative direction in fashion, colour coordination and movement is a vision.

And the inclusion of archival footage of Zambian life in the 70s, including important Zambian rituals, is on point.

However, this is not only about the music but the feeling the track evokes.

Mwanjé and Tio deliver haunting vocals while Sampa unapologetically gives us the lyrical lessons we deserve.

If this is a precursor to what Sampa The Great has prepared for her new album, then we’re in for one hell of a ride on September 9. 

In the meantime, check out her performances in Montreal at Osheaga Festival on July 30 and Phillips Backyard Weekender in Victoria, BC, on August 13.

ByBlacks Rating Scale:

BBBBB  Outstanding         

BBBB    Extremely Good   

BBB      Good 

BB        Challenged 

B          Don't bother listening