Sampha

Biography

Sampha Lahai Sisay, known professionally as Sampha, was born on November 16, 1988, in Morden, South London, United Kingdom, to Sierra Leonean parents who immigrated to the UK in the 1980s. Growing up in a musically rich environment, he learned piano at home and was influenced by the diverse records shared by his older siblings, as well as the vibrant UK rave and jungle scenes of the 1990s. His early exposure to music production came through his brother’s home studio, and his creative journey accelerated after connecting with experimental producer Kwes via Myspace in 2007. Kwes became a mentor, introducing Sampha to a network of innovative London musicians and leading to an internship at the Young Turks label, where Sampha began remixing tracks and collaborating with emerging artists.

Sampha’s career gained momentum through collaborations with SBTRKT, Jessie Ware, and Lil Silva, and he established himself as a sought-after vocalist and producer for both underground and mainstream acts. His debut solo EPs, 'Sundanza' (2010) and 'Dual' (2013), showcased his emotive vocal style and experimental production. Sampha’s breakthrough came with his debut album 'Process' (2017), which was deeply influenced by the loss of his mother and won the prestigious Mercury Prize. His sophomore album 'Lahai' (2023) further explored themes of ancestry, spirituality, and fatherhood, blending West African folk with electronic and soul influences. Throughout his career, Sampha has been recognized for his soulful voice, introspective songwriting, and innovative fusion of genres, leaving a significant mark on contemporary indie soul and alternative R&B.

Fun Facts

• Sampha is the biological cousin of grime artist Flirta D from the group SLK.
• His debut album 'Process' was inspired in part by the loss of his mother and won the 2017 Mercury Prize.
• Sampha interned at the Young Turks label before launching his solo career, where he would sometimes sing answers in meetings instead of speaking.
• He took a nearly seven-year hiatus between his first and second albums, during which he became a father and explored themes of spirituality and ancestry.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Kwes - Experimental producer who mentored Sampha after connecting via Myspace, introducing him to the London music scene and Young Turks label. (Guidance during early career, introduction to collaborators, influence on production style.) [2007–2010]

Key Collaborators

• SBTRKT - Frequent collaborator; Sampha provided vocals and co-wrote tracks. (SBTRKT's self-titled album (2011), tracks like 'Hold On', 'Trials of the Past') [2010–2014]
• Drake - Featured vocalist and co-writer. ('Too Much' (Nothing Was the Same, 2013), '4422' (More Life, 2017)) [2013–2017]
• Kanye West - Featured vocalist and co-writer. ('Saint Pablo', 'Timmy's Prayer' (co-writing), 'The Life of Pablo' (2016)) [2016]
• Solange - Featured vocalist and producer. ('A Seat at the Table' (2016)) [2016]
• Jessie Ware - Collaborator and producer. (Devotion (2012), various singles) [2011–2013]
• FKA twigs - Collaborator and producer. (Various tracks and live performances) [2013–2016]

Artists Influenced

• Loyle Carner - Sampha’s emotive songwriting and vocal style have influenced Carner’s approach to introspective hip-hop. (Collaborations and Carner's solo work post-2017) [2017–present]
• Headie One - Sampha contributed to Headie One’s work, influencing the blend of UK rap and soulful vocals. (Collaborations on Headie One's projects) [2020–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Father Time (feat. Sampha) (Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers)
2. 4422 (More Life)
3. Too Much (Nothing Was The Same (Deluxe))
4. Too Much (Nothing Was The Same)
5. Desoleil (Brilliant Corners) (Not Waving, But Drowning)
6. Indecision
7. fear less (ten days)
8. Never Felt Better (Richard Russell Is Temporary)
9. Make It Up (feat. Sampha) (Off With Her Head)
10. (No One Knows Me) Like the Piano (Process (Bonus Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-r&b, #contemporary-r&b, #hip-hop-soul