Sometimes life goes in circles. Sampha’s ‘Lahai’ is a long-awaited return that follows up a long-awaited debut, picking up where 2017’s ‘Process’ left off before journeying to a host of unexpected realms.
The in-demand producer (full name: Sampha Lahai Sisay) is possibly better known for his collaborations with SBTRKT, Stormzy and Frank Ocean than his solo work, but his voice possesses a distinct and delicate timbre, imbuing words with deep wells of feeling.
‘Process’ was a gorgeous work that came from a place of great personal pain. ‘Lahai’ is less wounded. Sampha’s lyrics are still exclusively first person but, this time around, he’s searching the stars instead of sifting through the rubble of his childhood home.
The 14 tracks are home to some jaw-dropping moments. Satellite Business imagines a spirit in space, contemplating infinity atop gentle cosmic keys. Suspended is temporally lost, following a relationship through time and even into alternate universes.
Sampha’s key lyrical fascinations are still love, relationships and human connection, but here he has severed his consciousness and achieved a top-down view of the universe. It’s a consistently cosmic and often deeply spiritual perspective.
He’s also in a more adventurous mood regarding the deployment of his remarkable voice. His flow on Only and the verse sections of Can’t Go Back are almost rapped, although they still unravel with exquisite melancholy. A marvellous return, this mind-altering trip is one of the most emotionally resonant albums of 2023 and will frequently leave you blinded by its celestial scope.
Sampha Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed October 25 2023 - LOS ANGELES California - Hollywood Palladium (USA)
Sun October 29 2023 - SAN FRANCISCO California - Regency Ballroom (USA)
Mon October 30 2023 - SAN FRANCISCO - Regency Ballroom (USA)
Wed November 01 2023 - CHICAGO Illinois - Riviera Theatre (USA)
Fri November 03 2023 - ROYAL OAK Michigan - Royal Oak Music Theatre (USA)
Sat November 04 2023 - TORONTO Ontario - Danforth Music Hall (Canada)
Sun November 05 2023 - TORONTO Ontario - Danforth Music Hall (Canada)
Tue November 07 2023 - NEW YORK New York - Webster Hall (USA)
Wed November 08 2023 - NEW YORK New York - Webster Hall (USA)
Thu November 09 2023 - NEW YORK New York - Webster Hall (USA)
Sat November 11 2023 - WASHINGTON DC - Howard Theatre (USA)
Sun November 12 2023 - WASHINGTON DC - Howard Theatre (USA)
Mon November 13 2023 - PHILADELPHIA PA - Franklin Music Hall (USA)
Wed November 15 2023 - ATLANTA Georgia - Eastern Atlanta (USA)
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