As Above, So Below＜限定盤/Purple Vinyl＞

After The Return became Sampa the Greats second release to win the Australian Music Prize, she was set to embark on a major international tour when the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily put a stop to live events throughout the world. She moved from Australia back to Zambia, where she was born, and spent time reconnecting with her family as well as the music of her youth. As Above, So Below takes influence from past and present styles of music from Zambia, Botswana (where Sampa was raised), and South Africa, sounding organic and earthy yet thoroughly contemporary. A much more concise record than the sprawling, jazzy The Return, As Above similarly celebrates heritage and culture while looking inward and discussing personal issues. Stirring highlight "Never Forget" pays tribute to Zamrock (a 70s psychedelic rock movement) and kalindula music, acknowledging Sampas roots while affirming her place in history. The gritty, bluesy "Can I Live" is a collaboration with Zamrock legends WITCH, which counted one of Sampas uncles among its early members. "Tilibobo" incorporates amapiano-style log drums, and "Bona" has heavier, more forceful bass matching Sampas rapid, defiant rhymes. Denzel Curry, Joey Bada$$, and Kojey Radical assist Sampa on some of the albums most aggressive, trap-influenced cuts, with the beat switch-ups during Bada$$s "Mask On" verse being a particularly riveting moment. "Lo Rain," one of two tracks featuring Sampas sister Mwanje, counters hard rhyming with lush harmonies. Afro-pop trailblazer Angelique Kidjo guests on the triumphant closer "Let Me Be Great," one of several songs about affirming ones legacy. ~ Paul Simpson

ザンビアで生まれ、現在はメルボルンを拠点に活動しているサンパ・ザ・グレイトのニュー・アルバム。これまでと同様、ヒップホップやネオ・ソウルを軸としたサウンドは、彼女の作品を聴いてきた者からすれば馴染み深いものだろう。そういう意味では過去作との関連性が強い深化が特徴と評することもできる。とはいえ、ンゴマドラム、TR-808などを用いたリズムはヴァラエティー豊かで、この点は進化も見られる。歌とラップの境界線が曖昧な歌声に乗った歌詞にも耳を引かれた。ルーツに向けた敬意や、黒人であることを祝福する姿勢は以前から顕著だったが、本作ではその姿勢を示すための語彙が飛躍的に増えている。そこには、表現者としてまたひとつ成熟した彼女の姿がちらつく。
bounce (C)近藤真弥