Samuel Thomas Turpin, born on 2 September 1995, is a South African rapper, producer, and musical artist. Emerging from Johannesburg’s underground scene, Turpin blends hip-hop, alternative rap, and cultural influences to craft introspective and boundary-pushing music that spans EPs, mixtapes, and full-length albums.
| Full Name | Samuel Thomas Turpin |
| Date of Birth | 2 September 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng |
| Occupations | Rapper; Producer; Songwriter; Content Producer |
| Labels | Independent (Cold Chinese Food imprint) |
| Net Worth | $150,000 |
Early Life and Education
Raised in Johannesburg, Turpin was exposed to diverse cultural influences from an early age.
In 2011, his mother, acclaimed photographer and activist Gisèle Wulfsohn, passed away from cancer. The following year, he began making music to process grief and emotional upheaval.
Turpin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand (2014–2017) and later completed a Diploma in Audio Technology at the Academy of Sound Engineering, Johannesburg (2018–2021).
Career
rewrite career plainly without listingSamuel Thomas Turpin began his music career in 2013 by releasing the single “Cranes,” which helped him gain recognition in Johannesburg.
Over the next few years, he developed his sound and independently released two EPs, “Eternal Sentiment” in 2014 and “Wasi-Wasi” in 2015, showcasing his ability to self-produce and create meaningful visuals for his music.
His presence extended beyond music when he was featured in a 2016 documentary about South African youth. Turpin’s 2017 mixtape, “4am In Jozi,” captured the essence of Johannesburg’s nightlife and helped elevate his profile within the creative industry.
In 2019, his music became more personal with the release of “Summer Evening,” a heartfelt song dedicated to his late mother, followed by “Sahara Flow,” which reflected his Jewish background.
He also expanded his live performance experience by joining The Charles Géne Suite collective, performing at festivals and events. During the 2020 lockdown, Turpin collaborated with Lenny-Dee Doucha on the single “Cloud City” and created a short musical film for his song “Sahara Flow.”
In 2022, he continued evolving by releasing the EP “Broken Mirror” and participating in digital concerts, while also contributing to The Charles Géne Suite’s debut album and new projects.
By 2025, Turpin had launched his debut full-length album “Cold Chinese Food,” which included tracks noted for their cultural and personal themes.
Alongside his music career, he has engaged in social media management, content production, and mentoring roles, balancing creativity with education and professional development.
Personal Life
Turpin keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight. He lives in Johannesburg and supplements his music career with work in social media management, content production, and teaching sound engineering as a mentor.
Net Worth
Sam Turpin’s net worth is estimated to be around $150,000 as of 2025.
Discography
Albums
- Cold Chinese Food (2025)
Mixtapes and EPs
- Eternal Sentiment (EP, 2014)
- Wasi-Wasi (EP, 2015)
- 4am In Jozi (Mixtape, 2017)
- Broken Mirror (EP, 2022)
Key Singles
- “Cranes” (2013)
- “Summer Evening” feat. India Shan (2019)
- “Sahara Flow” (2019)
- “Cloud City” (2020)
- “Airport Yaoundé” (2025)
Awards and Nominations
- Won the David Hammond-Tooke Prize for Excellence in Anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2017.
