Sampa Tembo, known as Sampa the Great, is a Zambian-born singer, rapper, and songwriter celebrated for blending African musical traditions with hip-hop and neo-soul. Born in 1993, she gained international acclaim while based in Australia before returning to Africa. Her music explores themes of identity, culture, and empowerment, making her a prominent voice in contemporary African and global music.
Early Life and Education
Born in Ndola, Zambia, in 1993, Sampa moved with her family to Botswana as a child. Growing up between cultures, she developed a passion for music early, learning piano and writing lyrics by age nine.
Influenced by her multicultural heritage and hip-hop icons like Tupac, she pursued music studies in the United States before relocating to Australia, where she earned a degree in audio engineering, laying the foundation for her music career.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sampa Tembo |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Ndola, Zambia |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Partner | N/A |
| Occupations | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter |
| Labels | Ninja Tune, Loma Vista |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $50,000 and $5 million |
Career
While studying in Australia, Sampa began her professional music career. Without her parents’ knowledge, she worked on her first mixtape, “The Great Mixtape,” released in October 2015.
The mixtape quickly gained traction, with the single “Blue Boss” topping the Hype Machine charts and receiving international radio play.
Following this, she released impactful singles such as “Black Dignity” and “FEMALE.” In 2017, her collaboration with British artist Estelle on the “HERoes Act 2” EP marked a significant step, showcasing her ability to work alongside established artists.
Her second mixtape, “Birds and the BEE9,” released in late 2017, won the Australian Music Prize and solidified her reputation as a leading figure in Australian hip-hop. The project tackled themes of identity and belonging, resonating deeply with audiences.
In 2019, Sampa released her debut studio album, “The Return,” which reached number 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
The album was a personal and artistic milestone, featuring family members and blending African languages and sounds with contemporary hip-hop. The single “Final Form” became an anthem of empowerment, celebrated for its vibrant visuals and uplifting message.
After years in Australia, Sampa moved back to Zambia in 2020, seeking to reconnect with her roots and complete her artistic journey. This transition marked a new chapter in her career.
Her second studio album, “As Above, So Below,” released in 2022, was created entirely in Zambia. It embraced southern African musical styles alongside hip-hop and R&B, reflecting her deepened connection to her heritage.
The album again charted at number 12 on the ARIA charts and earned critical acclaim.
Sampa has performed alongside major international artists and headlined prominent festivals, further establishing her global presence.
Personal Life
Sampa’s multicultural background and experiences living across Africa, the United States, and Australia have shaped her identity and artistry.
She has spoken openly about the complexities of representation and belonging, especially as an African artist embraced by Australian media.
Family remains central to her life and work, with her sister Mwanje also pursuing music. Her return to Zambia was both a personal and creative homecoming, allowing her to embrace her heritage fully as an adult artist.
Outside music, Sampa enjoys sprinting and maintains a close relationship with her family, who have supported her throughout her journey.
Sampa the Great Net Worth
As of 2025, Sampa the Great’s estimated is between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting her success through touring, merchandise, and music sales. Due to limited public financial data, these figures should be considered approximate.
Discography
Studio Albums
- The Return (2019)
- As Above, So Below (2022)
Mixtapes
- The Great Mixtape (2015)
- Birds and the BEE9 (2017)
EPs
- HERoes Act 2 (2017) – with Estelle
Notable Singles
- “Blue Boss” (2016)
- “Black Dignity” (2016)
- “Everybody’s Hero” (2017)
- “Final Form” (2019)
- “OMG” (2019)
- “Freedom” (2019)
- “Heaven” (2019)
- “Time’s Up” (2020)
Awards and Nominations
Sampa the Great has earned numerous accolades, including:
- Australian Music Prize (2017, 2020) – First artist to win twice
- ARIA Music Awards (2019, 2020) – Best Hip Hop Release, Best Female Artist, Best Independent Release
- AIR Awards (2020) – Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP
- Music Victoria Awards (2020) – Best Soul, Funk, R’n’B and Gospel Album, Best Album
- J Awards – Multiple nominations for Australian Album of the Year
- BET Hip Hop Awards (2023) – Best International Flow nomination, a first for a Zambian artist
Her groundbreaking achievements highlight her influence in both Australian and African music scenes, as well as her growing international recognition.
