DEC 23 2023
by Yunah Elsner
London-based artist Sampha Sisay released his latest album ‘Lahai,’ a spiritual journey, transcending time and space.’ Through his distinctive electro-soul sounds and beats, Sampha’s one-of-a-kind soundscape echoes the joys and difficulties of family and fatherhood in his sophomore record.
Coined as a modern-soul artist, the 34-year-old musician has been highly regarded for his work with artists such as Kanye West, Drake and Beyonce. Most recently collaborating on Travis Scott’s Utopia, the UK singer-songwriterhas been highly praised for his ingenious production and writing throughout the music industry. His debut album ‘Process’ won the Mercury Prize in 2017, which introduced his artistry to the world. Written shortly after the death of his mother, ‘Process’ carries strong, unignorable feelings of grief, loneliness and anxiety. Six years later, ‘Lahai’ is a storyt of Sampha processing these emotions and stepping into the role of fatherhood.
Through the album’s composition of distinct beats, self-reflective lyrics and unique transitions off-beats Sampha explores themes of pleasure, existentialism, and family. Through the absence of melody and repetitive tapping of a snare drum, Sampha expertly bares his soul to the listener.
‘Lahai’ opens with a vibrant and funky l track, “Stereo Colour Cloud (Shaman’s Dream).” The unique cadence, off-beat snare drums and distinct vocals leave the listener wanting more. The repetitive beat and tones create a feeling of regret and melancholia with lyrics like, “I miss you, time misuse, time who keeps talking in my dream, time flies, life issues…”The sounds of piano keys, low-bass and chant-like vocals become almost distracting, yet tasteful and addictive. Similar tracks such as “Spirit 2.0,” “Dancing Circles” and “Don’t Go Back” follow what feels like a divine passage through different voices, narratives, tones and beats. Each track reveals a new part of Sampha– his emotions and reminiscence.
Notably, ‘Lahai’ focuses on Sampha’s new journey of fatherhood and finding meaning in nurturing relationships. The track “Evidence” is a beautiful and emotional song written for his daughter. The lyrics are the most prominent feature of the track and are elevated through the musical composition of soothing vocals layered with elegant piano chords. Along with tracks like “Suspended” and “Only,” the album’s shift towards motifs of longing, parenting and nostalgia showcases a shift in the artist’s personal life. Sampha focuses on the joys of life, reflecting on what it means to be alive.
Sampha is currently on tour and has shows left in the U.S., Canada, France and the UK.
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