Sampa The Great - The Return [A Short Film]

Sampa The Great | Photography by Barun Chatterjee

Melbourne based artist Sampa The Great, treats us to ‘The Return - A Short Film,’ a beautiful documentary showcasing her musical and personal evolution, in the lead up to her debut album ‘The Return.’

Released in September 2019 via Ninja Tune, ‘The Return’ was an honest and open encounter of self acceptance and growth. Born in Zambia and raised in Botswana, Sampa shares her testimony as a black African women, facing struggles of identification and breaking through the barriers of what she is expected to be. The album acts as an ode to Africa and the return of it’s people, Sampa’s personal return back to her heritage, back to her home.

Directed by longtime collaborator Sanjay De Silva, who also directed Sampa’s music videos for ‘Final Form’ and ‘OMG,’ the short film delivers a behind-the-scenes look into Sampa’s return to her home country and journey of self re-discovery amongst her team, close family and friends. Speaking on the importance of the film, Sampa shared the following statement:

"I knew when the album was being made it was a very important time for me musically and personally. My debut album was, in a sense, a release of control of the sound direction. Going back to root inspirations stronger than ever before with a clear and concise definition of all I am as an artist and as a person. With all that, myself and my team knew the experience and journey had to be documented. Everyone behind the album, from executive producer, to artists, to studios, management and team STG. As well as the people behind the music videos, directors, producers, cinematographers and the Zambia team. We put everything together in the spirit of home - and it's only the beginning."

Press play on Sampa The Great’s ‘The Return - A Short Film’ below and if you’ve not already listened to the incredible album, you better head to Spotify and press play on that too.

CREDITS

Directed by: Sanjay De Silva

Produced by: Sanjay De Silva, Carl Pires, Miranda Anzarut

Executive Producers: Kate Armstrong-Smith, (The Working Group), Sampa The Great PTY LTD

Cinematographer: Barun Chatterjee

Edited by: Leila Gaabi

Post House: The Editors

Colourist: Fergus Rotherham

Sound Recordist: Carl Pires, Sanjay De Silva

Sound Designer: Niels Gabriels

B camera operators: Sanjay De Silva, Carl Pires

Additional Footage: Syrene Pavero

Stills Photographer: Barun Chatterjee, Carl Pires Graphics

Designer: Priit Siimon, Jodia Natapradja

Mixer: Joshua Negete Moyo

1st AC: Terrance Chuma

Driver: Transky Ndhlovu

Stylist: Ntombi Moyo

Script Supervisor: Joe Couch

Kulamba Ceremony Representatives: Capt. Shanl Alex, Kamchose Banda

Kulamba Ceremony Performers: Kasinja, Kang’wi-ng’wi, Maria, Nyata, Makanja