Sampa the Great
This summer, see Sampa the Great Live, a free, all-ages gig and a major highlight of the 2024 summer music program at Fed Square.
Come and enjoy a night of Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrohouse and Afro Hip Hop, headlined by Sampa the Great as she makes a triumphant return to Australia after a year-long hiatus. An acclaimed hip hop force known for her breakthrough project Birds and The BEE9. Her debut album The Return garnered three ARIA Awards, the Australian Music Prize and BET Amplified Artist of the Month. Sampa has graced global stages, collaborated with industry giants, and released her second record As Above, So Below in 2022, which was nominated for Australian Album of the Year at the 2022 J Awards, as well as the 2022 Australian Music Prize. Sampa the Great is set to ignite the stage with her energy and artistry.
Brotha Asanti & Soulectric, Elsy Wameyo, The Tony Allen Experience and Kofi Shabba of African Dance Star will join the lineup in what promises to be a night of eclectic Afrofusion.
These performances will be AUSLAN interpreted.
Presented by Fed Square and Yo CiTY
Led by visionary Zimbabwe-born composer Brotha Asanti, Soulectric seamlessly blends lush melodies and infectious rhythms, fusing vibrant African percussion with New York and Chicago House influences. Their electrifying live performances, drawing from Asanti’s deep roots in South Africa, promise a unique, culturally rich experience, transporting audiences to the golden era of music.
Adelaide-based singer, songwriter and producer Elsy Wameyo, born in Nairobi, rose to prominence with her debut EP Nilotic in 2022. With a unique blend of soul, R&B, gospel and hip hop, Wameyo challenges social injustice through rapid-fire vocals and insightful lyrics. Named Triple J’s Unearthed Artist of the Year, she aims to amplify diverse voices in the Australian music industry, recently establishing her own record label.
Now in its third year, the Tony Allen Experience – directed by Nui Moon – features rotating talent and drummers celebrating the legacy of Nigerian Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen. The 2023 edition welcomes vocalists Nkechi Anele, N’fa Jones, Cazeau Oslo, and special overseas guest, Q Violin. The ensemble honours Allen’s influential career with songs spanning his 1970s material and unreleased collaborations.
Edward Eshum aka Kofi Shabba is passionate about imparting knowledge about African culture and tradition through song and dance. He is a professional dancer, drummer and DJ from Ghana, West Africa. His styles include traditional, contemporary, acrobatic, RnB and hip-hop. He collaborates with dance groups from various cultures to bring high energy, and creates memorable experiences for everyone in attendance.