Who Is Sampa the Great? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Sampa the Great, born on August 9, 1993, in Lusaka, Zambia, is a trailblazing rapper and musician known for her powerful lyrics and unique sound that blends elements of hip-hop, soul, and African music. As of 2025, Sampa is 31 years old and continues to make waves in the music industry with her innovative contributions and fierce advocacy for African culture. Her breakthrough album, "The Return," released in 2019, garnered international acclaim, establishing her as a significant figure in modern music.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1993 |
| Age | 32 Years |
| Birth Place | Ndola, Zambia |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Zambia |
Popularity
Sampa the Great's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sampa the Great stands at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). While her precise weight is not publicly detailed, it is speculated to be around 150 lbs (68 kg). Sampa's workout regimen and commitment to fitness contribute to her healthy body shape, though specifics regarding her body measurements are not disclosed.
Sampa Tembo (born August 9, 1993), known professionally as Sampa the Great, is a Zambian singer, rapper, and songwriter. Between 2014 and 2020, she was based in Australia. Her debut solo album, The Return (September 2019), peaked at No. 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
At the 2019 ARIA Music Awards she won Best Hip Hop Release for her second single, "Final Form". In the following year she won the same category for The Return, as well as Best Female Artist and Best Independent Release.
In March 2020 Sampa became the first artist to win the Australian Music Prize twice: for Birds and the Bee9 (November 2017) and The Return. The artist was based back in Zambia from late 2020, where she issued her second studio album, As Above, So Below (September 2022).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about Sampa the Great's family are relatively private. However, she has mentioned in interviews that her upbringing heavily influences her music and artistry. As for her dating life, as of 2025, Sampa has been rumored to be in a relationship, though she has chosen to keep romantic details out of the public eye. Fans speculate about her connection with several artists but no official confirmation has been made regarding her boyfriend or girlfriend.
Her family moved to Gaborone, Botswana when she was one, due to unrest related to economic reforms and the transition to multi-party democracy, but visited relatives in Zambia often during the holidays during her childhood.
Her mother Theresa, a dancer, is from the Bemba people while her father Alfred, an insurance broker and some-time DJ, is from the Tumbuka. Her sister, Mwanje Tembo, is a singer. She received both piano and singing lessons and started writing poems/lyrics from the age of nine.
In the early 2010s she studied music for visual media at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, for two years and Los Angeles for a year. While in San Francisco she recorded two tracks.
Net Worth and Salary
As a prominent figure in the music industry, Sampa the Great's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $2 million. This wealth is primarily derived from her music sales, streaming royalties, concert tours, and collaborations with brands. Sampa continues to grow her financial portfolio through strategic investments and partnerships, solidifying her status as a successful entrepreneur in the music business.
Career, Business, and Investments
Sampa's career took flight in the early 2010s, but it was her 2019 album that catapulted her into international recognition. Known for her lyricism and engaging performances, she has toured extensively across the globe, captivating audiences with her dynamic stage presence. In addition to her music career, Sampa is involved in various business ventures, including fashion collaborations and philanthropic activities aimed at supporting underprivileged communities in Zambia. Her forward-thinking approach to entrepreneurship highlights her commitment to creating a sustainable career in the arts.
The APRA Awards are held in Australia and New Zealand by the Australasian Performing Right Association to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually. Sampa the Great has been nominated for one award.
Social Network
Sampa the Great is quite active on social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and shares insights into her life and career. She boasts a significant following on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she promotes her music, shares personal moments, and advocates for social justice causes. Her online presence not only amplifies her music but also allows her to connect meaningfully with her audience.
On 19 January 2016 Sampa the Great released a standalone single, "Black Dignity". Two days later another standalone single, "Blue Boss", was issued. The rapper featured on the track "Second Heartbeat" alongside Okenyo, for Urthboy's fifth studio album, The Past Beats Inside Me Like a Second Heartbeat (March 2016).
Another two standalone singles followed, "24" and "Blessings", released together on 25 May. On 6 October she issued a music video, "HERoes (The Call)". On 27 October a related music video, "HERoes (The Response)", was released.
Education
Sampa pursued her education in Australia, where she attended the University of South Australia. Her academic background in Communication and Media has influenced her approach to storytelling in music, allowing her to blend personal experiences with broader cultural narratives effectively. Her education has played a crucial role in shaping her as an artist and a voice for African women in the music industry.
In conclusion, Sampa the Great continues to thrive and inspire in 2025, breaking barriers and making a significant impact through her music and advocacy. As she evolves, fans eagerly await her next moves, both in her personal life and career.
Tembo moved to Sydney in 2013 and was based there until 2018, she completed a bachelor's degree in audio engineering at SAE Institute in 2015. As of 2018 she is based in Melbourne. The artist acknowledges her family and communities in both Botswana and Zambia as the foundation of her success.
