Mercury Prize winner Sampha will headline Splore’s Saturday night programme with his full live band.
UK singer, Sampha, has been added to Splore’s diverse music programme on 23-25 February 2024.
Known for his collaborations with high-profile artists, Sampha Sisay won the Mercury Prize for his 2017 debut solo album, Process, which became a Top 10 hit.
Sampha’s highly anticipated second album, Lahai, was released on 20 October 2023 to worldwide acclaim. Not unlike its maker, Lahai defies clear categorisation. Spanning jazz, soul, hip hop, dance, jungle, and West African music, Lahai sees Sampha elevating his production and vocal ambition to great new heights. A notable singer, songwriter, and producer, it’s no wonder that artists like Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy, Travis Scott, Drake, Solange, Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, and Alicia Keys have all tapped the artist for his inimitable voice and songwriting.
Lahai contains sparkling gems of sci-fi, Afrofuturism, and magical realism that seamlessly coalesce, transporting the listener into the supernatural world.
Sampha and his live band will transfix Splorers with a special festival set that will be remembered for a long time. His signature songs include Only, Spirit 2.0, Lahai Time Travel, and Father Time, his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar.
Plus Notting Hill Carnival sound system icon and originator of the term “rare grove”, Norman Jay MBE, will bring his exquisite mix of soul, disco, boogie, acid jazz, and house music to the shores of Tāpapakanga. He will close the festival with a Sunday afternoon set that has previously featured legendary DJ’s, Mr Scruff, Nightmares on Wax, Nicodemus and DJ Marky.
Popular Australian-based Kiwi electronic artist, Opiuo will bring his bass, glitch and funk sound to Splore’s Main Stage on Friday night.
Local live artists added to Splore’s 2024 programme include Wellington’s Hemi Hemingway who will deliver 60’s pop with a dive bar sensibility and Auckland’s up-and-coming pop/rock outfit Skram. Plus it will be Africa party time on Main Stage with ORIKoL on Saturday afternoon.
Local DJs added include Benny Salvador, DIMPRI, Rose Alice, and Jamie Newman.
Previously announced playing Splore include The Pharcyde, Greentea Peng, Strawpeople, Mr Bruce, Lady Shaka (Live), Hedlok and Melodownz.
Splore Festival Director John Minty says “The music programme is just the beginning of Splore’s entertainment - next is our performance and wellness programmes to announce. We are anticipating a festival jam-packed with content, plenty of sun, swims, and reconnecting with our friends and whānau at Splore under the banner of the festival theme - FEASTY”.
Hip hop legends The Pharcyde are invited to the celebration, playing Splore’s unique beachside main stage, alongside South London’s tattooed neo-soul sensation Greentea Peng, and American indie darlings Wednesday.
Other overseas guests include Glastonbury favourites Mr. Bruce and the Beatles Dub Club (who run the Fab Four through the dub filter), while South London DJ and broadcaster, Lil C, brings the bashment. At opposite ends of the sonic spectrum, Sydney sax bombs, Party Dozen, bring the noise and India’s pre-eminent raga band, Maharaj Trio, returns to Splore.
From Aotearoa, Splore is delighted to be presenting the iconic Strawpeople’s festival debut. There’s also Che Fu + King Kapisi, Lady Shaka (Live), Melodownz, Estere, Yoko Zuna, Grecco Romank, the Harmonic Resonators and Samoan heavy metallers, Shepherds Reign.
The Aotearoa DJ ranks feature Boiler Room ruler Half Queen, Paige Julia, Flamingo Pier, Dylan C, K2K and the house sounds of Sanoi.
It all happens February 23-25 at Auckland’s Tāpapakanga Regional Park, a beautiful and historical coastal setting an hour from the central city.
