As the first day of autumn unfurled, Melbourne's Margret Court Arena became a sanctuary for the senses, graced by the ethereal presence of Sampha, the illustrious troubadour from the verdant hills of Morden, South London.
With the gentle caress of a breeze, he returned to Australia for the first time since 2017, bestowing upon eager hearts an evening of unparalleled enchantment, where melodies danced in the air like whispers from celestial realms.As attendees traversed the threshold of the arena (1 March), they were enveloped in a scene of otherworldly beauty.
A Technicolor panorama, reminiscent of a divine rainbow arching across the heavens, greeted their eyes, casting a spell of wonder and awe. It was as though the very gates of paradise had swung open, bidding them to embark on a journey of musical transcendence.
As anticipation built, and lights were dimmed to a pitch blackness, a single, white light pierced through the darkness, illuminating Sampha in a white and green striped shirt, drawing him to the centre like a beacon.
With a hypnotic beat filling the air, he began his journey, starting with 'Plastic 100°C' from his debut album, which earned him the prestigious 2017 Mercury Prize. Transitioning seamlessly into 'Hold On' (his 2011 collab with SBTRKT), Sampha's seductively smooth vocals enveloped the audience, inviting them into his world of musical enchantment.
Expressing gratitude to the crowd, he introduced his band, signalling a shift to 'Satellite Business' from his sophomore album, 'Lahai'. Each note seemed to radiate warmth, enveloping the stage in a golden glow as the music soared to new heights.
Throughout the performance, Sampha showcased his extraordinary vocal ability, from the tender 'Suspended' to the transcendent 'Inclination Compass (Tenderness)'. With each song the stage transformed, mirroring the emotional depth of his music culminating in a captivating drum circle moment under a heavenly light.
As 'Without' filled the arena, Sampha's commanding presence captivated every gaze, his voice reaching impeccable highs amid a sea of sound. With 'Spirit 2.0', he worked the stage with undeniable energy, seamlessly blending into the pulsating rhythm of 'Too Much' (Drake collab), which felt intimately personal despite the packed arena.
The pinnacle of the evening came with '(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano' as Sampha's velvety voice transported the audience to a realm of pure emotion. Continuing with 'Dancing Circles', 'Can't Go Back', and 'Can't Get Close', he poured his heart and soul into every note, revealing a genuine love for his craft.
As the final song, 'Blood on Me', filled the air, the stage erupted in a fiery red glow igniting the crowd's fervour. With a chorus of cheers echoing through the arena, Sampha bid farewell, only to return for an encore culminating in 'Happens', a poignant conclusion to an unforgettable evening.
Sampha's performance was nothing short of a transcendent experience. His seamless blend of rich tenor and piercing falsetto created an atmosphere that felt almost spiritual, inviting the audience to join him on a journey of self-discovery through music.
Like a modern-day bard, Sampha crafted his own type of prayer, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to his artistry.
