Sampha’s Resounding Return to Tiny Desk

By Kyra Greene

Celebrating the enchantment of Lahai, Sampha graced NPR Music’s Tiny Desk, delivering a captivating performance five years after his inaugural appearance on the series. Marking a nostalgic full-circle moment, Sampha seamlessly followed up on his 2017 Tiny Desk debut.

In his earlier Tiny Desk performance, the English musician showcased his talent with just a piano. This time, however, Sampha elevated the experience by bringing along a complete ensemble featuring percussion, background vocals, and bass. The set commenced with the lead single from Lahai, “Spirit 2.0,” followed by other tracks from the album, including “Only” and “Dancing Circles.” The concert concluded with a profound touch, as Sampha revisited the 2016 gem “Without” from his Dual EP.

While Sampha’s distinctive vocals resonated true to their studio quality, the live performance added a new immersive dimension to his discography. During “Without,” he and the band gathered in a drum circle, creating a unique live experience. Closing the 20-minute spectacle, Sampha returned to his roots, concluding the show with a poignant moment reminiscent of his 2017 Tiny Desk debut – just him and his piano.