Sampha: Tiny Desk Concert

Ashley Pointer | November 29, 2023
When Sampha first performed at the Tiny Desk in 2017, it was just him and his keys. But for this second round, he had a very specific vision to execute. Accompanied by a spirited four-piece band who double as his background singers and percussionists, each member relishes in making music in multiple, creative configurations.
Sampha Lahai Sisay's music is known for its sheer vulnerability in tackling the human experience. On his debut album, Process, we met a son mourning the loss of his parents while navigating the relationship with his partner and future mother of his first child. On a transcendental follow up, LAHAI, we now meet Sampha as a father and a companion, asking us to revel in the magic of our existence.
In this Tiny Desk concert, Sampha performs three songs from LAHAI - "Spirit 2.0," "Only" and "Dancing Circles" - expertly rearranging each to sound exactly like its recorded version, allowing his ethereal voice and infectious grooves to wash over the room. Concluding the set with "Without," Sampha and his band gather in a drum circle, creating a cacophony of percussive rhythms, building the song from the bottom up. The performance ends with Sampha singing solo at the piano, beautifully reminiscent of his first Tiny Desk, except this time with his partner and children sitting criss-cross applesauce in front of the Desk. Truly a full circle moment.
SET LIST
"Spirit 2.0"
"Only"
"Dancing Circles"
"Without"
MUSICIANS
Sampha: lead vocals, keys, percussion
Blake Cascoe: drums, vocals, percussion
Elsas: keys, vocals, percussion
Rosetta: bass, vocals, percussion
Ruthven: percussion, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Videographers: Maia Stern, Alanté Serene, Michael Zamora
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyounai
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Keren Carrión
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Hazel Cills
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #sampha

[@nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.

[@DJExcelle]

ok next time !

[@Intho312]

Had to look twice. His first performance was AMAZING. Thanks for having Sampha back on a second round!!

[@remisica]

Yeah, i nearly missed this one cos i thought it was a blooper, has tiny desk done many repeat performances??

[@againstthegraingolf301]

@@remisica Yeah, there are a few that have had individual performances and then joined another artist or group. I know Robert Glasper, Common, Mumu Fresh, Bilal, YoYo Ma and Black Thought and NONAME all have been on twice or more.

[@ZvezdnyiKit]

Twice?) Can't stop looking per 3 days at all)

[@CareerDropout.]

Base player couldve filled the spaces in the dancing song

[@sensenfotografiaaudiovisual]

thanks for this comment. I didnt know there were another one. I'll try to find it now

[@philbass1952]

This version of 'Without' is the cure to my winter depression.

[@RajivRajiv]

The harmonisation at 18:28 has been stuck in my head for the last two weeks

[@ToyodaD]

Lahai is my favorite album of the year and the best concert I've ever been too and I've been to A LOT. If you have the chance to see him live don't miss it

[@shawner7340]

Tiny Desk continues to produce bangers. Got excited when I saw Sampha was back, and he blew my high expectations out of the water. Have him back a third time please.

[@jonathanskinner1870]

This blessed my morning

[@benh7506]

18:04 WOAH! This part was so sick!

[@produccionesdebajosrecurso7451]

Dancing Circles is soooo amazing"!

[@MOGmog]

such a genius!

[@Botatochicken]

that drum circle though

[@patricejohnson3342]

I REALLY APPRECIATE GOOD MUSIC AND TALENT THANK YOU

[@momojett]

SO GOOD, tickets booked see you in Auckland!

[@TheTonyAndreas]

you know da vibez

[@Robstu17]

Dreamboat honestly

[@maximemalecki3153]

Merci

[@josehernandezcarrillo8503]

OH MY GOD SAMPHA WOW

[@FierBarca1899]

That bassist is immense!

[@KingDeezy_27]

Something Magical happens @ 14:11

[@neelsolanki5840]

🐐🐐🐐

[@charlesM.CRAFTjr.888]

Swagg!!!!

[@hugh_janus_g]

WOOF !

[@Faffiebiiitch]

Can you pretty pretty please make a vinyl of this tiny desk I am begging you @nprmusic 😭😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Tigercam24]

We dont have many artists like Sampha anymore. Such an honor to be able to listen to his creations

[@yani2499]

There's never been anything like Sampha, honestly.

[@dajav88]

Mustafa is pretty close

[@MelodicAngie]

True

[@vanessabarroso9929]

THIS! ❤🎉

[@OccantSaipaul]

@@yani2499really? So who was Seal, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Nick Drake etc. common man. Just because you were born after or just before the year 2000, doesn’t mean there wasn’t an entire world before. Sampha is a throwback from all the diarrhea millennials and generation z specialize in making

[@rhythmlessroxby]

Absolutely gorgeous seeing every way this man has changed from his first album to the next. From grief to celebration... it's been worth watching Sampha evolve between his complex synthetic sounds, piano ballads & now big, soulful jams. An absolutely inspirational writer, performer, and man of love ❤ Thank you Sampha

[@vinohues]

HE NEEDS TO RELEASE A LIVE ALBUM ...

[@pedxing]

sending you money right now to make that happen. ;)

[@rizie7355]

he’s kinda half done this

[@christooicey9384]

🌊👋🏾

[@Gmoney2008]

He was in a group called SBTRKT (also the album name).. there’s a concert edition that’s a vibe. He does the vocals. Worth checking out

[@gely91]

I really hope he does, I have watched this Tiny Desk performance so many time!

[@BryAnthonyC]

I'm glad he is getting the recognition he deserves because that album was well made.

[@insideroutside]

Right lahai is beautiful❤

[@Samgtv6]

Frrr

[@W4LT3Rego]

Well made is an understatement

[@rubenzurek9629]

Funny whining😂

[@eric237]

He’s been getting recognition years before this album lol

[@pierceive]

This version of 'Without' is absolutely sending me. Shoutout to the drummer and all the band members vibing in the drum circle ahh. Now it's like I'm part of the circle I'm vibing!!

[@treffabrown1098]

He did this at the concert sooooooo good man

[@rubinaali65]

Chilllllls

[@jalishagreen2552]

And with the Gabriel interpolation 😮‍💨

[@fullViewJay]

i just picked up my drum sticks and got to it

[@sonderrwoman]

This !!

[@amym757]

The ads on this video are CRIMINAL

[@pdstudios4660]

BRUH FACTSSSSSS🤣🤣🤣

[@BigUpVideo]

middle of a song 😢

[@serenab8541]

I pay$13 per month to avoid all ads! It’s worth it

[@amym757]

@@serenab8541 Yeah. Good point. I don't hate the ads, though. It's the placement of them! I suppose it's clever, because the musicians are doing such a good job that I would sit through dramatic ads midway into a song just to keep watching.

[@matchasogee]

@@serenab8541it’s 18 now

[@TheVonsk]

This man knows perfectly how to make the public feel what he’s feeling. I’m completely amazed in how Sampha transitioned from a place of grief to a joyful one. If you’re new to his music, take time to enjoy it and immerse yourself in his world.

[@mw2fan271]

Took him long enough XD

[@MANTRAWHO]

Agreed

[@19Yearsl8r]

That first album hits hard.

[@joshwilliams9922]

His new album is so transportive, I’ll take one song for example, blue tint, gives you this feeling of being in 3rd person, viewing a Timelapse of families gathering around during the holidays , with nothing but laughter, side chatter, and togetherness. I’ve been waiting for him to release another album for years and it was a pleasant surprise when he announced it. Wish he would’ve been able to come to the states. I would’ve loved to see him live.

[@jaym.57]

I’ve been amazed at all his live performances..it’s time I check his alum out

[@kahlia9009]

I didn’t know I could like “Without” any more than I already do!

[@anthonyskeeters3467]

I love you

[@kahlia9009]

@@anthonyskeeters3467love ya too Anthony skeeters 👏🏼🤍

[@haileyb1201]

The funky version of Dancing Circles was INSANE!!

[@wordplaii]

Swear

[@2kjae789]

I think I might like it better than the album version

[@JJJR11]

True but atleast have half of it be the original song, its my favorite song of the year

[@flightmag]

This is how it is at his live show, so much more amazing!

[@janmoritzstriemer4892]

My favorite too. Whole show is great

[@zislec]

The most versatile artistic performance I’ve ever seen on tiny desk.

[@exploitedmind]

Dancing Circles is simply the best song I've heard all year. The feeling is unmatched. It's awesome to see Sampha back at it again on Tiny Desk!

[@quincybranch5317]

True

[@gerardolopez9597]

Let em know 💯

[@sebastianbjorkman4273]

DANCIIING DANCIING HAND IN HAND WITH YOU OOOOHOOOH~

[@samkelosabela6548]

Wow that drum circle and the drum transitions quite literally brought tears to my eyes

[@aegean_444]

Same here for many reasons, beautiful moment

[@Mmmpc27]

A rare artist who sounds better live than recorded, wow… his sound has always continued to develop beautifully, this is a great venue to showcase his talent. Love it.

[@hweheheh]

Not really rare, most artists on tiny desk are better than the studio

[@josephtolu]

Concur

[@Ellecramfraiche]

Agreed. He is amazing live!

[@ova9thouson445]

facts

[@orbee404]

Sampha, one of the most unique gems in modern music

[@KrisAdamsmusic]

Waves will catch you Light will catch you Love will catch you Spirit gon’ catch you, yeah!

[@FoursWithin]

🌊 🌟 ❤️ 👻

[@KrisAdamsmusic]

@@FoursWithin listen to “spirit 2.0” album version when you get a chance. 💜

[@Alllllright]

!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@romilrh]

18:15 That is the tightest audience clap-along I've ever heard. Everyone in that crowd must've been a musician. JK Simmons from Whiplash would be proud

[@MetalMaster9960]

I understand that its awesome when the audience catches the time but the band was marking the claps, people just followed along, so its not that amazing

[@romilrh]

@@MetalMaster9960 If you think that's not amazing, then you haven't been to many live concerts before lol

[@GhostlyEcheveria]

I've been a fan of Sampha for almost 12 years now. He deserves so much more recognition than he's gotten. This man is a treasure. Edit - and the band! They sound amazing. They look like they are genuinely enjoying themselves. They all look so proud to be standing there with Sampha creating these stunning sounds.

[@tasha6851]

Absolutely I agree with every word you’ve said. I remember seeing him perform live in 2011 in a bar in Tooting London. His early stuff was amazing and I’m really happy to see how far he’s come in his career 💜

[@GhostlyEcheveria]

@@tasha6851 I havent had the pleasure of seeing him live. I missed the ticket sales for the upcoming show in my area. My first experience with Sampha was hearing the SBTRKT collabs and thinking his voice was pure gold. He really has one of the most beautiful singing voices I've ever heard. I've been hooked ever since.

[@CherryChase]

That Dancing Circles rendition is everything you could want. Captures the insatiable groove and the emotional beauty all at once. Loved it and the musicians he got to play with him were all fantastic.

[@0bakengis]

He's literally still exploring and reinterpreting the tunes after they've dropped. TRUE artist❤

[@rhythmlessroxby]

him incorporating "gabriel" into without was absolutely phenomenal. check out his full cover of gabriel sometime, it's gorgeous

[@nicolapowell7730]

@@rhythmlessroxby Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Bigbadpandaa]

my jaw dropped when he started singing Gabriel. It's literally one of my favorite tunes. I didn't know he covered it!! @@rhythmlessroxby

[@Heist1000]

Most musical artist will have several interpretations of a song, before they arrange and cut the release version. The ones that didn't get pressed up are what they whip out for live shows. Some people like that - some don't. The ones that don't want a live performance to be everything they heard just like on the album.

[@Polo22546]

The amount of pure talent that is on display in this video is truly astounding.

[@richbrownbass]

Been a huge fan of Sampha since SBTRKT days, and it's amazing to see his career take off the way it has. Saw the band about a month ago here in Toronto, and it was easily and by far the best gig I've seen this year. Congrats to Sampha and the beautiful humans that make up his incredible band. 🙏🏾❤

[@stefanguy]

One of the best tiny desks I’ve seen! The level of musicianship, songs, arrangements, vocals. Phenomenal performance, incredibly entertaining and inspiring 🙏🏾 This will get a few rewatches no doubt.

[@jakobfarnham9404]

The reaction to a drum stick falling apart at 17:05 is really wholesome.

[@10jmvickers]

Without/Gabriel was absolutely magical. Incredible performance!

[@vanessabarroso9929]

Out of this world artists get you to feel like you're in another dimension... The whole band is unbelievably talented, they all sound so wonderful, there's so much feeling, so much soul, my heart is happy and so full. And his voice....... Oof ! How he makes you fly and so high... Together with those back vocals, smooth! This is everything that's good in the world 🧡

[@MrMoz32]

🎯🎯🎯💎

[@CameronMBoyle]

If you haven't checked out Ruthven (guy on extra percussion n backup vocals) you should, he's got some real groovy tunes

[@jazzy.1o1]

Agree 100%

[@luigizzl3]

Shout out to Sampha for the cover of Roy Davis Jr - Gabriel. His voice suits it perfectly

[@romilrh]

I love when artists use Tiny Desk as an opportunity to showcase alternative takes on their songs. That upbeat version of Dancing Circles is so so good!

[@emoskittles4343]

Setlist: Spirit 2.0 0:00 Only 6:07 Dancing Circles 10:22 Without 14:28 Gabriel cover 18:59

[@oblivionaccess]

18:59 Gabriel cover (roy davis jr. & Peven Everett)

[@emoskittles4343]

​@oblivionaccess oops, I'll add that 👍

[@alexclopez]

Was looking for this

[@bernardlartims9114]

thank uuu

[@topnetworkersgroup]

thank you ::: spirit was a great way to star this

[@missmiko1]

Thanks to Kendrick Lamar, I've discovered a new fave. Wow!

[@efc1690]

That Without x Gabriel version. Wow. So glad you’re back, Sampha! Don’t leave it so long next time

[@FirstDonut]

No doubt 🙌🙌😬

[@anthonyOA]

Is that... 'Gabriel'... interpolated into 'without'? I'm having an out-of-body experience. Excuse me.

[@whyarewestillherethough]

It's SO good right??

[@Ads_Snaps]

Yeh, I saw it live at Alexandra Palace last week… incredible

[@asmodeo111]

What a band!! and everyone’s jamming!! What a great artist Sampha is

[@kwameeyiah]

Totally crushing on the bass guitarist. Awesome show.

[@manuelallston5691]

He definitely has one of my favorite releases this year. Sampha’s voice is so angelic

[@suziel1528]

every time i see him performing in a tiny desk i just start tearing up. one of the most important artists of this generation

[@Realitybit]

Him and jordan rakei

[@ewan7283]

Seeing sampha smile and dance was beautiful

[@TheJcuz]

This was literally so pure ,and well done! A.I could never recreate this!

[@TheN1cholas]

So glad more artists are doing multiple Tiny Desks. Sampha and Noname especially deserve it, they've grown so much since their last performance.

[@FasterToTheEnd]

respect to that drummer for the spirit 2.0 groove. yussef wrote such a musical part, and is such a unique drummer that it's hard to nail that sound.

[@markucla]

SPOT ON

[@polykrom9470]

Going through a tough time in life, and this music means so much to me, being able to know there's better things out there in life and in the future. Thank you a lot Sampha, the musicians and NPR for making this beautiful perfomance happen.

[@jediwzrd88]

We are the observers untouched by the storms

[@darrenbanton8929]

Get the Johnathan L Seagull book

[@lizcohen7457]

❤❤❤

[@DeandreIrving]

I hope you find better times in life

[@noahdavies3815]

Samphas musicianship, production and mixing is elite, with his voice alongside it is perfection. His new album was >>>> I also love that he doesn’t write songs to be mainstream with a catchy hook. He writes what he wants and it’s so good

[@timb350]

A shout out to the sound engineers at Tiny Desk. This is a fine example of the skill they have. Transparent sound...perfectly mixed. Can hardly even notice that it's processed...but you wouldn't be hearing it if it wasn't.

[@MischieviousJirachi]

It's not too processed, I think mainly just some eq and stuff

[@Grizzlybearr0139]

Sampha gives your soul a warm hug! They all killed this performance!

[@webmedia3748]

Yes, an outstanding, wonderfully textured and soulful session. Your performance and art is amazing. Thank you and applause to Sampha with accompanying band members, bravo.

[@edwinbreaux]

sampha is soundhealer

[@twinfolktech]

This new album is so much more upbeat and lighter than the last one. He genuinely seems happier here and it shows in the music and in this performance. Absolutely love Sampha! Him and his band were JAMMING!

[@JaednJaedn]

Gus Fring killing it on the drums

[@Joel-cc8kx]

whyd u say that now💀

[@MischieviousJirachi]

😭😭

[@TheRealBruceLee]

That’s it 😂

[@alexpearson2920]

Can’t unsee it 😂

[@harrs21]

Lol

[@TheBMcGuire]

I think my favorite part of this channel is witnessing the playing of instruments

[@austincelaya1139]

My favorite artist. Thank you so much for having Sampha on again. Anybody who hasn't listened to his new album, it's unreal.

[@emilylouise158]

Is anyone else coming back to this time and time again? 1 million views in 3 months, the boy done good ❤

[@jeffroach4009]

Absolute Masterclass in Tiny Desk Concerts. Sampha and his musicians are top of the line.

[@federicogobbin5798]

Sampha and these guys are really doing something out of the ordinary...love them and love the album ❤

[@cahr8343]

This may be the best tiny desk concert i’ve ever seen, so beautiful, so meaningful, shouts out to the band and bless sampha’s voice and creativity

[@insideroutside]

Love that everyones singing and jamming they all love this

[@jonathanpease115]

Getting Sampha on SBTRKT’s new album, then getting Sampha’s new album, and now a Tiny Desk?! What a great year and a great return!

[@smartguy8219]

one of the best live performances ive heard. his voice sounding so smooth and cozy, even better than on recorded version

[@nijalsmith1317]

impossible to not smile with the bassist

[@watchyostepkevin]

17:09 Definitely one of the funniest clips from a Tiny Desk performance ever. Wonderful performance from everyone, the energy is indescribable 🫶🏻

[@farafyn2770]

This put a smile on my face

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

Without is still such an amazing song all these years later. Would’ve loved to see a rendition of Johnathan L Seagull

[@tomgould2393]

No way he just bled Wothout into Gabriel. This man just gets me. It’s like he’s making music based off my playlists

[@GreenNgold7]

Backing singers are giving me chills, this is beautiful

[@CJmisterglee]

After seeing funky Dancing Circles live, I've been craving it for weeks. So happy Tiny Desk has gifted this version to us.

[@TshepoKhantsi]

I don't know how they all met but I feel like when they talk about things that were brought together by the universe they are talking about such stuff. They can all sing and can all play an instrument. That's really beautiful to watch cause they jam so well together and sound really really good together . I hope they stick together for a really long time . They sound really good. One of the best Desk performances for this year . Class act !

[@CateyEsler]

i’ll say say say it, this is one of the best tiny desks ever

[@Y.fm-radio]

Omg he did Without!! 🥁😭😍 new album is beautiful btw

[@rhythmlessroxby]

I was hoping for Can't Get Closer but Without had me SHOCKED 🥺 so good

[@neotrinityrakgajane]

This 'Without 'is the most perfect thing ever.

[@ezra6563]

I recently rewatched his other tiny desk and was hoping that one day a new one would drop. Thank you Tiny desk 🙏

[@tro1b_55]

Just saw him live at the Howard Theater, was an absolutely electric performance. All his successes are so deserved, beautiful set! Forever thankful for Tiny Desk.

[@danielnguyen3590]

the single most singular/unique artist of our generation. absolutely incomparable

[@austincelaya1139]

His chords, lyrics, texture of his voice are all so original and has such depth to them. His music really makes you feel something larger than life.

[@Bylug706]

relax.

[@camarofever04]

​@austincelaya1139 you dont think Giveon has a similiar voice?

[@josephbrigden8250]

@@Bylug706who’s your pick

[@momoneywill8321]

LEGENDARY TINY DESK

[@lisarincon3527]

The united energy of these beauties is what I crave from bands. It’s it’s own gorgeous marrige of love at peak performance! I love them so much but it’s more❤

[@desertsol44]

Agreed ❤️✨

[@missraeray]

Process is brutally underrated . I hope his new record gets more love ❤️

[@claudialamaj17]

If there were a word more beautiful than beautiful, it would be this video. The experience of seeing Sampha and his team perform live in Toronto on November 4th will always be unmatched. This just took me back again. Every note, every vocal, every beat of Without brings chills to my body. Such a perfect song. It itches that one part of the brain. I wish I could relive seeing it live in Danforth, brought me to tears literally.

[@edboy6859]

Sampha truly is a talented and unique artist. Same goes with his percussionists and background singers.

[@kuyakeno]

Watched this again for like the 18th time, this one of the most addictive performances I've seen yet. s/o to Rosetta though, love her vibe with the bass, she was killin it

[@ralph3478]

At like 16:57 the person to the right of sampha's little drum stick thing comes off and the dude to the left and them have a giggle. soooo good haha

[@BigJav]

Blessed to have seen Sampha perform twice on this last tour, incredible musician, so vulnerable AND he looks so happy doing all of this. I can’t help but cry at his growth, keeps pushing me to keep going and being better