Unveiling Samm Henshaw's irresistible Afrobeats anthem
|Published
Upcoming genre-bending singer, Iniabasi Samuel Henshaw, better known as ‘Samm Henshaw’ joins the growing number of UK-born singers to embrace afrobeats.
Samm was born in 1994 to Nigerian parents in London, United Kingdom, and grew up enjoying gospel, hip-hop, pop and R&B music.
His early exposure to music would inspire the kind of musician he is today, with traces that can be heard in his smooth vocals and genre-defying songs.
Samm has achieved so much during his decade in music with break-out hits like ‘Broke’ and ‘Church’, performing on stages like Wireless Festival, sold-out elite venues like Eletric Brixton and has toured with the likes of Tori Kelly, Chance the Rapper, and Allen Stone.
Last year, he released his debut album, ‘Untidy Soul’, to widespread critical acclaim, including 4-star reviews from various publications.
The project helped to stake his claim as one of the most exciting artists coming out of the UK today.
This versatile singer is back with a brand new single, ‘Jumoke’; an Afro-Folk Pop song with nostalgic lyricism and heartfelt soul.
On the song, Samm shows his class with smooth bass rooted in traditional percussion and sprinkled with a little sax to make a perfect afrobeats song.
On ‘Jumoke’, the South London-bred singer and songwriter skilfully serenades us with a simple narrative of love, encompassing a romance of admiration and enduring love.
Jukemoke is produced by Gaetan Judd, and uses emotive storytelling to blend its infectious rhythms and diverse instrumentation.
The song is deeply personal, as it is a touching tribute to Samm’s uncle, who supported his musical journey.
"On October 6, 2022, we lost someone incredibly special, my uncle Steve. He was a light in every room he entered, and he encouraged me to create songs celebrating our Nigerian heritage', shares Samm.
“The song was born from his inspiration, but sadly, he passed away before hearing it. ‘Jumoke’ is a celebration of African love and life in his honour,” he adds.
To shoot the music video, Samm, asked for help through his social media pages; as a result, Jumoke was directed by him and Timi Akindele-Ajani
In an exclusive interview with GQ South Africa, Samm Henshaw talks about his journey, his love for afrobeats and the story behind his hit song Jumoké.
GQ: What was it like growing up in South London? When did you discover your love for music?
SH: Growing up in South London was interesting. There was always a lot going on; it was vibrant and culturally diverse. I have a lot of good memories. I still live in South London, but I think it has changed a lot since I was a kid.
Music has always been a part of my life. I have been playing the drums since I was about 4. I'm a pastor's kid, so being around music and watching people play instruments has always been a part of my upbringing.
I can't remember when the definitive moment was, but I think it must have been when I started university when I realised I could take music as a career path.
GQ: Music has always been a part of your DNA. Can you imagine what you would be if you were not a musician?
SH: I can picture myself doing other things for sure; in an alternate reality, I could see myself as a director or actor. I don’t think I could actually picture myself not having music in some shape or form.
GQ: Your sound keeps evolving; from "The Sound Experiment EP" to your debut album, "Untidy Soul," it seems like we can't put you in a box. In your own words, how do you think your sound has developed over the years?
SH: I think my sound has evolved because my experiences have also changed. They are different than they were a couple of years ago. Therefore, who I am now isn't who I was a year or two ago.
My knowledge of music is different, and my interest in styles and genres of music has changed as well. A lot of the change happens outside the music, and it informs the sound at that particular time.
GQ: What do you think is the role of an artist in making music for yourself as opposed to making music for other people?
SH: It is interesting that you ask me this because my next project is heavily inspired by this concept.(laughs)
You have to be okay with making music for yourself. Art is always going to start off being for you. The moment you release it it's no longer for you.
You have to become okay with the concept, and at some point you're going to let go of what you create. I'm learning to be okay with that idea.
When I write my music, I'm just talking about my experiences and more times I have realised there is always someone who relates to the message. You don't know how your work is going to be a blessing to someone else.
GQ: Do you have a song that’s intended to be heard by only one person? Was it written for a specific person?
SH: I have a lot of music that no one has ever heard. Maybe one day I'll release it or maybe I won't. You always create with intention when you need to get something off your chest.
There is always something that a lot of people wouldn't have heard, and for a long time, Jumoké was that song.
GQ: ‘Jumoké’ is such an amazing song; it shows a lot of emotion! And it seems as if the narratives in all your songs are tied to your roots. How important is it to pay homage to your Nigerian roots?
SH: I think it's really important. There's no way that, if you are doing something authentic, it won't find it's way into your art. I grew up on afrobeats heavily. My earliest memories of afrobeats songs were weddings. You always had songs from P Square, Tiwa Savage, 2Face Baba
D'Banji before it became mainstream. I grew up in a Nigerian household. It just happened to be in England.
GQ: Should we expect more Afrobeats projects in the near future?
SH: I'll never say never. I have had this song since like 2020. The most important thing for me was the narrative and the reason why it was coming out. It was meant to be part of a project, but it didn't feel good at the time.
So, I'll never say never; but I am definitely thinking about it.
GQ: As you’ve mentioned, you have had "Jumoké" for a few years in the vault. Why did you release it now?
SH: I lost my uncle Steve, he worked in the afrobeats community and was really passionate about the genre.
He saw the Afrobeats Renaissance coming and would push me to make some Afrobeats music. Unfortunately, I don't think he got to hear it before he passed away.
The song became my tribute to him and his kids. We gave the masters to the kids, and whatever the song makes goes towards their future.
GQ: What does the future hold in for Samm Henshaw?
SH: We are getting ready for the next release. We are going to try something a little different from anything we have done in the past. I'm excited to do more shows and get into creative stuff in different realms. I'm interested in doing more film and TV stuff. It's about doing what I can and enjoying the ride.
Written by Takudzwa Nyambi