Samm Henshaw Presents: "It Could Be Worse"

London-born Nigerian singer-songwriter Samm Henshaw releases his second full-length album, a raw and vulnerable exploration of heartbreak and healing.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Samm Henshaw isn't afraid to feel out loud. His music reflects a palpable ebb and flow of emotions, with vocals that can drip at a slow pour or surge with electricity and energy. The London-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has quietly emerged as a phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and a legion of devoted fans worldwide. On his second full-length album "It Could Be Worse," Henshaw channels the raw emotions of a recent breakup, resulting in a collection of songs that are both intensely personal and universally relatable.

Why it matters

Henshaw's willingness to be vulnerable and transparent in his songwriting has resonated with listeners, cementing his status as a vital voice in contemporary soul, R&B, and indie music. "It Could Be Worse" sees the artist coming into his own, blending his signature sound with live instrumentation and a newfound sense of maturity.

The details

Recorded in Los Angeles with collaborators like Anoop d'souza, OGI, and executive producer Josh Grant, "It Could Be Worse" was born in the aftermath of a difficult breakup that Henshaw describes as the "first time I had ever gone through something like that." To complement the rawness of the lyrics and vocals, the album was cut entirely with live musicians, adding new dimensions to Henshaw's homegrown sonic blend of soul, alternative, indie, R&B, and funk.

  • Henshaw first introduced himself in 2015 with "Only Wanna Be With You."
  • In 2018, he gained global traction with "How Does It Feel?" and "Broke," amassing over 60 million streams.
  • In 2022, Henshaw released his debut full-length album "Untidy Soul," featuring the fan favorite "Grow."

The players

Samm Henshaw

A London-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has quietly emerged as a phenomenon in the soul, R&B, and indie music scenes.

Anoop d'souza

A collaborator who worked with Henshaw on the production of "It Could Be Worse."

OGI

A collaborator who worked with Henshaw on the production of "It Could Be Worse."

Josh Grant

The executive producer who worked with Henshaw on "It Could Be Worse."

Anika Noni Rose

An actress who provided guest vocals on the track "Tangerine" from "It Could Be Worse."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

With "It Could Be Worse," Samm Henshaw has crafted a deeply personal and emotionally resonant album that showcases his growth as an artist. By blending his signature sound with live instrumentation and a newfound sense of vulnerability, Henshaw has solidified his status as a vital voice in contemporary soul, R&B, and indie music.