Sauti Sol is a Kenyan afro-pop band that has gained international recognition for their unique blend of afro-pop, R&B, reggae, and traditional African music. Four people make up the group, which was founded in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2005: Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno.
The four members of Sauti Sol first came together at Upper Hill High School in Nairobi, when they discovered a shared passion for music. They began by giving performances at community fairs and gatherings, gradually earning a reputation for their mesmerizing performances and mellow vocals. The ensemble created a distinctive sound by fusing African rhythms with contemporary influences, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical genres.
“Mwanzo,” Sauti Sol’s first studio album, was released in 2008. The album was well-received by critics and gave rise to several successful singles, such as “Lazizi” and “Blue Uniform.” It made the trio one of Kenya’s most promising musical groups and helped them develop a devoted following.
Sauti Sol’s debut album’s success opened doors for them, and they started to become known outside of Kenya. Their status in the East African music scene was further cemented by the release of their second album, “Sol Filosofia” (2011). It had well-known songs like “Soma Kijana” and “Coming Home,” which demonstrated the group’s development musically and lyrically.
With the release of their third studio album, “Live and Die in Afrika” (2015), Sauti Sol made their breakthrough to global fame. They won several accolades and recognition for the album, including multiple MTV Africa Music Awards.
The group reached unprecedented heights of popularity because to the success of its lead track, “Sura Yako,” which became a huge smash across the continent.
In 2019, Sauti Sol released “Afrikan Sauce,” their fourth studio album, to continue their musical adventure. Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Patoranking were just a few of the African musicians who collaborated on the album. The group’s versatility and capacity to mash up many musical genres were on display.
In addition to their studio albums, Sauti Sol has also put out a number of popular singles, including “Kuliko Jana,” “Melanin,” and “Extravaganza.” They’ve worked together with well-known acts like India. Trey Songz and Arie are increasing their global influence.
Sauti Sol is renowned for their charitable work and support of social change in addition to their musical accomplishments. They have taken part in several charity projects, such as their own foundation, the Sauti Sol Foundation, which focuses on educational and mentoring activities for poor youth in Kenya.
The appeal of Sauti Sol’s music has grown over time, resulting in a devoted following and praise from the music business. They are now firmly established as one of Africa’s most popular and significant musical bands thanks to their dedication to artistic excellence, cultural representation, and beneficial effect.
Recently they have announced that they will embark on an exhilarating tour, stopping at five cities across the U.S. followed by 10 stops in Europe and 4 stops in Canada before taking an indefinite hiatus. The tour is a celebration of their remarkable journey together, and a testament to their enduring bond and friendship for the 20 years they have been with each other in the industry.
The four are eager to experience and explore new ideas and also fulfil their personal endeavours. However, their friendship will be the anchor and driving force for their new projects and future albums.
Sauti sol has been with us in their incredible journey and many fans are sad for their breaking up, but they have made life more fun, artistic, creative and full of love, for that we hold them in deep regard. Their songs will forever be an inspiration to everyone who loved them.
They will be holding their last show, where fans will get to experience the magic tour, they will be working alongside Boyz II Men on the 10th and 11th of June 2023. The experience will be memorable since they will be meeting and working with other musical legends in the world. Sauti sol’s final performance will be on 16th of December 2023, at the third annual Sol Fest in Nairobi.
In addition, they will also be dropping their last their last album together this year, which promises to be a pure reflection of their musical journey as a band. The single will be coming out very soon. This will be a very memorable and sentimental tour, reminding us the memories we have shared with Sauti Sol.
