Kenya: Sauti Sol headed for indefinite break

The group, which is set to embark on a final world tour to Europe, the US and Canada between 21 May and 3 September, added that it will release its last album at the end of the year, which it says promises to be a fitting reflection of its musical journey as a band.

“Sauti Sol has been an incredible journey for us, both as musicians and friends,” the band said in a statement issued at the weekend. “We are filled with gratitude for the love and support we have received throughout the years. The indefinite hiatus marks the end of a specific chapter. As close friends and business partners, the band members are eager to explore fresh, creative avenues and embark on personal endeavours.

“While we take this hiatus to pursue our individual and collective passions, we remain committed to our friendship and our shared businesses. The bond between us is unbreakable and we are excited for what the future holds. Fans can look forward to a new single coming very soon, which will be a taste of what’s to come from the band’s final album.

Kenyan fans will have a chance to watch the group perform, perhaps for the last time together, in Nairobi alongside American R&B legends Boyz II Men at the Stanbic Yetu Festival on 10 June, and at the Sol Fest concert on 16 December.

“Each performance will be infused with a sense of deep love and gratitude, as the ensemble delivers its timeless hits and fan favourites that have left an indelible mark on our collective memories.”

The band, composed of Mudigi Savara, Bien Baraza, Willis Chimano and Polycarp Otieno, added: “While the indefinite hiatus marks the end of a specific chapter, it also represents a new beginning for Sauti Sol.”

This is not the first time that the band formed in 2005 has hinted at separation. In late 2021, Sauti Sol announced a project named Alone Together, that would see its members working individually.

“[Alone Together is a] result of deep reflections that we experienced as individuals and as a group, leading us to craft the ultimate expansion of our musical and artistic legacies. It is the unique next chapter as brothers that ties with our natural progression of self-growth, while still being a single unit. The journey is a four-part musical and visual art series for you and the world with the hopes it enlightens you to who we really are – four phenomenal parts that make one iconic whole,” the group said at the time.

In the time that it has been together, Sauti Sol changed the Kenyan music landscape with a string of hits that not only elevated the local sound but placed it at the business end of the global Afro-pop takeover.