After 20 years of pure entertainment, the Kenyan boyband, Sauti Sol, bid adieu to their fans in a spectacular farewell performance. The group, consisting of Polycarp Otieno, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Bien-Aime Baraza, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, both in Kenya and around the world.
Sauti Sol’s final act took place during their sold-out Sol Fest concert, which spanned two nights, on November 2 and November 4, 2023. Despite the high ticket prices, fans flocked to the event, and tickets were sold out within hours of release.
This year’s performance marked a significant improvement over the previous year, where the band faced criticism for a lackluster show. Sauti Sol made sure to provide exceptional value for the money spent by their devoted fans.
Highly esteemed Kenyan singer Nyashinski, known for his collaborations with Sauti Sol, headlined the festival, capturing the crowd’s admiration. Nyashinski’s parting words, “long live Sautisol,” resonated with the audience, reflecting their reluctance to see the band take a break.
On the final Sol Fest, Bien Baraza expressed, “We have rehearsed for our final show for 20 years,” encapsulating the group’s dedication to their craft.
The quartet, comprised of Bien Baraza, Polycarp Otieno, Savara Mudigi, and Austin Chimano, achieved international acclaim with hit after hit, including the Best African Act award at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards.
In May, they officially announced their hiatus, with each member pursuing individual projects. In the lead singer, Bien’s case, he has already released solo projects and collaborated with various artists.
The heartfelt response from fans at Sol Fest, who demonstrated their dismay at the group’s hiatus, serves as a testament to the impact that Sauti Sol has had on the music scene.
While Sauti Sol is taking a pause, their legacy remains, and fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds.
