Sauti is the Swahili word for voice, while Sol is Spanish word for sun meaning “Voices Of Light”. The African acoustic band consists of 4 members; Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Chimano, Delvin Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno started as an accapella group. The band is inspired by the choices, consequences and challenges that the Kenyan youth face and the need to revamp the music industry with a different unique sound that cuts across all age groups. Musically, they are inspired by Fadhili Williams, Daudi Kabaka and other established African artists such as Salif Keita and Lokua Kanza. Alliance Francaise in Nairobi has been their haven.
They were finalists of the Spotlight on Kenyan Music 2006. They have had several shows at the Alliance Francaise since 2006, and in 2008 April held their first solo-concert at the same venue. The response has been magnificent and overwhelming. Their music is uniquely soothing and well rounded. Sauti Sol’s three albums, Mwanzo (2008) and Sol Filosofia (2011), and Sauti Sol (2012) that have received high acclaim on Kenyan charts and gained international attention with shows in Europe and the US, as well as television appearances, various nominations, and most recently their performance with the internationally-renowned South African acappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
They have steadily built their professional international experience. A tour through Europe in 2010 brought them to Sweden where they made a television appearance and recorded their most recent album, Sol Filosofia. In March of 2011, Sauti Sol accepted an invitation to perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas (marking their first American appearance) where they were met with a barrage of enthusiasm. Celebrated by a host of fans, fellow artists and bloggers as the “most entertaining” and “best dressed act” at the festival, Sauti Sol plans to return to their growing American and diaspora fan base. They are currently working on a collaborative EP with South African artist Spoek Mathambo of the Seattle-based Sub Pop Records.
In early 2012 they debuted at the “festival sur le Niger” in Mali where they were invited onto stage and performed alongside some of their idols; Habib Koite, Salif Keita and Lokua Kanza.?In 2011 they were nominated for the second year running in the Best Group category for the Kenyan Chaguo La Teeniez (CHAT) Awards. In 2010 they received a Museke Online Africa Music Award (MOAMA) for Best Group and a nomination for Best African Newcomer at the 2010 African Music Awards (AMA). In 2011, they won two Kisima Music Awards for Best Afro-Fusion Group and Best Music Video (“Coming Home”).
Sheer Publishing is excited to be working with Sauti Sol and look forward to this venture!!!
PRESS RELEASE: A toast to 2012; Sauti Sol release Money Lover music video
To celebrate a victorious end of the year and a beginning of a promising 2013, Sauti Sol releases the anticipated video of their latest single, Money Lover. The video The shot in Kenya and directed by new kid on the block, Andrew Macharia, emphasizes the up beat and alluring song, flaunting the band’s articulate song-writing skills in a story about a young man yearning to decipher love from a lady; whether it’s genuine or for the materialistic gains.
Money Lover was produced by renowned Kenyan producer R-Kay.
2012 was a beautiful year for Sauti Sol. Among accolades and achievements was: the release of Sauti Sol, the band’s self –titled EP produced by South African avant-garde producer/artist Spoek Mathambo, a successful European tour, a Kenyan tour courtesy of the Niko Na Safaricom Live Tour, numerous awards including the 2012 Channel O Most Gifted East African Video award for Shukuru, I Don’t Wanna be Alone, the 2012 Kisima Awards Best Collaboration of the year for Gentleman with P-Unit and several stellar performances at home and away including at the 2012 SXSW in Texas, USA, Big Brother Africa In South Africa, Colours of Ostrava music Festival in Czech Republic and Festival Sur le Niger in Mali.