Sauti Sol news Archives

Music Lovers Excited As Sauti Sol Is Set For US Tour After Long-Hiatus

Posted on April 9, 2023April 10, 2023 by Dennis Elnino

World-acclaimed Kenyan all boy band, Sauti Sol have given their fans yet another reason to be jolly after announcing their upcoming US tour.

The award-winning music group is among several Kenyan music acts who are in the list of entertainers set to headline the popular USA Madaraka Festival 2023.

According to MC Rayan The DJ, who is among the official partners for the USA Madaraka Festival 2023, the much-anticipated event will be held as from May 16th all the way to May 26th.

The event which will feature Kenya’s own Sauti Sol and King Kaka and Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo will see the stars thrill their fans in five different venues and states.

In a phone interview with Ghafla.com, MC Rayan The DJ disclosed that organisers of the event aim at using the platform to export East African sounds to the Diaspora audience and markets.

It should be noted that the headliners for the USA Madaraka Festival 2023, Sauti Sol had not been on a US tour for sometime now, making this feature one of the much-anticipated.

Excited Sauti Sol could not help but warm up their worldwide fans for an amazing experience as they announced the tour via their social media pages.

Sauti Sol, through its official pages shared posters for the USA Madaraka Festival 2023, followed by the caption;

“Coming to America ????????, tell a friend! ???????? #SautiSolUSATour23 @madarakafestival. Tickets now on sale,”.

The festival will also see performances from other stars such as Anthony Cole, Tacoma Refugge Choi, and One Vibe Band.

MC Rayan The DJ, who is big on music and events both in US and back in Kenya hissed to this writer that the lineup of artistes will most likely give music lovers in diaspora an unforgettable Memorial Week experience.

The USA Madaraka Festival 2023 is uniquely curated to empower cultural diversity and inclusion across the African diaspora in Seattle and across the United States with an aim of reaching more than 30 million people online.

The main organiser of the event, One Vibe Media assured the world that the USA Madaraka Festival will be hosting a series of concerts across the United States which will culminate in Seattle.

One Vibe Media, through an official presser sent to different news rooms noted that it will donate part of the proceeds from the USa Madaraka Festival 2023 to One Vibe Africa, MAMA HOPE, and Refugee Artisan Initiative who through their work have been supporting community-led change and impacting over 3.5 million people in the United States and Africa.

In 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival raised seed capital for 106 women in three Kenyan slums who run small-scale businesses.

In 2022, the festival was held at Waterfront Park, Pier 62 in Seattle with over 10,000 people reached in person and over 18 million people reached digitally during the festival season.

The 2023 festival is projected to be the biggest year yet!

The USA Madaraka Festival 2023 tour will have Sauti Sol, King Kaka and others perform in Atlanta, Dallas Texas , New York and wrapping it up with Seattle .

Sauti Sol register big win as Davido says he listens to them alot

Posted on April 3, 2023April 3, 2023 by Ozymandias

Sauti Sol have been winning big but it is rather refreshing to see them receive their bouquet from continental juggernauts like Davido who recently released his latest album, Timeless which has broken Spotify streaming records in Nigeria.

Therapy: Bien speaks on how Sauti Sol has survived 20 years together

In one of the songs, Davido sings about feeling some type of way after listening to Sauti Sol. He is talking about how they put him in a romantic mood and that is quite the co-sign!

For anyone who doesn’t understand how marketing works, subliminal messaging like what Davido has done for Sauti Sol will open up new markets for them as Davido’s millions of fans who do not necessarily know Sauti Sol would be inclined to give them a listen and perhaps become new fans of the Kenyan boy band.

Andrew Kibe Advices Bien To Part Ways With Sauti Sol, Says They’re Pulling His Career Down (Video)

Bien took to his social media page to thank Davido for the mention and to celebrate the very fact I just explained above. Hopefully, now we get to see Kenyan artists making headways into the Nigerian market.

For more thought-provoking opinion pieces, click here. And be sure to like our Instagram page.

Sauti Sol always pulling the victim card

Posted on December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 by Pauline Syombua

Sauti Sol is risking the chances of getting cancelled by their own fans thanks to the stunt they pulled this past weekend during Sol Fest.

From what fams are claiming is that Sol Fest was fun not because Sauti Sol stepped on stage and decided to perform their best songs; but because other artists like Nadia and Konde Boy actually gave electrifying performance despite being among the first opening acts of the show.

Sauti Sol on the other allegedly decided to show up at 3AM while most of their fans are worn out, passed out and way to wasted to care who was performing at the time. Most actually felt used by the boy band: who on the other hand are claiming Fans always use them as a punching bag. Actually what Savara wrote in Sauti Sol’s defence is that;

Guilty as charged

Well, seeing that its not Bien who is out to speak for the team also says alot. I mean, he is always the first one to defend his brothers but this time around, Bien amenyamaza kama maji ya mtungi.

Well, the only i believe Bien hataki story mingi is because he knows they were wrong for disappointing the same people giving them views on YT; and whats even worse….Savara pulled the victim card before consulting his mates and now, now everyone is talking about the band being over-rated and not forgetting those who are ready to drag them on social because – they’re big mad!

Bien explains why most men cheat

Posted on August 1, 2022August 1, 2022 by Pauline Syombua

Ladies! Bein is talking and for once – he has revealed one reason why most men cheat on their spouses and from what he says – mmmh he might just have a point.

Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime speaks after testing positive for Coronavirus

Okay I know there will never be a good reason for cheating but truth is, it happens – matter of fact it could be happening right now and problem is – you can’t stop a man or woman from cheating. Its a personal decision…one that is well planned, calculated and executed at the right time.

For this reason – Bien who is a married man (now that he is done exploring) recently spoke to SPM buzz revealing that most men cheat women….women don’t want to give them space. According to the singer – you’ll find most women always nagging with phone calls uko wapi or just sending funny funny messages to their spouses when out kaa basi na huyo anakufurahisha – hence forcing them to look for less stressful options.

Stop nagging your men

Well at his age, I want to believe the Sauti Sol singer knows what he is talking about – I mean he has had his fair share of women by now right?

Speaking during the interview, Bien said;

Madame imagine ukipea chali yako tu freedom akue who he wants imagine hatacheat

Adding:

Machali hucheat cause kwa keja umewekewa boundaries mingi na umefanyishwa ma PE mingi za kuambiwa uko wapi…umekula.useful.

And with such insecurities one ends up driving their man away yet…all a man wants in a woman is freedom…freedom to live as an adult and not getting mothered around by a spouse.

Sauti Sol’s Bien ends beef with Eric Omondi

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Pauline Syombua

For the longest time we’ve seen Bien and Eric Omondi pick on each other – something may have assumed to be real beef. However those who closely watch these two will tell you they’ve been boys for years and them being from the lake side – they’re literally brothers.

Bien on why he doesn’t wear his wedding ring

But thanks to their fans, the two have been forced to keep up with their ‘beef’ on social media to keep things interesting; and not forgetting that they also used it as a marketing tool – and it worked.

Anyway the reason we say these two celebrities are more than just brothers was confirmed by Eric Omondi’s presence at the launch of Bien Aime’s new Bar & Grill The Manhattan at Imaara Mall. Congratulating his boy for the new project, Eric Omondi wrote telling Bien;

Supporting a brother!! Congrats on your new win Lakini bado hauna nywele kipara ngoto @Bienaimesol

Bien done with beef

Responding to some of the congratulatory messages received from fellow celebrities, Bien went on to appreciate Eric Omondi the most for his support throughout; adding that he owes him big time.

IMG_3184

Thank you Mr President. Your presence was highly appreciated???????????????????? I owe you big time.

And finally ended the beef saying;

Beef season has officially ended. ???????? ????????????????????????????????

Popular Radio presenter blames Chiki Kuruka for turning husband, Bien Aime to a weakling

Posted on April 21, 2022 by Pauline Syombua

Sauti Sol is the greatest group to come out from Africa. Imesabaratika juu ya wanawake! This what Andrew Kibe recently said during his recent vlog directed to Kenyan influencers.

First of all, Kibe says he knows he is a hater and incase you’re wondering or bothered… he doesn’t really care what you think. Again, this information served is from Kibe.

Anyway in a new video shared by the content creator, Kibe picks on the likes of Willy Paul, Frankie Just Gym it, Size 8 among other celebs, but what caught my attention is how he criticized Sauti Sol for settling down.

According to Kibe – Sauti Sol wasted their potential after settling down as husbands. According to him Polycarp was turned to a cook by his wife and now hosts a cooking show, while Bien….well, let’s just say Kibe doesn’t like the tall, dark and handsome fella – that is judging from what he said.

Andrew Kibe to Bien

Apparently Bien getting married has turned him to a sissy featuring on female talk shows here and there – and has no say in his house.

This is following his statement on allowing his wife to have other sexual partners on the side, simply because he chooses his wife’s happiness over his own. Cute, right?

However according to Andrew Kibe, someone like Bien should have never settled down – since artistes in his caliber don’t marry…asking why? Apparently it kills careers adding this move killed Sauti Sol as a group.

They Became weak as a group, that they couldn’t stay together.

Adding;

Juzi si wameamza kuenda kila mtu peke yake. Didn’t you see, Before they got women there was none of that sh!t. They got women, women started talking in their heads and Sauti Sol is no more.

Well – not sure why Kibe feels Sauti Sol’s downfall (especially Bien) will be caused by the women in their lives…but didn’t the two just celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary just the other day?

Alone Together: Sauti Sol members take a break from each other

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Pauline Syombua

Sauti Sol brothers, Bien Aime, Savara Mudigi, Chimano and Fancy Fingers (Polycarp) have decided take a break from the group; as they now focus on solo projects set to be released by December 2021.

The brothers who have blessed fans with amazing music for the past decade made the announcement through their social media pages.

Kenyan artists need to be on the look out for Sauti Sol's forthcoming reality show — Sauti Sol

As seen on the post, the ‘Alone together’ break is aimed at helping each one of them reflect on their personal strengths. However, this time around they will help better themselves individually as artists; before coming back to work on their 2022 album set to be released in May.

Alone together

From the post, Sauti Sol describe Alone together as a child of the pandemic; meaning the decision to work on solo projects was born right after Covid 19 pandemic that left most artists in the entertainment industry affected.

Artists could not release any new projects nor were there resources to help fund them. But now that Sauti Sol understands the importance of always having plan B; they now have given each other space to sharpen their skills; and see what they all bring to the table – but this time around, alone.

Alone Together is a child of the pandemic. The 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. Thus each of us shall enter into our alone phase with a single release by December 2021. This shall be followed by release of full projects whose dates shall be announced in due time,” reads part of the statement.

Married Sauti Sol’s guitarist Fancy Fingers responds to cheating allegations made against him

Posted on September 17, 2021September 17, 2021 by Pauline Syombua

So Polycarp Otieno alias Fancy Fingers has found himself on Edgar Obare’s watch lost; after one of the bloggers students spotted him with a certain young lady enjoying the hot breeze at the coast region. But problem is, Fancy Fingers is a married man with a small family.

Lovebirds, Polycarp Otieno and Lady Mandy

Also read: “Burnout is real” Wife to Sauti Sol’s Fancy Fingers reflects on motherhood 8 months after welcoming baby boy

Of course this exposè caught the attention of many who never imagined that Polycarp Otieno is the type to cheat. I mean, the guy is quite, down to earth and quite chilled out; like he doesn’t really like the social media attention – so yea – low key too.

However the fact that he was caught in the company of another woman; has painted him as a cheating husband to his hot dark skinned wife, Lady Mandy. But again could have been a friend, relative but definitely not a sister!

Also read: Sauti Sol’s Bien reacts to female fan having wild thoughts about his ‘cassava’

Perfect couple: Polycarp Otieno and Lady Mandy

Fancy Fingers gives his side of the story

With the story out and fans waiting to hear Fancy Fingers version of the story; Edgar Obare reaches out to the Sauti Sol guitarist hoping to shed some light on the issue at hand.

When asked about the alleged girlfriend he was spotted with in Watamu; as expected Fancy Fingers aka Otieno denied the rumors saying;

So now I can’t hang out with my female friends…I do not have a girlfriend, I have a wife. It’s unfortunate that people are out to taint other people’s lives. I saw this lady taking a pic of me and I let her entertain herself…please carefully analyze what is sent to you,

As if his explanation wasn’t enough; Polycarp went further to distance himself from the cheating allegations adding;

Its ok taking pics but labeling what’s not is just savage man. Of course not you but the lady who took this. A beautiful life can be ruined very easily. Be it one or my friend’s. Please carefully analyze what is sent to you. Especially of known people like us. We are humans too. Bless.

Okay…okay Polycarp we get it. But again, the fact that it was just the two of them on the vacation; can’t blame fans for overthinking. Right?

Proof that Nviiri’s hot girlfriend is struggling with mental illness issues leading to self-harm (Photo)

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Pauline Syombua

YouTuber Elodie Zone is not shy to admit that she has been struggling with mental illness issues (depression) since she was only 14 years old. The beautiful stunning lass does not however reveal what led to her depression at such a young age; and why she did not get help. Maybe.

However what we know is that she has carried the depression in her system till date; and for some reason – many find her behavior toxic (no judging) but after her two online breakups – probably it’s time she got help.

A few years ago, the YouTuber had a nasty breakup with boyfriend, Sean; who she painted as a violent person, controlling and much more.

Years later, Elodie has once again painted boyfriend Nviiri the same as Sean – which leaves fans questioning whether she could be the trigger to all the toxic behavior from her men.

Like I said, we are not judging but truth is; this particular young lady is indeed in need of help not from just therapists but her close family who probably understand her more.

Self harm

This comes after a photo showing the body cuts she has been inflicting on herself; following her alleged breakup with Sol generation’s, Nviiri.

As seen on a photo shared by blogger Edgar Obare – we can confirm that Elodie has been cutting herself; (as form of dealing with her pain) but at the same time – this is how it all starts.

Anyway boyfriend Nviiri also seems aware of his girlfriend’s mental struggles as he recently shared a post about Borderline personality disorder which he deleted after a few minutes.

Not sure whether this is his explanation following Elodie’s posts on physical and mental abuse; but below is a photo showing the bruises Elodie inflicted on herself.

Sauti Sol’s Bien Speaks On How The Group Has Been Able To Stick Together For Long

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Dennis Elnino

Kenya’s award winning group Sauti Sol are known for their impeccable entertaining music, which they’ve done together for years. Musical groups splitting up is not something peculiar, especially in the local industry. Some may decide to go their separate ways through mutual consent, while others decide to end their careers and walk away.

A good example is the Kansoul, who were among the best trio in the industry. Well, Sauti Sol are still holding on and don’t seem to split any time soon. The group, consisting of Bien, Chimano, Delvin, Polycarp and David met long ago and tarmacked a lot before rising to fame. Bien, Savaro and Chimano met while still in high school and pioneered the group.

Power Group;

Opening up on how they’ve managed to stick together for long, Bien disclosed that they mostly hang out together; and even go for counselling when they want.

”There’s practices that we put in our lives. I think we have a healthy relationship. Sauti Sol hang out all the time as friends; just drinking, chatting sh*t. And just not doing anything that is musical or work related. And then also there’s the element of counselling. But not because we are fighting. Counselling is just like servicing your car.”

Bien also revealed that the members of the group care much about their relationship; and that’s what keeps them going.

Sauti Sol can’t keep calm after their billboard was spotted in New York (Photo)

Posted on January 15, 2021 by David Kingsley

Members of celebrated Kenyan boy-band Sauti Sol could not hold back their joy after a digital billboard that had their images went up in Times Square, New York.

Also read: Have Sauti Sol members let fame go into their heads?

While it was not clear who put up the billboard, many people believe it was sponsored by YouTube as the Suzanna hitmakers are part of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021.

Sauti Sol

Other local content creators who have been picked to be part of the class are; Patricia Kihoro, Kaluhi’s Kitchen, Mitchelle Adagala and Mumo.

Sharing the big news on his Twitter page, Savara Mudigi, one of the four members of the band could not hold back his elation revealing that God had lifted him from Maringo slums to the streets of New York.

“Keep on walking in the rain. Kuna blessing in the pain. From Marish to Times Square. To God be the glory,” he wrote.

Here is the photo:

Have Sauti Sol members let fame go into their heads?

Posted on December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 by David Kingsley

Over the last two weeks or so, I have been wondering what to make of Sauti Sol’s decision to cancel what would have been their first live show since the first COVID-19 case was announced in Kenya.

Also read: Sauti Sol has mastered the art of making good music

Was it sheer arrogance or did the organizers of the Sol Saturday concert, which was happen on December 19th, fail to meet their standards as claimed by one lady by the name Kari – who was to sell food at the event.

Sauti Sol

Apparently, the award-winning boy band was not pleased with the set up of the stage at Waterfront and they decided to pull the plug on the event on the D-day, 3 hours before the gates opened officially.

Interestingly, Sauti Sol had already received their full performance fee, which according to Kari, was $30,000 which is approximately Ksh. 3,277,500 with current exchange rates.

Anyone will tell you that that amount is no pocket change, bearing in mind that only a handful artists have stepped on stage since the first since March.

Sauti Sol

Rejecting that handsome amount because you did not like a stage and to add to the fact that when Bien Aime was asked about it he was extremely rude just reeks of arrogance.

I’m not denying the fact that certain artists require specific things before they go on stage, like a specific microphone, certain brands of water or alcohol etc., but I feel Sauti Sol should have been lenient.

As the biggest Kenyan band, their fans really looked forward to seeing them on stage because they released an epic album during the pandemic. I mean, who would not want to see them performing Nenda Lote live?

When they were making the decision to cancel the concert they should have also taken into consideration, the level of preparation that went into putting it together. The suppliers, vendors etc.

All in all, because we have no choice we will eventually forgive them and get back to singing their songs like Golden Bells hymns.

“Turudishieni pesa zetu kwanza” Bitter fans react after Sauti Sol announces new Christmas gig dubbed ‘A Sol Christmas’

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Pauline Syombua

Sauti Sol have been making headlines for the wrong reasons this past week; but this is because they not only left their fans stranded and confused after cancelling Sol Saturday but because they also lied.

Well according to a statement released by Sauti Sol’s management, the boy band cancelled Sol Saturday due to the huge crowd that was expected to turn out. According to them, they felt that the venue was too small to hold this crowd; and seeing how Covid – 19 has killed hundreds of thousands they couldn’t put their fans at risk.

Of course this sounds like a legit thoughtful thought that they would put their fans first; despite knowing that they would suffer some losses at the end of the day. For a minute fans bought the story until one a video done by
Kari’s Kitchen, one of the Food Venders at the event emerged online.

The truth?

According to Kari, Sauti Sol called off the concert because they did not like the stage setup; and since we all know these boys have a particular liking to their image, they decided to cancel. In the video making rounds on social media Kari is heard claiming that they lied about the Covid-19 precaution story they had talked about earlier.

But since we cannot really tell who is lying or why Sauti Sol would want to stain their image with such a petty move; the boy band has now decided to make up for the cancelled event.

As seen on their social media pages, Sauti Sol is planning to hold another gig dubbed ‘A Sol Christmas’ on 25th December. Although the gig will be online, at least it will help make up last weeks disappointment; but problem is Kenyans want nothing to do with this.

In the comment section most went on call them out saying;

valyne.angela Turudishieni pesa basi Tununue bundles

gasetoo Mmekuja haraka. Bado hatujarecover????

Chipukeezy’s girlfriend wrote;

kibanja_ Ngumu

Others went on to say;

m.umuu THE AUDACITY!

lomolejr You guys????????????. Don’t cancel it at 9 pm again????

christeen_njeri It’s the audacity for me????????????????????

Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime speaks after testing positive for COVID-19

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

Popular Kenyan boy band group Sauti Sol woke up to sad news after their lead singer, Bien-Aime Alusa Baraza tested positive for Coronavirus, just before their much-awaited performance.

If you had been following closely, ever since Corona invaded the country, the music group had always expressed caution with COVID-19 measures.

Also read: Millions Sauti Sol lost because of COVID-19 (Video)

The boys even had tests run for the 6 of them including their two signees, Nviiri the Storyteller and Bensoul, before going into isolation to focus on their music and map a way forward.

COVID-19 hits home

Unfortunately, the virus still did not spare them after Bien’s test results came back positive last week.

Speaking to a local publication, the artist revealed they had been scheduled for a performance in Uganda last week on Thursday.

But before then, he started having fever, joint aches and eye problems and thought it wise to seek medical attention.

“For the last couple of days, I have been indoors. I started feeling weak and so I decided since I was travelling to Uganda, I needed the tests done before. Only for me to test positive.”

Forcing him to go into quarantine to avoid spreading it to loved ones but cautioned;

“Corona will get anyone so long as we do not adhere to the said measures.”

Unfortunately, contracting the virus has come with its own baggage especially financially as he complains of the expensive treatment bills he has had to foot and still is.

“I feel the treatment is very expensive even for me. I have used KSh8k on medicine alone. Our healthcare system has not cushioned us. So once it gets to you, you may end up spending too much from your pockets. It could be worse since it could even kill you.”

Grisly road accident that nearly claimed Sauti Sol's Bien Aime Baraza's life — Vocalist Bien Aime

Bien believes that everyone has the chance to save themselves not just the pain of contracting the virus but the financial load it comes a long with it.

Good news however is, his beloved, Chiki Kuruka tested negative from the virus.

We wish him well!

Cute photos of Sauti Sol’s Polycarp spending some good time with newborn lights up the Internet

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

Sauti Sol’s Polycarp Otieno aka Fancy Fingers and wife Lady Mandy must be having the time of their life, starting off a parenting journey weeks after welcoming a bouncing baby boy.

The couple was Blessed to welcome their first child together and the first child of the popular boy-band group that has only made the last few weeks worthwhile.

Also read: Sauti Sol’s Polycarp Otieno and Lady Mandy officially welcome newborn (Video)

The Kenyan-Burundian couple has been parading snippets of their newborn online, keeping secret the baby’s name and birth details.

Baby O unveiled

However, the new mom in town, could not help but gush over her Blessing, sharing a breathtaking photo of the newborn’s feet together with hers.

A priceless photo that left fans ogling over what must be an interesting journey both for the mom and her weeks-old baby boy.

Fancy fingers’ dad-son moments

The renowned guitarist and producer finally let fans in on what has been going on behind the scenes, with a series of enviable photos, spending some good time with his newborn son.

Going by the name ‘Baby O’, the adorable newborn was spotted lying next to their dog, as Fancy Fingers musing behind the camera, adored the beautiful spectacle.

“Today I took Baby O out to the sun but th dog took over and is doing a great job so far being a protector! Picture Perfect ❤️❤️.”

Fans were impressed by the new dad’s adventure in his fatherhood journey, showing nothing but love forr the photo.

Before crowning it with a photo of him lying back, with his newborn sweetly placed on his chest, hair already grown and it was a sight to behold.

For the guitarist, Baby O is “My Love. My Heart. My Everything. A perfect Sunday it is.”

Meanwhile, Lady Mandy could only envy the cute dad-son moment that seems to have displaced her in the photo.

“Those words used to describe me a few weeks ago… ???? but I cannot complain about the replacement bruh , so so worth it. #myboys ♥️❣️”.

Lady Mandy looking flawless weeks after welcoming newborn

Congratulations to the pair!

Sauti Sol’s Savara narrates life threatening experience with SARS during his stay in Nigeria

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Pauline Syombua

Sauti Sol’s Savara has ever come across the so called Nigerian police officers known as the SARS. According to the internet the SARS are the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) used to help reduce robbery in the country; however judging from the stories shared online, this is not what they have been doing.

So far we have seen Nigerians beg for help as they fear for their lives following the ongoing battle between the youths and SARS. Yes, this is scary and if you thought the internet has been exaggerating, wait till you hear Savara’s story.

In a post shared by Savara Mudigi, he goes on to narrate his personal experience with the SARS that almost left him begging for his life.

Vocalist, producer and drummer, Delvin ‘Savara’ Mudigi

Also read:Police reveal the reason why Saumu Mbuvi’s father-in-law was shot

Savara opens up

In the post the Sauti Sol singer goes on to open up saying;

Many of you might not know this but I have had a personal experience with SARS. I had travelled to Lagos to shoot the video of Susanna and after the shoot, I decided to go listen to bangers in the club. BIG MISTAKE.

The singer goes on to add;

Also read:Saumu Mbuvi’s Father-in-law allegedly shot by the police

On the way to the club our vehicle was stopped by SARS. They forced us out of the car and told us to lie on the ground. Being foreigners, Mzwa and I heavily prayed for our lives. All I heard were sounds of guns being cocked. I dont know where i would be if it wasn’t for the few dollars I had in my pocket.

Worst experience

The singer goes on to reveal that this was one of the worst experience he had ever experienced in his life. According to Savara, these SARS left him feeling like a terrorist; yet Nigeria has always been Sauti Sol’s second home.

Meet Noni Gathoni, Bensoul’s gorgeous girlfriend (Photos)

Posted on October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

Bensoul, the first artist to be signed into Sauti Sol’s Sol Generation record label, hardly talks about his love life, until recently when he decided to show off his girlfriend to fans.

Born Benson Mutua Muia, known for his unique music style, took us down memory lane on how they first met and how it has been over the years for them.

Also read: Bensoul narrates how he nearly died after HIV scare (Video)

During his recent meet-up with the Sauti Sol boys and Nviiri, Bensoul took advantage of the opportunity to arrive early to the event just to spend more time with his girl before they get into serious business.

Bensoul introduces his dearly beloved

Super excited about the meet up, the artist got to the venue ahead of time and waited for his light-skin babe who did not disappoint.

Telling their story, a dear Noni revealed they were actually celebrating their first anniversary together before telling of how they met.

“We first met on social media, basic chats, nothing serious. Until this one evening when we crossed paths at an entertainment event,” recalled Noni.

She was attending an evening birthday party of one of her girlfriends while Bensoul was there to catch up with his male friends.

Remember, these two had never met physically, so they literally bumped into each other at the night event and Noni realized that this is the guy she has been chatting with online.

“So I approached him and tapped him from his back then we chatted endlessly, had a good night and exchanged numbers,” she continued.

Funny enough, Bensoul never hit her up until like a week later to ask her whether she got home safely and all.

Bensoul with sassy girlfriend Noni Gathoni

“We kept meeting up and the chemistry slowly started building and we moved to the next level,” sweetly recalled Noni Gathoni.

A beauty and brains, having recently attained her degree and for Bensoul, he lives to celebrate a real one – His Love.

Check out the pretty babe the celebrity artist has bagged:

Have a listen to the interview:

10 Kenyan artists whose concerts you must attend when lockdown is finally lifted

Posted on September 14, 2020September 14, 2020 by David Kingsley

With the significant reduction of positive COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks, it seems things will soon go back to normal and the restrictions that had been put in place to curb the spread of the deadly virus will be lifted.

Also read: What next for Kenyan entertainment after COVID-19?

Measures such as banning large public gatherings and ordering the closure of clubs and have denied many Kenyans a chance to socialize and see their favourite artists performing live for a whole 6 months.

As such, I decided to write down a list of Kenyan artist who I feel many people, including yours truly, are eager to see performing on stage. Here are their names in no particular order and to be honest I don’t mind if someone can get all of them to do one show.

1. Mejja – Okwonkwo as he is popularly known has been on a roll since the year began. He has dropped fire collabos and I believe many people are yearning to see him on stage because he’s a showstopper.

Mejja

2. Sauti Sol – If you watched Sauti Sol’s virtual concert last month then I’m sure you can’t wait to see them on stage soon because nothing beats a Sauti Sol live experience.

Sauti Sol

3. Nadia Mukami – She is arguably the biggest female artist in Kenya at the moment and to add to that, Nadia has also released many jams during the social distancing period that many people would want to see her performing live.

Nadia Mukami

4. Otile Brown – The mellow-voiced singer whose real name is Jacob Otieno Obunga dropped a fire album during the social distancing period and watching him perform those songs live will be an unforgettable experience.

Otile Brown

5. Khaligraph Jones – The OG or Papa Jones has also been working really hard and if you have ever attended his show then you know that he means business when he gets on stage.

Khaligraph Jones

6. Ssaru – I know many of you can not wait to see this lass performing because she literally blew up when we were in lockdown. To add to that, she has some dope wordplay and rhymes.

Ssaru

7. Timmy Tdat – I had to include the Dus Nyau hitmaker because his energy when he is on stage is unmatched. If you attend his concert, you go home feeling like you got value for your money.

8. Willy Paul – During the lockdown, Pozze has dropped collabos with Mejja, Nadia Mukami, Bien Aime, Ruby and done many successful single projects. Therefore, you just have to see him performing live.

9. Moji Short Babaa – If you are a promoter and you want an urban gospel artist who will pull huge crowds to your event then look no further than this chap.

Moji Short Babaa

10. Mbogi Genje – Many of us have gotten to see Gengetone groups like 34 GVNG, Sailors, Ochunglo Family, Ethic, etc. performing but we are yet to see Mbogi Genje and that would be an awesome experience because they are unique and so taleneted.

Mbogi Genje

Sauti Sol’s Chimano swinging both ways? He responds

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Pauline Syombua

Sauti Sol’s Chimano may be interested in fellow men – but it is no secret that he seems to have a huge effect on women.

Judging from the number of comments he receives from his female fans; we can clearly confirm that he attracts women through his stylish vibe ; and yes, a big cassava most female species refuse to overlook.

As seen on his latest post, it appears that there are a few ladies who secretly wish that Chimano was straight or just bisexual.

This is because Chimano has been showing off his big blessing – which bulges from his pants whenever posing for a photo; and unfortunately this trick leaves the ladies thirsty.

Also read: Sauti Sol’s Chimano introduces curvaceous sister that will leave many drooling (Photos)

However, this time around his bulge was seen while he hugged a female bestie from the side. Of course a few characters here and there went on to assume that the lady was responsible for pop; until Chimano started responding to the comments.

Chimano, it is what it is

Unfortunately for the ladies Chimano was born different and despite the big blessing; the singer has no plans of being with a woman. He made this known while responding to a fan who insisted on knowing whether the young lady in the photo was the better half.

Also read: Chimano parades his huge bulge in white pants leaving many ladies thirsty (Photo)

Well, despite having taking years to come out of the closet; Chimano indeed continues to prove that he can now handle the pressure and critics from haters.

Also, judging from this particular photo showing Chimano’s banana – I see why most ladies wish he would wife them.

Rib-cracking throwback photos of your favorite celebrities before the fame and money

Posted on September 10, 2020September 10, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

It’s Thursday and you know what we do, throw it back to the days before the camera job became everyone’s talent or even before flawlessness on photos became a thing.

The past remains a memory; days when life might not have been as cool as today, but days that saw majority grow into what they are today and to forever remain cherished.

We throw it back to some of Kenya’s top celebrities, be it in their childhood days, campus life or early adulthood years. With no particular order to it, let’s kick off with crazy TBT photos of Internet sensation Diana Marua. Way back when she was living her best life as a slender city girl so in love that she would never mind one or two outings with her exes.

So there was this time the then dark-skinned babe and her ex trooped to Hell’s Gate Park for a bit of catch up and this was her;

She seems to have gotten woke with time and in 2013, this was the massive transformation:

Party girl Diana Marua slaying in her youth days

We move on to Catherine Kamau aka Kate actress whose throwback photo proves her family’s genes were top-notch. The support system though;

Former K24 news broadcaster Eric Njoka shared a throwback of him quite in his youthful days and ready for the market, just before he made his debut on TV.

As she turned a year older last week, Njugush unearthed a throwback photo of Celestine Ndinda presumably during her campus days, sitted in what seemed like a hostel and Njugush captioned “Remember the journey always!!!”

A recent hot photo of Akothee when she would step out a bit more decent and in that blue jeans fashion has left fans sprawling to the ground. This looks like a few years back though;

It would be an honor to crown the day with Kenya’s top boy band Sauti Sol with TBT photos of the band members.

Polycarp Otieno in uniform during his early school years

Khaligraph posted a TBT photo of Sauti Sol

“To the light of my world,” Bien Aime sweetly adores wife Chiki on her special day

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime and Nigerian-Swiss wife, Chiki Kuruka celebrate six months since saying ‘I Do’ in a lush private affair early this year.

And despite being born into wealth, the two have hustled their way up, amassing resources from scratch together, having spent years dating and trying to establish fair ground, the pair has admitted that were it not for having each other in their lives, then they’d probably have been long gone by now.

Also read: Meet Bien´s Swiss father-in-law, Chiki Kuruka´s dad (Photos)

Celebrity couple, Chiki Kuruka and Bien-Aime Baraza

As a dear Chiki turned ’22’ yesterday, Bien sweetly penned, “To my age mate, thank you for being the light of my world. I would have totally fucked myself up.”

But for his woman, he was the change she needed in her life, the smile that lit up her dark days and the one person who gives her sight in her hopeless moments. Further admitting that love did not quite make sense to her, until she met her tall, dark and handsome Prince who taught her love without boundaries.

Also read: Bien Aime and Chiki Kuruka´s lowkey wedding [Details]

And as the clock keeps ticking and years moving, she can’t wait to spend her eternity with none other than the band member, vocalist and songwriter, Bien-Aime Baraza. In a cute photo of the two, she beautifully captioned;

@bienaimesol You came to my life and changed it. You made me smile on the darkest days, and make me see hope in my hopeless moments. I didnt know I could love this much, but hey, the universe has obviously got my back. I cant wait to spend my life with you. But today…. lets focus on an awesome birthday lunch. Happy birthday to me! ❤❤

Celebrity couple, Bien Aime and Chiki Kuruka

Crazy fans, picked on Chiki, some making fun of her young age, while others could not help but worry their kids were going to turn out extra tall. Have a look:

maasai_spearman Happy birthday to her.lakini si watoto wenu watakua milingoti????

prettydaprinces ❤️❤️❤️happy birthday to her????????alafu iyo 22 ni anivasaries ama????

g4gafrica_mentalhealthfdn The vulnerability in the caption ????❤️❤️❤️❤️

mercy_ndar 22 years in Fitness ama ni 22 years together????

anyikowoko Happy birthday Baby ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love you long time fellow Sept mate

Happy Birthday to Chiki Kuruka from the Ghafla family!

Sauti Sol’s Polycarp Otieno and Lady Mandy officially welcome newborn (Video)

Posted on August 31, 2020August 31, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

It marks roughly 9 months since Polycarp and wife Lady Mandy were expectant.

The pair gladly broke the news of a newborn on board on May 2. One who was going to be the first of Sauti Sol’s babies and who the 4 gents could not wait to welcome.

Also read: “Long neck, curves at the right places and with strings attached,” Sauti Sol’s Polycarp opens up on meeting his first love Cecilia (Video)

The clock kept ticking, with videos of the couple preparing those delicacies in their kitchen, at other times, Lady Mandy stepping out for couple of photoshoots, her belly gradually protruding as weeks went by but unsure of the set date, fans kept hoping that the D-day would eventually come.

Polycarp’s wife Lady Mandy heavily expectant

True to it, the day was but around the corner. The couple was speculated to be gracing the delivery room early last week but it backfired, however, that was only a window to greater things, one that has now become the reality.

Also read: Millions Sauti Sol lost because of COVID-19 (Video)

The D-day

Breaking the news during their interview yesterday with Churchill Ndambuki, Polycarp who was present for the first half, could not help but seem uneasy, constantly starring at his phone and keeping it close, waiting for that call that was forever going to change his life.

Polycarp Otieno and Lady Mandy finally welcome newborn

As the 5 engaged in a heated discussion coupled with a few light moments, Mwalimu Churchill interrupted before Polycarp revealed;

My wife is due any time, so I must be on the lookout.

Also read: Grisly road accident that nearly claimed Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime Baraza’s life (Video)

The excited band members, already started throwing in all sorts of names for the yet to be born baby, warning the guitarist and his wife against giving their kid a strange name, characteristic of people from his hometown.

For Polycarp, their baby’s gender or name was going to come as a surprise to the world. As he pulled the guitar strings jamming to their new album, for a bit of hype on the Midnight Train jam, the phone rang and good news was out, Lady Mandy had finally delivered.

Congratulations to the pair! Now let’s sit and wait for it to unfold.

Grisly road accident that nearly claimed Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime Baraza’s life (Video)

Posted on August 31, 2020August 31, 2020 by David Kingsley

Not many people know this but Bien Aime Baraza, who is one quarter of Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol, nearly gave up the ghost after being involved in a horrific road accident in 2007.

Also read: Meet Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime’s little-known hot brother, Yuri (Photos)

The musician, who is largely seen as the face of the group, narrated his brush with death during last night’s episode of Churchill Show – which airs on NTV.

Sauti Sol’s lead vocalist, Bien Aime Baraza

Bien revealed that he was he was in the company of his sister, Bijoux, Wakamba Wawili and Wendy Kimani when a matatu hit him as he was crossing the road.

They had come from the studio and were heading to the stage to board a matatu when his sister alerted them about a matatu that was being driven carelessly.

When Bien turned around, the car was right in front of him and he was badly injured because it was too late for him to get out of the way.

Bien’s sister, Bijoux Baraza

“We were crossing the road at Tuskys Pioneer in town and heading to Railways when my sister warned us about an oncoming car. Before I knew it, he had really hit me,” he explained.

The driver then sped off after the accident and left him lying on the ground, without caring whether he had survived or not.

“He hit me on my knees. I hit my face on the windshield. I just remember flying in the air. I woke up on the ground and found my sister trying to resuscitate me,” Bien added.

He was then taken to Nairobi Hospital where he discovered that he didn’t have 16 teeth when he looked at himself in the mirror. He also had glass, from the broken windshield, in his mouth.

Watch the video below.

Millions Sauti Sol lost because of COVID-19 (Video)

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

The advent of Coronavirus in Kenya came almost as good as a stamped confirmation that music artists were going to count big losses from performances, tours and bookings made globally due to the travel restrictions.

Probably no one saw it coming, so no one made prior plans on how to survive the pandemic and the heat we have since experienced from COVID-19 can never be fully described in words.

Also read: The untold story of how Sauti Sol’s Bien Aime’s flashy childhood turned into abject poverty in a split second (Video)

For popular Kenyan boy band, Sauti Sol, 2020 was going to be an almost complete turn over, in terms of their global reach and platforms they would grace with 25 scheduled shows in America and 15 in Europe, a promise that was only washed away soon as the Coronavirus was declared a pandemic globally.

The Sol family was soon after called for an urgent meeting, as their manager, Anchie Ng’inga broke the news of cancellation of their shows from across the world. Sharing intimate details on the same, the 4 band members, divulged;

“This year, was going to be a wonderful year, we had already booked many gigs,” Chimano stated.

Willis Chimano opens up on being a socially awkward child

Also read: “I never felt like I belonged,” Sauti Sol’s Chimano opens up on being a socially awkward child (Video)

The Sol generation signees were going to have one of the most eyeopening events scheduled overseas but that was never going to come to pass. At least not in 2020.

“Bensoul was to go to Australia, but their tour was cancelled. That irritates me,” Savara Mudigi continued.

For Chimano, his trip to Australia was one he could not wait for, years and counting but just as his vision was about to come to pass, darkness struck.

“Sauti Sol had a tour planned for the States and for Europe. 25 shows in America and 15 shows in Europe,” Bien Aime revealed.

Sauti Sol’s lead vocalist, Bien Aime Alusa Baraza

That statement by Bien already tells you that were the shows to go down as planned, millions would have been made out of it but as we speak, they can only cry foul. Funny thing is, tickets got sold out in 24 hours, that was going to be the first show of such magnitude.

“Tickets were sold out within a day! I mean, that has never happened to us. And for a place like London,” Polycarp Otieno closed in.

Polycarp and wife Lady Mandy keeping it casual

The big question they were left asking is: What next? Have a listen, courtesy of Sol Generation TV;

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Blacowp, fast-rising star who’s disrupting the Kenyan music industry

Posted on August 25, 2020August 25, 2020 by Brian Onyango

I recently had a chat with a fast-rising musician by the name Samuel Birech, better known as Blacowp and I thought you should also get to know about him because he makes dope music.

Blacowp fell in love with music at the tender age of 5 and he says that his mother used to take videos of him singing along to the songs that she would play on the stereo, little did he know that it would blossom into a career.

Blacowp

He says that Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol has had a big influence on him. When he was young, he really looked up to them and he still does. Blacowp also says that the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson inspires him.

A few days ago, he released his first official single titled Dreamscape and the song, which talks about seeking a world that does not really exist to escape from reality, has been getting good reception.

I’ve had this jam on repeat since I heard it for the first time because it’s well put together. Blacowp’s vocals and flow are really on point. The beat, which was mastered by Forty Studios, also slaps so hard.

Blacowp

To be honest, I also love the video for Dreamscape, although the concept is simple, the execution was above par. We have to give it to the director – Bizi B.

I asked Blacowp about his future plans and he told me that he would love to work with Khaligraph Jones, Sauti Sol, Diamond Platnumz, Victoria Kimani, Fena Gitu and Tanasha Donna.

He also wants to keep his unique sound so that some day an upcoming artist can look at him and laud the role that he played in the music industry.

Blacowp is definitely destined for greatness and it’s only a matter of time before the country, and maybe the whole continent gets to know about him.

Watch Dreamscape below and tell us what you think.

“I never felt like I belonged,” Sauti Sol’s Chimano opens up on being a socially awkward child (Video)

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 by Gloria Katunge

Willis Chimano was recently introduced to the world from a completely different angle unlike what many probably presumed of him. And what masses don’t know is that this did not start yesterday, if anything, his younger days, formed the socially awkward personality he exhibits today.

Also read: 8 times Chimano has openly paraded his feminine side on social media (Photos)

Like every other African home perhaps, Willis was born to staunch Christian parents, who strived to ensure him and his three siblings had everything they needed but also strongly founded them deep into the Christian faith. Education was one thing that was accorded in the family of 6 and eventually, it bore the 4 children a good future.

Molding from his childhood

Despite having it all seemed figured out, Chimano was that one child who struggled to get through his school years; right from primary to high school and eventually campus. He was never the socially active child when he could have the luxury of being by himself, lost in his own thoughts and enjoying his own company. No!

Growing up, I considered myself a very awkward child, I used to find it tasking to make friends and I would occasionally lean over the wall of a then one-bedroom and just stare at the multitude of children playing. I was this teenage boy who never felt like they belonged, I was a very subdued child.

Also read: Revealed! How Sauti Sol’s Polycarp and his wife met in a case of mistaken identity (Video)

Bold sense of fashion explained

His sense of fashion that seems awkward today was majorly influenced by his childhood days. When he would relate better with his mom’s wardrobe that that of his dad who never allowed him into his closet. Chimano grew up not to live by society’s set standards but in altering the direction of flow against the tides. He was never one to conform.

Today all I think about is my closet space. In hindsight, I remember helping my mum pick her clothes out, but my dad for some reason never let me go through his closet. For me, it’s all about challenging toxic masculinity and I love it.

Sauti Sol’s Chimano serving looks with his fur!

Today, he works on giving out the same energy he receives, preserving the most for his loved ones and those who play a major role in his growth. The Sauti Sol band member believes in ‘being yourself’ as the truest form of expression.

I’m proud of the man that I’m becoming and I have no regrets whatsoever.

Have a listen, courtesy of Engage Talk forum;