H_Art the Band’s Mordecai speaks about the Sol Generation deal

Speculation surrounding Mordecai ‘Dex’ Mwini’s recent signing with Sauti Sol’s record label, Sol Generation, prompted the founding member of H_Art The Band to clarify the status of the band’s unity.

Rumors emerged after Sol Generation announced Mordecai’s signing to their publishing label on a three-year deal, leading fans to question the fate of H_Art The Band and speculate about Mordecai’s departure.

In response, Mordecai took to social media to address the speculation directly, reassuring fans that H_Art The Band remains intact and active.

In a heartfelt video shared online, he expressed gratitude for the support and clarified his ongoing commitment to the band.

“First of all, thank you for all the congratulatory messages you guys have been sending me. I appreciate it, and in the same light, I have realized that there have been rumors going around that Mordecai Dex has left H_Art The Band,” Mordecai stated.

“I thought it very necessary to come here and clarify that, so I have not left H_Art The Band. H_Art The Band is very much alive, and we are working on new music that you guys need to watch out for,” he affirmed.

Mordecai went on to explain the nature of his partnership with Sol Generation, emphasizing that it is primarily a distribution agreement for his solo work as a songwriter and producer.

“What I signed was a publishing contract, and what some of you guys don’t know is that I am a songwriter and producer for other artists. There is music that I do outside of H_Art The Band, and that is the catalogue that Sol Generation is going to be handling for me,” he clarified.

Mordecai’s influence extends beyond performances, as he frequently collaborates with established artists and contributes his songwriting prowess to their work.

He also mentors aspiring musicians, nurturing talent and fostering growth within the music industry.

Recently, he served as a performance coach for the Press Play Artist Development Program organized by Sol Generation, aiming to provide emerging artists with the necessary skills and guidance to thrive in the music industry.

“Through his soulful melodies and deep-rooted appreciation for cultural expression, Dex endeavors to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections using the universal language of music and art,” stated Sol Generation Publishing.

Former Sol Generation signee Crystal Asige dishes the dirt on her relationship with Sauti Sol

Crystal Asige, a former musician on the Sol Generation label, has stated unequivocally that she no longer harbors animosity toward Sauti Sol, her former employers. However, the singer disclosed that she hasn’t spoken to all four Sauti Sol group members in a while during an interview with Japanese station Massawe on Radio Jambo.

She claimed that even though she had a falling out with the four-piece band in the past, she is not fighting right now. “I’m fine with those guys, I don’t have a problem with them,” Crystal stated.
The senator who was selected pointed out that when she sued his previous employers, she was merely defending her legal rights.

“I have not spoken to them for a long time. But I know there is no such thing. It’s that I just wanted my right,”

The stunningly voiced singer spoke candidly about her initial disagreement with Sauti Sol, saying, “They asked me to leave the label, they didn’t see our collaboration continuing, I said it’s fine.” Last year, the band Sauti Sol was sued by Crystal Asige, who was appointed to the Senate to represent individuals with disabilities following the August 2022 general election.

She asked the court to disclose the amount of money the band had received from the songs Asige contributed, which included Lenga, Extravaganza, Ukiwa Mbali, Intro, and Favorite Song since 2019.
As per the court documents, she requested that Sauti Sol provide her with compensation and request that they give all the license details of the songs for which she lodged a complaint.

“While under the studio of the first defendant (Sol Generation), the plaintiff composed and performed on the popular songs ‘Extravangaza’ and ‘Ukiwa Mbali’ together with the second and fifth defendant, and his colleagues at that time known as Bensoul, Nviiri The Story Teller and the North group in 2019 and his contribution was confirmed as such,”

The reserved singer claimed that in November 2019, only a few months after he was signed, label management effectively sacked her.

Sauti Sol selects all-female artistes for Sol Generation

Six female East African artists have been shortlisted for the Sol Generation Artists Development Program, which aims to equip them with the skills they need to develop their talents and compete globally. The program will provide the artists with industry knowledge and competitive techniques to thrive in the global music scene.

Participants

The six artists selected for the program are:

  • Lukundo Sikombe (Tanzania)
  • Bakhita Muniafu (Kenya)
  • Arline Conslate (Kenya)
  • Yong Dana (Kenya)
  • Wakesho (Kenya)
  • Juanita Tunu (Kenya)

Program

The six-month program will cover a range of topics, including:

  • Brand development
  • Song writing
  • Dance and performance
  • Marketing
  • Voice training
  • Music distribution

The program is funded by the Ignite Culture Fund and curated by the British Council and Heva Fund. It will culminate in the production of an EP for the top four musicians.

Artists’ Thoughts

The artists expressed their excitement about the program and the opportunities it will provide them. Arline Conslate said that she is “expecting to be the best” and wants to “sing her soul out.” Wakesho said that the program is a “dream come true” and that she is “grateful for this opportunity.” Juanita Tunu said that she is “excited for the future” and feels like it is “the start of something new.”

Conclusion

The Sol Generation Artists Development Program is a valuable opportunity for six talented female East African artists to develop their skills and advance their careers. The program is a testament to Sol Generation’s commitment to supporting the development of East African music.

Bensoul speaks on what’s next after leaving Sauti Sol record label

Bensoul, a Kenyan singer, has shared the valuable lessons he learned during his time with the Sol Generation record label.

After a successful five-year stint with the label, Bensoul is now ready to embark on a new chapter as an independent artist.

In an interview with Nairobi News, Bensoul said that the most important lesson he learned from Sol Generation is that he is the master of his own destiny.

“I realized that success and failure are ultimately up to me,” he said. “I’m now taking on the role of CEO for my own venture, Lion of Sudah, and I’m excited to create my own digital presence and showcase my merchandise.”

Bensoul also said that he is a strong believer in artistic independence, and that he is now at a point in his career where he feels the need to create his own space.

“I’m grateful for the support of my fans, and I’m excited to keep creating music that pushes the boundaries of Kenyan music,” he said.

Bensoul also talked about the symbolism of his trademark dreadlocks, which he has worn for eight years.

“My dreadlocks represent my journey and my resilience,” he said. “They’ve been a challenge to maintain, but they’ve also been a source of great strength.”

Bensoul is a talented musician with a bright future ahead of him. He is sure to continue to make waves in the Kenyan music scene for years to come.

Here is some additional information about Bensoul:

  • Bensoul is 27 years old and from Nairobi, Kenya.
  • He started his music career in 2017 and released his debut album, “The Journey,” in 2020.
  • He has won several awards, including the 2021 Groove Awards for Best Male Artist and Best Song of the Year.
  • He is known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and soul music.
  • He is a strong advocate for artistic independence and has spoken out against the exploitation of artists by record labels.
  • He is a role model for young musicians in Kenya and is inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

Bensoul’s baby mama refuses to be referred to as side chic, here’s why

Bensoul has a hot baby mama turning heads on social media with her dancing skills, small waist (for now), thick thighs; and ooh her melanin that keeps popping on her pictures! Well, if she looks anything like her social media photos, then we can’t really blame Bensoul for finding attracted to her.

Bensoul’s soon to be baby mama

Just like most situationships we’ve heard of or witnessed; Bensoul and Tiffany Muikamba’s new found fling ended badly with the sol generation singer getting exposed for impregnating the young lass.

However what many don’t seem to understand is how Tiffany Muikamba got herself in the mix – knowing very well Bensoul was seeing Noni Gathoni. Okay, in her defense Tiffany says at the time – she knew about the lady; but Bensoul hadn’t told her how serious the relationship was. Wait what? Come again.

Responding to a Question from a fan asking;

Did you know Ben had a girlfriend at the time you slept with him?

To which she responded;

Well I knew about their relationship but I wasn’t sure whether they were together when we met but all in all whatever happened happened.

Tiffany tired of trolls

Okay okay…is it just me or is Ms Muikamba telling us she never saw the fella parade Noni Gathoni all over his posts? Ata kidogo?

Like, honestly it was so obvious Bensoul was seeing someone –  but being a free spirited person like the rest of Sol Generation members; girlfriend, Noni Gathoni allows him to see other people on the side – but just for fun.

Or again…maybe she just didn’t know…mapenzi wewe…it can literally make you not see even the obvious.

Anyway with everyone trolling her for being a side chic – or wanting to be one, Tiffany has come out to speak her truth. The young mum to be recently reached out to popular news outlet, Kelebrity asking not to be referred to as Bensoul’s side chic but “the mother of.”

This is after the tabloid shared a story about her – but kept painting her as the other woman; something that pushed her family to react – hence forcing Tiffany to reach out to the blogger.

Tiffany reacts to tabloid posting her photos on social media

According to Tiffany, she never – even once came out as Bensoul side chic as alleged; and for this reason, she refuses to be addressed in this manner.

To her, there’s no problem with bloggers writing about her – but the fact that she gets painted a side dish is ruining her relationship with relatives back home. Although her conversation with the said page didn’t go as planned; at least she got to speak her truth.

 

“It’s a big deal” Sauti Sol’s Chimano weighs in on possibility of having kids in future

Sauti Sol’s Chimano is one of those guys you’re positive would make a good parent. It’s in his nature, he just oozes that cool parent vibe and although he is part of the LGBTQ community – this doesn’t mean he cannot have kids of his own. Actually a mixed breed considering the fact that his boyfriend is white.

Sassy Chimano turning heads

Well, if you’ve been wondering whether Chimano has plans to have kids in future then allow me to answer this…there’s a possibility. More of like he wants to but hasn’t really decided whether it’s a yes or no. He made this known during an interview at the launch of the group’s new product, Sol Kids; where he was asked on whether he will have kids or not – to who he responded;

I’ll see

Chimano on parenthood

Well, don’t get him wrong at least this wasn’t a definite no meaning, there’s hope. However unlike most people who blindly walk into parenthood, Chimano says for him kids are not a badge of honor; but a great responsibility that someone needs to be mentally ready for.

Sauti Sol with their better halfs

Speaking on the possibility of having his own mini Chimano’s the singer said;

When I am in a situation that may allow me to but for now, no. For now, I am still growing. Having kids for me isn’t a badge of honour, cause having a kid is a big responsibility. It’s a big deal. It’s something that will happen if it’s ever going to happen.”

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

Sol Generation’s exceptional songwriter, Bensoul, had a tough childhood, forced to grow up under the care of a single mother, abandoned by the father to her kids.

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

Dallas, Embu is a slum area the talented multi-instrumentalist called a home for a better part of his younger years. A small mud house where he and his older sister of 13-years age difference were born and bred. With only one parent to call a mother after his dad demanded that they either convert to Islam or they forget that he ever existed.

Bensoul’s mother speaks of their humble beginnings

His mom took up the second option and since then, life was never the same.

Music break

Bensoul started showing keen interest in music at the tender age of 3. He studied until campus enrolled into a Bachelors in Civil Engineering before dropping out in his final year to pursue his passion in music.

Benson Mutua Muia, famously known as Bensoul discovered his gift in music from a young age

At first, his decision cost him big time before his gradual break in the music industry, introduced him to H_rt the Band, forcing the boys to move to Kayole together but life was not any better.

When he wrote El Shaddai, in Rongai, things took a nose dive. Bensoul persistently coughed all month, lost tremendous amount of weight, leaving him looking all-bony.

“I think that was one of my lowest moments. We told him to come and stay with mum. He could not sit on a chair without a sponge because the bones were very weak,” his sister Lucy painfully recalled.

Bensoul’s sister tells of a horrifying experience

His mom immediately broke to tears after spotting her skinny son.

I did not see a body, I saw bones. I was like a mad woman. So I left him in the house and went to look for a doctor.

According to Bensoul, he might have been infected with the deadly HIV/AIDS.

I had all the signs (of HIV) and at times I would feel like life was coming to an end. I nearly gave up on music because if I couldn’t sing, and I couldn’t explain what I have written, then there was no point in doing music.

Bensoul

He got tested and fortunately turned HIV negative. But there was an underlying issue that almost cost him his life.

They discovered it was tuberculosis. Everyday I ate a portion for 5 people.

Away from that, according to Bien, Bensoul is pretty talented and his exceptional gift will see him cross boundaries.

Nviiri The Storyteller is destined for greatness

Not many people know this but Nviiri Sande, better known as Nviiri The Storyteller, was making music long before Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol took him under their wings.

Also read: Believe it or not, Sauti Sol is saving the Kenyan music industry

To be fair, he was still struggling, just like many upcoming artists, despite the fact that he was very talented and that explains why he took the opportunity that the Sura Yako hitmakers gave him and ran with it.

Nviiri The Storyteller
Nviiri The Storyteller

If you ask me, Nviiri The Storyteller, who is credited for co-writing Sauti Sol’s 2018 mega hit dubbed Melanin, is one of the most successful solo artists in Kenya at the moment.

Also read: Stop asking musicians what else they do!

In the last few months, the Eastlands bred singer has released three songs which have all done well. They are; Pombe Sigara, Overdose and Kesi Baadae.

Nviiri The Storyteller has an amazing voice and he taught himself to play instruments such as the guitar. Maybe he’d not be where he is today were it not for his sheer determination.

Nviiri The Storyteller

He’s an all round creative and that is why everything he touches turns into gold instantly. If you look at his songs you will realize that so much work went into them and that he is really talented.

I believe that with the guidance of Sauti Sol, Nviiri The Storyteller is going to scale great heights and who knows, this chap might even become the first Kenyan to bag a BET award or even a Grammy.

Watch his latest release dubbed Kesi Baadae below. Enjoy!

Bensoul pours out his heart in latest single ‘No Kisses’ (Video)

Talented singer Benson Mutua, better known as Bensoul and famed for mega hits such as; Lucy, Favorite Song, Ile Kitu, just to name a few is back with another classic love ballad.

Also read: Believe it or not, Sauti Sol is saving the Kenyan music industry

The track titled No Kisses has been ruling the airwaves since it was released a few days ago and to be honest, we are also feeling it.

Bensoul

If you are a huge fan of Bensoul – like myself – then this is definitely a treat especially if you are the lovey dovey type or just emotional.

No Kisses tells the story of two lovers who are no longer seeing eye to eye because of one reason or the other and that means that they can’t kiss or hug. As such, the guy is forced to learn to love her from apart.

I don’t know about you but this song is well-arranged and I just can’t get enough of it. It’s those songs that you want to listen to over and over because it sounds so pleasant to the ears.

Bensoul
Bensoul

Bensoul has an amazing voice and most times I feel that he should even be doing acappella because he doesn’t really need instruments.

As he sings, you feel like he is right in front of you because it is so lively. To add to that, the musician who is signed to Sol Generations, has a wide vocal range.

The instrumentation on No Kisses is really dope and I’m not even surprised that Bensoul was playing the piano since we all know that he is an all round artist.

There is not much to say about the video really because it is just a shot of Bensoul laying the piano. Anyway, although the concept is simple, I love the fact that it is not dull.

Watch No Kisses below and tell us what you think.

Nviiri The Storyteller makes comeback with ‘Kesi Baadae’ (Video)

Sol Generation’s Nviiri Sande, known to you and I as Nviiri The Storyteller, has released a new jam and as you would expect, it is getting so much love form his fans.

Also read: Believe it or not, Sauti Sol is saving the Kenyan music industry

The jam titled Kesi Baadae, which is off his upcoming Extended Play (EP) dubbed Confessions Of A Drunk, has been ruling the airwaves since it was released a few hours ago and to be honest, we are also feeling it.

Nviiri The Storyteller

Basically, this jam is about a man and a woman who are in love but their parents are opposed to the union. However, they insist that nothing will separate them saying they will be answerable later.

Just like his previous singles Pombe Sigara and Overdose, Kesi Baadae is really infectious. It’s the kind of songs that will have your hand stuck on the replay button.

It is such a beautiful composition to be honest. It is well-arranged and the lyricism in it is unmatched because Nviiri is a natural storyteller. He has you hooked form the moment you hit play.

Nviiri The Storyteller

To add to that, this guy can really sing. He has an amazing voice, the kind that makes ladies fall in love instantly and he knows how to control it. The other thing that I really loved was the background vocalist, she totally nailed it.

The beat and instrumentation on Kesi Baadae are impeccable and it almost feels like you are listening to a live band and we have the one and only Wuod Omollo to thank for that.

I absolutely love the video for this track ladies and gentlemen. The concept, styling, location, lighting, props, models are all on point.

Watch Kesi Baadae below and tell us what you think. Enjoy!

Sauti Sol admit laying off Sol Generation´s First Lady, Crystal Asige

Sauti Sol have acknowledged breaking up with Crystal Asige, the only female artist featured at Sol Generation.

Crystal, who is visually impaired, created her path and made a name, in the music industry, despite her eyesight challenge.

Speaking to Word Is, Bien disclosed that a few disputes led to the termination.

We are not working with Crystal anymore and this came with a lot of complications. It was an amicable break and we are glad we gave her a platform.

Sauti Sol with Crystal Asige on stage

Crystal remains the first female signed under Sol Generation in 2019.

According to Bien however, they were targeting already-molded artistes and not replacements.

I think she [Crystal] got a platform where she can grow.

Crystal came into the industry, aspiring to show challenged girls and boys that it still can be done.

Sol Generation

She cannot completely see currently but it matters less to her because she is her to make herself a brand regardless.

As Sol Generation, they dropped their African hit ¨Extravaganza¨. Check it out below:

Video

Love gone sour;Nandy brings in Sauti Sol in “Kiza Kinene”

Love is supposed to be a beautiful thing that thrives on endless trying to make each other happy. However for many people that is not the case.

Anyway, award winning boy band Sauti Sol have featured in Nandy’s new jam titled ‘Kiza Kinene”.  These artists are among the most  celebrated East African Musicians on the continent and beyond. Well this is  good for us. Proud moments huh!

Kiza Kinene

This is a song that talks of the pain of a heartbreak between two lovers.  Nandy starts off the song in a somber mood depicting the hurt that love has brought her.

Nandy

In all expectations no one ever expects to get that kind of pain. Nandy did a good job in the song as she starts with “Kiherehere kimeniisha Eeh nimekuwa simulizi kwa penzi lako Waninanga wee Zaidi yanisikitisha Eti nimekuwa chuma cha kafuro Nipo juu ya mawe…….”

In that, she describes  how her joy just vanished at once and she now feels the emptiness.She even compares it to the steel on padlock.Clearly, parables are still a thing.

Further on, she goes to tell us of  her anguish when it comes to love. Love left her shattered and unprepared for the harsh reality of loneliness, and ‘Kiza kinene”-darkness.

And of course the Sol Generation boys on their part did not disappoint with their vocals. Bringing too life the response of the male lover that is also broken by the break up.

Bien did it all when he says,“I’ve been trying not to diss you Mwenzako mimi nilikuwa sina issue mpenzi Hope uko sawa, my darling And I’ve been trying not to miss you Ila unapoenda kutwa yangu maumivu We yangu dawa, ooooh ooh….”

Message

Basically at the end of the day, love is worth fighting for by overlooking one’s mistakes, if not talk about them. The message in this song is that we don’t have to wallow in pain when we can still love if we let go of our ego.

The song was Directed by Justin Campos Music  and Produced by Kimambo Beats.

For rating will go for 8/10.Watch and tell us what you think.

Bensoul is talented, Sauti Sol shouldn’t force him down people’s throats

Singer and songwriter Benson Mutua, alias Bensoul, is indeed gifted. Actually, some music fans claim that he’s one of the best, if not the best, male vocalists in Kenya – a sentiment that I have no qualms with.

A few days ago, Bensoul re-affirmed this notion when he released his second project under Sol Generation Records dubbed Favorite Song. If you listen to the song, you can tell that a lot of thought went into putting it together. It’s a masterpiece.

His first single under the stable titled Lucy was also a work of art. Bensoul spends so much time honing his songwriting and performance skills. Perhaps this would explain why his songs are doing well.

But then again you could argue that Bensoul has Sauti Sol to thank for his newfound success seeing as they have been promoting his music heavily across their social media pages that have millions of followers.

Sauti Sol with Bensoul on Chipukeezy Show

What you may not know is that Bensoul has been doing music for quite some time. He had a name and a fanbase even before he was ‘discovered’ by Sauti Sol. He was not doing that well but he had made some steps, including recording a big hit with H_art The Band dubbed Masheesha.

To a large extent, I feel that Sauti Sol has been shoving Bensoul down people’s throats which should not be case because he is really good at what he does.

You know the Swahili proverb that says “Chema chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza“? I feel like Bensoul should just be allowed to flourish on his own. He should face challenges like any other upcoming artist so that he can really appreciate success when he gets there.

The thing about talent is that it might take time before someone recognizes it but it will be appreciated eventually. It also needs to be appreciated naturally. I’ll listen to Bensoul’s music because I feel it’s good and not because Sauti Sol keep hyping him on their pages.

In as much as Bensoul is Sol Generation Records’ first signing, I feel that the brands should be allowed to maintain their unique identities. Sauti Sol can support him but from a distance. For instance, why do they need to accompany him to every single interview?

I want to see Bensoul and think of Bensoul. I don’t want to see him and start asking myself whether he is the 5th member of Sauti Sol. There needs to be a clear distinction.

Sauti Sol, talented boy band that gave Kenyan music worldwide recognition

I would be so disappointed if any upcoming or established Kenyan musician does not pay homage to Sauti Sol. These talented boys literally took Kenyan music to the world, they put us on the map and showed the upcoming musicians how things should be done.

For a long time, anybody who had not stepped foot into Kenya thought that this country was all about athletics and wildlife but thanks to Sauti Sol, these days our music is one of our strongest pillars as a nation.

10 or so years ago, artists were only focused on making music that was only relevant to Kenyans, no one cared about doing press interviews to hype their new releases or shooting videos that would be considered of high quality.

An artist would get into studio and ask for a beat, record the song on the same day and do the video following day. No one even cared much about editing so the would hurry up things and release a whack video in a matter of days.

When Sauti Sol got into the music industry, they realized that they had to put in work at every stage of making music to achieve success.

They made sure they catchy beats that would catch the attention of any music lover, even if you are in your 70s you’ll still dance to Sauti Sol. I am willing to bet that your folks are their fans. Okay, maybe not.

They didn’t use any lewd words in their songs. Well, until lately. Sauti Sol also sung of love – something that we can all identify with, your sexual orientation notwithstanding.

The boy-band sought some of the world’s best video directors to shoot their music videos and edit them. The videos also had to be shot at good locations and be well-choreographed.

Sauti Sol with renowned video director Justin Campos during the shooting of ‘Unconditionally Bae’

Sauti Sol even realize that there is no need to hurry in releasing music, this explains why you’ll see you then recording a song a big artist today but the song will be released like 6 months down the line.

This is what it takes to come up with a beautiful product. You have to hang on to it for sometime so that you can release it at a perfect time when it will be received well. Timing is everything as a the adage goes.

After releasing the song then you have to do media interviews to popularize it on radio, which is still the biggest music consumption avenue in Kenya.

Sauti Sol and Khaligraph Jones at Kiss 100 after releasing rewind in 2018

Then you’ll have to put it on digital music platforms such as Tidal, Itunes and Deezer for your fans who are beyond the borders of this country. Local fans consume music on YouTube, radio, TV, clubs or in matatus.

That’s just part of the work that Sauti Sol had to put in making sure their music received world wide recognition. In so doing, they became good example to other local musicians and that’s why our songs been popular beyond Kenya in the last few years.