What Sauti Sol Has Taught me About Making it in Music #AirtelMusicStar

As you open up your tabs to read this, I will be on my way to Coast courtesy of Sauti Sol. I’m lucky to be part of their album tour which will be coming to a close this weekend at the Coast.

Inside the bus there are other 20 people or so who again are fully sponsored by the lads and it’s I can’t help but be mesmerized by just how far these boys have come.

From a low budget video talking about wooing a girl at java, here they are now fuelling a whole tour with a branded bus and an entourage. They definitely mean business and they have proven that actually Kenyan music does pay.

It just takes a little of patience, immense tenacity and the will to persist. Looking at them when we make random stops smoking on their ciggis, making silly jokes and taking snaps, they look like real superstars and it’s indeed true, they have earned that right.

They have put Kenya on the map and I hope they continue to do so. Only problem is that I’m not sure someone else will be bold enough to claim their spot. Someone who will have the cojones to go the whole way, wade through the murky waters and do better. Someone who will understand that you can’t be a jack of all traits; that you need other people if you are going to make it to the top. A good manager who will cut out the best deals for you and ensure you get what you deserve. A solid PR team which is open to possibilities and which is willing to experiment and work with the media to ensure the brand is at its best all the time.

It would be nice to watch that happen. Actually maybe you feel like you got what it takes and you don’t know how to go about it? Well, have you heard about Season 2 of Airtel TRACE Music Star, the biggest pan-African talent search competition? It’s back and will see Keri Hilson on the hunt for Africa’s next music talent from February 1, 2016!

Airtel TRACE Music Star (ATMS) talent search is the biggest music competition to ever take place in Africa. The number of contestants surpassed European and American talent shows such as “The Voice” and “Idols”.

To participate, contestants will need to call in a short code number with their mobile phones, record their songs to stand a chance to become the next big music star in Africa. The grand finale will be held in Lagos, Nigeria in Q2 2016.

The grand prize comprises a mentorship program with multi-award winning American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson in Atlanta. The winner will not only star in their own music video alongside Keri Hilson; he/she will get an opportunity to record a duet with the “Knock You Down” songstress, as well as receive a signed contract with a major music label and worldwide media exposure through various TRACE’s platforms.

Now go on, don’t even let the sky be the limit!