Kenyan Boy Band Sauti Sol Announces Breakup After 18 Successful Years

In an unexpected development that has taken the music world by storm, Sauti Sol, a prominent boy band hailing from Kenya, declared on their official Instagram handle that they would be parting ways after an illustrious 18-year journey in the music industry. The decision, heavy with emotion, marks the end of a musical era that has seen the group rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most recognizable forces in the African music scene.

Sauti Sol, which comprises the trio of vocal powerhouses Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi, complemented by the skilled strumming of guitarist Polycarp Otieno, has chosen to conclude their shared musical journey. This resolution comes after almost two decades of continuously serenading the world with their harmonious melodies, creating waves in the music industry since they first got together back in 2005.

Throughout their career, they’ve captivated audiences with a stream of hit tracks such as “Sura Yako,” “Unconditionally Bae,” and “Midnight Train,” among many others. Their rich, melodic sound has found a particularly enthusiastic fan base in Rwanda, where they’ve repeatedly performed to sold-out crowds, most recently at the basketball all-star game held in Kigali on September 24, 2022.

The announcement of their dissolution came via an emotionally charged post on their Instagram page. In it, they not only shared the news of their forthcoming break-up but also detailed their plans for a grand farewell tour. This tour is expected to be a sweeping spectacle, whisking them across the globe to major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and beyond.

The heartfelt statement read, “Sauti Sol has been an incredible journey for us, both as musicians and friends. We are filled with gratitude for the love and support we have received throughout the years. While we take this hiatus to pursue our individual and collective passions, we remain committed to our friendship and our shared businesses. The bond between us is unbreakable, and we are excited for what the future holds.”

Adding to the bittersweetness of this announcement is the revelation that Sauti Sol will be releasing their final album. The details surrounding this last studio effort remain shrouded in mystery, further stoking anticipation among their legions of fans.

Reflecting on their journey, Sauti Sol leaves behind a remarkable legacy. The band holds the distinction of being the first Kenyan artist to successfully carry out a nationwide tour in 2016. Their musical footprints have been left not just in Africa, but also across Europe and the US. Their chart-topping singles, engaging performances, and recognition from prestigious platforms such as the Kisima Music Awards, Channel O Music Video Awards, MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, and BET Awards, bear testament to their immense talent and contribution to the music world.

The band’s discography is studded with popular tracks, with their recent album ‘Midnight Train’ featuring hits such as ‘Suzana’ and ‘My Everything’. Other beloved singles include ‘Live and Die in Africa’, ‘Africa’, ‘Nerea’, ‘Shake Yo Bam Bam’, and ‘Unconditionally Bae’, all of which will continue to echo in the hearts of their fans as they bid farewell to the iconic group.