10 Things You Need to Know About Sauti Sol

Afro-pop band Sauti Sol is perhaps one of the most celebrated music acts in Kenya and indeed the continent. From their humble beginnings, the band rose to win the hearts of many with their harmonious voices. They have gone ahead to win numerous local and international awards and have become a household name.

One basically cannot talk about music in Africa without mentioning Sauti Sol. However, not much is talked about them from an individual perspective.

In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about Africa’s leading boyband Sauti Sol.

Brief History of Sauti Sol

The soulful band consists of four members; Delvin Savara Mudigi, Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Austin Chimano and Polycarp Otieno.

It started in 2005 as an acapella group by Savara, Bien and Chimano. The three met at Upper Hill High School where they first formed the group as Voices in the Light. Polycarp was at the time studying at Strathmore School.

After finishing high school, they frequently visited the Alliance Française in Nairobi where they would showcase their talents. It was during these visits that the trio got to meet Polycarp, a guitarist. During their interactions they expressed their interest in making music professionally, which led to the creation of the band Sauti. This led to them writing their first song Mafunzo ya Dunia.

Ever wondered what the word ‘Sol’ or even the name “Sauti Sol” means? Well, after using the name Sauti for a while the band added Sol to their name, which means ‘Sun’ in Spanish. This made it Sauti Sol, which means “Voices of the Sun”.

Sauti Sol was first signed by Penya Records. This was after they performed well in a music contest dubbed Spotlight on Kenyan Music, arranged by the Alliance Française.

The band members clearly valued music, but they valued their education, too. They continued with their musical journey while also pursuing their Bachelor’s Degrees to completion. It was after their studies that they would start concentrating entirely on their musical careers.

Through their label Penya Records they released Mwanzo their first album in 2009, consisting of 14 tracks. The most notable ones are “Lazizi”, “Blue Uniform” and “Mama Papa “(featuring Dela).

This was later followed by Sol Filosofia in 2011 containing 12 tracks. The most notable songs in this album are “Coming Home”, “Soma Kijana” and “Awinja”. The video to the song “Coming Home” won the Best Music award at the 2011 Kisima Awards. In the same year the video was also awarded the Best Music Video award at the Chaguo La Teeniez Awards.

Sauti Sol later left Penya Records opting to produce and release their next albums under Sauti Sol Entertainment. They would later form Sol Generations Records with which they signed other artists such as Bensoul and Nviiri The Storyteller. This year, Sauti Sol signed a recording deal with Universal Music Africa, a division of Universal Music Group.

The band has continued releasing a number of songs and albums over the years. This has earned them various nominations and awards globally, leading them to perform around the globe.

Perhaps their most controversial, yet equally successful video was Nishike from the album Live and Die in Afrika. The video was labeled as inappropriate for family viewing by Kenya’s moral police, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB). It was banned from airplay on Kenyan media stations; hence its viewership was mostly on YouTube. This did not limit the success of the song as so far it has over 3 million views on YouTube.

Do you think the uproar on Nishike was warranted? Let us know down in the comments.

Sauti Sol have named different artists that have influenced their style of music. They include Coldplay, Jason Mraz, Fadhili William, Fally Ipupa, Daudi Kabaka and Salif Keita. They have equally worked with different artists and producers from all over Africa, including Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Mi Casa, Ali Kiba and Yemi Alade.

Sauti Sol Members

As mentioned before, Sauti Sol is arguably the most successful Kenyan band. This success can as well be narrowed down to their individual lives as they all are quite accomplished. Let’s take a quick look at the band mates individually.

Delvin Savara Mudigi

A vocalist, songwriter, drummer, DJ, bass guitarist and producer, Savara is perhaps the most versatile member of Sauti Sol.

Savara has played a vital role in shaping the sound of Sauti Sol with both his vocals and his production skills. He participated in producing over 70% of the album Live and Die in Afrika.

He also produced Jana Usiku, a jam by popular music group Elani.

His acting skills are also on top. He is casted in Veve, a 2014 movie about the drama and intrigues around miraa (khat) farming in Kenya. The movie is free to watch and you can attest to our word, he is good. Impressive huh?

That’s not all, he runs Savara Women’s Advancement Program that is aimed at mentoring and empowering women.

With fame comes controversy, and Savara has not been spared. Reports that he was involved in a love triangle surfaced in 2017. He however came out to dismiss the accusations and set the record straight.

He is currently dating Yvonne Endo, an actress, DJ and entrepreneur.

Savara is a Banking and Accountancy degree graduate from Africa Nazarene University. 

Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza

Bet you wonder where he gets his name from right? Well, Bien-Aimé is French for “Beloved”. Bien is the outspoken member of Sauti Sol and the band’s lead singer. He is a vocalist, songwriter and guitarist.

His vocal prowess has led him to make collabos as a single artist with other artists such as Wendy Kimani and Khaligraph Jones. This move initially raised speculation as to whether he is planning to stay in the band. Nonetheless he has shown his commitment to Sauti Sol, releasing solo projects like Yes Bana while working on the band’s projects too.

It is therefore safe to say that he is here to stay.

Bien has not only written songs for the group but has also written for Elani, Amos & Josh and Wendy Kimani.

The revelation by former Deputy Speaker Nancy Baraza that Bien is her step son was perhaps a shocker to many.

Bien’s other siblings are accomplished in their own right too. Melvin Alusa is a professional actor known for his role in Makutano Junction, as well as representing Kenya in Big Brother Africa 8. Bien’s younger brother Yuri Baraza is a Digital Marketer and Social Media Strategist who also defines himself as a car enthusiast.

Greatness indeed runs in the family.

Bien is married to Nigerian Chiki Onwukwe Kuruka, a dancer and wellness instructor of Nigerian descent who grew up in the UK.

He is an alumnus of the United States International University, having studied Journalism and Media Studies and graduated in 2011.

Willis Austin Chimano

From his baritone voice, to his shorter stature in comparison to the other members, it is hard not to notice Sauti Sol’s Chimano. His sense of fashion is flamboyant and makes him stand out. He is a vocalist, performer, as well as a keytar and saxophone player.

Before Sauti Sol came to be, Chimano had been learning French at the French Cultural Centre. While there, he participated in a contest dubbed Fête de la Musique where he won. He then proceeded and travelled to Paris where he got more experience while sampling new music translations.

He has been an active member of the band since its inception and has been instrumental in making their music and albums a success.

Chimano revealed that growing up he found it difficult to have friends. At a point in time he attended four different schools, which made it even harder for him to make friends.

His relationship status has been subject to controversy among Sauti Sol fans and is currently the only bachelor in the group. Chimano has however noted that he is yet to find the right one.

He is a Journalism and Media Studies degree holder from the University of Nairobi.

Polycarp Otieno

Also known as Fancy Fingers, Polycarp is the noticeably quiet member of Sauti Sol. He is a guitarist, producer, composer and arranger.

Born and raised in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, his interest in music started at a young age. His father loved music, particularly lingala which he used to play and Polycarp would listen. Although he did not like the genre at the time, he slowly started liking it as he grew up.

Polycarp made makeshift guitars from containers and strings while young. He started playing the guitar courtesy of free lessons that were being taught at the All Saints Cathedral. Unfortunately, the lessons didn’t last long before being terminated. He however continued to play while studying French at the French Cultural Center.

Polycarp has been Sauti Sol’s lead producer since the band’s inception. He has also produced for other artists such as Lady Jay Dee, Suzanna Owiyo and Dela.

He married his long-time girlfriend Amanda in a colorful traditional wedding ceremony in Bujumbura, Burundi. This was followed by a private white-wedding at The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki. The couple recently welcomed their first bundle of joy.

Polycarp is an Actuarial Science graduate from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Sauti Sol Achievements and Awards

2010 – Museke Online Africa Music Awards – Best Group

2011 – Kisima Music Awards

–          Best Music Video (Coming Home)

–          Best Fusion Artist/Group of the Year

2012 – Channel O Music Awards – Most Gifted East African Video

2013 – OLX Social Media Awards – Artist of the Year

2014 – MTV Europe Music Awards – Best African Act

2014 – Google Recognition – Most Watched Music Video in Kenya (Sura Yako)

2014 – Bingwa Music Awards

–          Best Music Video in Kenya (Sura Yako)

–          East African Artist of the Year

2014 – OLX Social Media Awards – Best Use of Social Media

2015 – Mdundo Music Awards

–          Most Downloaded Single (Sura Yako)

–          Mdundo Music Awards – Most Downloaded Afropop Single (Sura Yako)

–          Mdundo Music Awards – Most Downloaded Song (Sura Yako)

–          Mdundo Music Awards – Most Downloaded Group

2015 – OLX Social Media Awards

–          YouTube Channel Award

–          Instagram Personality Award

2015 – MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) – Best Group

2015 – Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards

–          East Africa’s Most Stylish Male Artiste

2015 – Africa Entertainment Awards – Hottest Group

2015 – Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards – Best Song East Africa (Sura Yako)

2015 – African Musik Magazine Awards – Best African Group

2015 – All Africa Music Awards

–          Best African Group

–          Producer of the Year (Polycarp & Savara)

2015 – Pulse Music Video Awards

–          Best Collaboration of the Year (Nerea ft. Amos & Josh)

–          YouTube Video of The Year

2016 – Sound City MVP Awards Festival – Best Group

2016 – African Musik Magazine Awards – Best African Group

2017 – Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards – Most Stylish Male Artiste – Africa

2017 – HiPipo Music Awards – Easr Africa Super Hit (Sura Yako)

2018 – Sound City MVP Awards Festival – Song of the Year and Video of the Year (Short N Sweet ft Nyashinski)

2018 – Pulse Music Video Awards – Best Collaboration (Short N Sweet ft Nyashinski)

2018 – Africa Entertainment Awards USA – Hottest Group

2019 – All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)

–          Album of the Year (Afrikan Sauce)

–          Best African Duo, Group or Band

More About the Sol Family Reality Show 

Sol Family show is a reality TV show on Maisha Magic Plus on DStv Channel 163. Planned to be a 13-episode show, it airs every Sunday at 7.30pm.

The show delves into the behind the scenes happenings of Sol Generation; which includes Sauti Sol, Bensoul and Nviiri The Storyteller. It showcases the work that goes into making the music with their management and their technical team involved. Details of their personal lives are also showcased on the show.

Perhaps the most famous meme from the show is one from Chimano.

https://twitter.com/Kingmuruka/status/1298335903006564352?s=20

The responses on this meme indeed show how popular the Sol Family Reality Show has become.

Bien stated that the Covid-19 pandemic led to cancellation of music shows, which was hard for showbiz. However, this made them as a brand to consider other revenue sources. This show is possibly another success factor for Sauti Sol and Sol Generation as a whole.

The show premiered on Maisha Magic Plus on Sunday 2nd August 2020.

FAQs About Sauti Sol

Who is the Lead Singer of Sauti Sol?

The Lead Singer of Sauti Sol is Bien-Aimé Baraza. He has been the lead singer since the band formed and is known as the most vocal member of the group.

Is Chimano of Sauti Sol Gay?

Chimano of Sauti Sol claims to be weird, and this is clearly evident from his sense of fashion.

Although many believe the singer is gay, Chimano has never confirmed or denied the rumours, leaving many guessing about his sexuality. 

What is the Name of Sauti Sol`s Guitarist?

The Name of Sauti Sol`s guitarist is Polycarp. He joined the band shortly after the Bien, Savara and Chimano but became a mainstay and a beloved member of the band. 

Is Bien of Sauti Sol Married?

Bien is married to Chiki Onwukwe Kuruka, a fitness and wellness instructor as well and media personality.

What is Sol Generation? 

Sol Generation is Sauti Sol’s own recording label. It is home to artists such as Bensoul and Nviiri The Storyteller, with plans to bring in many more artists in future. Sol Generation previously had Crystal Asige and Kaskazini as signed artists who later left the label.

Who Is Sauti Sol`s Manager?

Sauti Sol are currently managed by South African manager ACA. This is after they parted ways with their longtime manager Marek Fuchs.

Conclusion

You cannot discuss top musical acts in Kenya (and Africa) without mentioning Sauti Sol. The boy band has undoubtedly made a mark on music both in Kenya and in Africa. Sauti Sol are not only accomplished as a group, but are also astoundingly talented individuals. They take this a notch higher by seeking to raise a new generation of artists through their own recording label.

In a world where music bands break Sauti Sol has remained strong giving us hit after hit. This makes them stand out from the rest.

We leave it to you, what do you like the most about Sauti Sol? Let us know in the comment section.