Sauti Sol Speak Ahead of Sol Fest, Their Last Performance as a Band

[Sauti Sol/The Star]
Written by Pharis Kinyua

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Nairobi is buzzing with anticipation as the beloved Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol readies itself for what they are calling their last performance as a group. The stage is set for November 2nd and 4th, with the first night dedicated exclusively to VIPs and the second night for their diehard fans. As the news of their ""breakup"" spread like wildfire, they found themselves explaining their decision during a joint media interview in Nairobi, in partnership with Coke Studio.

Sol Fest is a celebration of their music, their journey, and their fans. This marks the culmination of a remarkable era for the band, and they are determined to make it unforgettable.

Sauti Sol, renowned for their eclectic musical prowess and magnetic stage presence, had taken the music scene by storm over the years. However, the news of their impending hiatus had left fans and the media curious, prompting the need for a clarification.

Bien-Aimé Baraza, one of the group's lead vocalists, addressed the gathered journalists with a mix of seriousness and humor. "This is happening for the 3rd time in three years," he began, before adding, "it's been a journey, I heard a lady saying it was the last performance, it's not the last, it's a hiatus, a break. We are taking a break, it's a break from 20 years of being together and seeing each other every other morning, it's like a marriage."

The band, known for their shorter performances, often left fans wanting more. This year, they decided to change that perception by promising an epic three-and-a-half-hour Sol experience. Bien assured fans, "I promise all the fans when they come, they are going to have a heart-shattering experience. We have prepared a three-hour show after people said the shows are short. The show is going to be 3 and a half hours, and it's going to be beautiful."

Their intent to give their fans an unforgettable night is evident.

But why the "breakup," and why the separation of VIP and regular shows? Bien explained, ""We decided to separate the VIP and regular shows because it's very hard to please everybody. We want everyone to get the best experience. Most times, if you have a joint show, one person tends to feel we are favoring them over another. So Thursday, we'll have the VIP experience, which will have food and drinks and a proper experience, and we'll be bringing out a lot of surprises on our side, surprises from some of the artists we've collaborated with.""

With a strong commitment to punctuality, they promised, "The shows will start and end on time since Friday is a working day. The show will start at 9 o'clock and end at midnight. On Saturday, we will start at 10 o'clock and finish at 1 am, but there are going to be amazing DJs there. Thursday is going to be about our greatest experience, and Saturday is going to be for the fans. Guys come and enjoy the show, there'll be security."

As the press conference wrapped up, Sauti Sol took a moment to express their gratitude to everyone who had supported them on their remarkable journey. They urged their loyal fans to join them one last time as a united front.

The news of their "breakup" and subsequent clarification added a new layer of intrigue and excitement to the upcoming Sol Fest. Fans, both VIPs and regular attendees, can now anticipate a three-and-a-half-hour performance and a night filled with surprises, all the while celebrating the journey of one of Kenya's most iconic musical groups.

For the members of Sauti Sol, it's not a farewell but a pause, a break from their longstanding union, and the promise of new horizons individually. Their music will undoubtedly continue to echo through the hearts of fans, and Sol Fest 2023 is poised to be a spectacular testament to their incredible journey and unforgettable music.