In a remarkable turn of events on May 20, 2023, the world was taken aback by the bittersweet announcement from the cherished Afropop music sensation, Sauti Sol. After their upcoming global world tour, the beloved quartet has revealed their decision to embark on an indefinite hiatus, marking the end of an era that had captivated hearts worldwide. Let us delve into the journey of our beloved Afropop star band.

In the vibrant year of 2005, the seeds of Sauti Sol were sown, as a group of talented high school students emerged onto the Kenyan music scene. The trio of Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi first took shape as Sauti, an a cappella ensemble. However, it was with the arrival of the gifted guitarist, Polycarp Otieno, that the group assumed its distinctive identity, christening themselves Sauti Sol—a fusion of Swahili and Spanish words meaning "Voices in the Sun."

While their early days saw participation in the prestigious Nairobi-based Alliance française music program, it was not until the release of their debut album, "Mwanzo," in 2008 that the world truly took notice. Three years later, their sophomore album, "Sol Filosofia," unleashed an even greater wave of success, setting the stage for a string of remarkable achievements.

Among their many timeless hits, "Sura Yako" shone brightly, even catching the attention of former US President, Barack Obama, who couldn't resist grooving to its infectious rhythms during his visit to Kenya's state home. From their debut work, "Mwanzo," the enchanting melody of "Lazizi" enchanted fans far and wide. Collaborations with esteemed artists like Tanzania's Alikiba on "Unconditional Bae" and the irresistible "Kuliko" from "Live and Die in Afrika" further solidified their musical prowess. Their repertoire was adorned with gems like "Nishike" and many others, resonating deeply with their devoted followers.

This multi-talented group, comprising vocalists, a guitarist, songwriters, composers, and producers, not only inspired countless individuals locally and internationally but also fostered remarkable collaborations with esteemed artists across borders. Sauti Sol's artistic journey saw them join forces with Uganda's Bebe Cool, the US' India Arie, South Africa's Sho Madjozi, Nigeria's Patoranking, Kenya's Khaligraph Jones, Nigeria's Yemi Alade, and many more.

Sauti Sol’s exceptional artistry garnered widespread acclaim, resulting in numerous accolades, including the coveted All Africa Music Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Channel O Music Video Awards. Yet, their crowning achievement was the momentous Grammy certification, bestowed upon them for their contributions to Burna Boy’s groundbreaking album, "Twice As Tall."

As we bid farewell to this musical phenomenon, let us celebrate the legacy left behind by Sauti Sol—a legacy of boundless creativity, unparalleled harmonies, and lyrical brilliance. Their music will forever reverberate in our hearts, an everlasting testament to the impact they had on the world of Afropop. Though they may embark on separate paths for now, their indomitable spirit will forever shine as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the power of voices united in the pursuit of sun-kissed melodies.

Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afro-pop band known for their infectious melodies and powerful lyrics that have made a lasting impact on the music world.

Broken, but not broken - Tribute to Sauti Sol

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