Sauti Sol announces Sol Fest 2024 dates and performance lineup

Sol Fest, a strictly Sauti Sol concert which brings together all the now-independent singers alongside their collaborators and musical buddies, will this year happen on December 21 (Fan Show) and December 19 (VIP).

According to a promotional video the group released online, the 2024 edition will feature recurring artists Nyashinski and Khaligraph Jones as well as comedian Crazy Kennar and some unnamed female artists too.

Back in February, Solfest organizers extended an invitation to fans to participate in shaping the festival’s lineup. Through a response form shared by the organizers, fans got the opportunity to voice their preferences for artists they’d like to see grace the Solfest stage. 

Notable names such as Okello Max, Lisa Oduor Noah, Neyo, Musiq Soulchild, and Angelique Kidjo came up, hinting at a lineup that promises to captivate audiences from all walks of life. However, that does not necessarily appear to be the case.

Solfest 2023, fondly dubbed “The Last Dance,” drew over 15,000 attendees from Kenya and beyond to the enchanting venue of Uhuru Gardens, with the event served as a fitting tribute to Sauti Sol’s enduring legacy.

Continuing the tradition from last year, Solfest 2024 will once again offer both VIP and Fan show experiences - the VIP show tends to be more highly-priced, it is held at a traditionally luxurious address while the Fan one appears to be an open one for fans of all walks of life, and is more significantly affordable.

Riding on the witty social media caption "Get Ready... Get Ready... Get Ready..." hundreds of fans left eager comments, expressing their readiness to attend the shows and their excitement at finding suitable mates before the big day.

"We are ready!" Susan Muhonja said. "Last year I came alone. This year lazima nitafute mtu! Can't be singing along to myself again!"

Martin Kamotho said, "We are very ready! Very ready for Chus-de!" an apparent dig at a popular slogan popularized by video memes online.

For over 17 years, Bien Baraza, Polycarp Otieno, Savara Mudigi and Austin Chimano stole the soul of Kenyans and indeed the world with hit after another, going on to win international awards among them the Best African Act at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards.

But in May, they announced that the group would take a hiatus, with its members pursuing individual projects. 

"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," the statement read in part. 

"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."