Sauti Sol apologises to concertgoers over 'unfortunate delays' at Sol Fest 2022

Celebrated Boy Band Sauti Sol and Sol Fest corporation and management have come out to issue an apology to fans following public uproar over their short-lived performance during this year’s second edition, all while promising “a better next time.”

The annual festival, which Sauti Sol and Sol Generation convene, took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on the evening of December 17.

Concertgoers expressed their disappointment online lamenting that the quartet, being the main act of the night, mismanaged their time on stage. It was not enough, the attendees wanted and expected much more.

In a press release, the team defended the outcome, saying that their goal was to warrant adequate time for every performer.

“Our intention was to put on a spectacular event, ensuring each artiste and group received enough time to deliver their very best performances to all fans.

“We also put more focus on the local talent who were performing and our international guests. We acknowledge that this may have led to some unfortunate delays in keeping the show running in a timely fashion and would like to reassure all our fans and supporters that we will plan better for this in the future,” they said.

After a long night of unending anticipation, the boys of the night, the show stoppers, Sauti Sol, took the stage at 3am.

When it was finally their turn to perform, Bien, Chimano, Fancy Fingers, and Savara entered the stage dressed in pink before changing to all-black attire.

The Foursome then showcased their talent with a mix of their most recent works, including "Lil Mama," their first release as a group in two years, and well-known throwback tunes.

The band's heartfelt lyrics, "...usiponipenda nitapendwa na nani?" had couples struggling to keep their hands apart.

A stunning fireworks display further boosted the mood and energy as music lovers passionately sang along to the band's smash hit, "Suzanna."

The festival was enhanced by the contributions of artists and ensembles they dubbed the "Sol Fest class of 2022." These groups and artists gave live performances on the festival's main stage.

Celebrities such as fast-rising musician Brandy Maina, Juliani, Kaneda, Charisma, Nairobi's hottest drill team Buruklyn Boyz, songstress Nadia Mukami, singer-rapper Fena Gitu, multi-talented group Matata, and multiple award-winning star Octopizzo were among the top-rated performers that the audience was treated to.

International acts were also included in the star-studded lineup, including Tanzanian Bongo crooner Harmonize, South African Amapiano star Costa Titch, and British Afro-swing band NSG from London.

Nviiri 'The Storyteller' and Bensoul, who are both signed to the Sol Generation, also brought the house down by performing their chart-topping singles.

 The live DJ sets got the crowd on their feet and kept them there all night as DJ Grauchi hyped the Sol Fest attendees, getting them to sing along word for word and beat for beat.

The iconic band also expressed gratitude to all who made Sol Fest 2022 happen.