Popular Kenyan band Sauti Sol cancels Sol Saturday

Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol has cancelled the much anticipated ‘Sol Saturday’ concert that was slated for December 19, 2020.

Tickets that cost between Ksh.2,500 and Ksh.6000 were sold out for the event that was to be held at the Waterfront Mall in Karen, Nairobi from midday to 8pm.

However the band said in a statement: “We regret to inform you that we shall not be performing at today’s scheduled ‘Sol Saturday’ event. Although we desire to give you a marvelous show, we cannot in good conscience assure your health and safety which is our highest priority.”

Sauti Sol revealed that they were recently made aware that the event size does not comply with the Kenyan COVID-19 protocols and regulations.

The band whose members include Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno said efforts to mitigate the situation proved futile.

“We could not come to an agreement on the best way forward. With the recent uptick in confirmed infections and deaths around the world we cannot in good conscience recklessly endanger your wellbeing,” their statement reads.

The band however assured the promoters that they will be refunded the full fees without delay to ensure that fans also get their money back.

Promoters of the concert were Tukutane Entertainment Limited and Masshouse Group Limited.

Sauti Sol termed the situation as ‘disheartening and unfortunate but necessary.’

“We hope to appear on stage again as soon as we can do safely and responsibly. Stay safe,” the band said.

In June this year, the award-winning group released their fifth studio album (Midnight Train) under their first major label, Universal Music Africa.

The album talks about the journey of life in a track-list that includes Suzanna; Brighter Days and Disco Matanga featuring Sho Madjozi and Black Motion, which enticed fans as the lead song from Netflix’s Queen Sono.

American singer and songwriter India Arie is on the sensual track My Everything.

The title track Midnight Train was produced by Andre Harris (producer of Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Jill Scott), and is a representation of their never-say-die attitude.

Sauti Sol sings in Swahili, Luhya, Dholuo and English and pride themselves on storytelling as an East African tradition.