BRAND NEW: AY FEAT SAUTI SOL - I DONT WANNA BE ALONE

 

JULIANI BAGS A COOL MILLIE AT THE KISIMA AWARDS

Gospel musician Juliani cashes in a cool million bob at the Kisima Awards held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
The Friday night awards ceremony saw the gospel rapper bag the most coveted award – the Artiste of the year. The Bahasha Ya Ocampo hitmaker also won in other categories like Best Gospel artiste and Hip Hop artiste. The late Habel Kifoto received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award. While Sauti Sol scooped the Fusion Artiste of the year and Video of the Year for Coming Home.
Jaguar went home with the Best Boomba artiste award while MOG and Mr Seed won the Collaboration of the Year award. Mbuvi was voted the Best Benga artiste while BMF scooped the Most Promising Artiste/Group award.

PERSONALITIES SEND CONDOLENCES TO WANGARI MAATHAI

The first ever female Nobel Laureate from Africa, environmental activist and former MP for Tetu died Sunday night at Nairobi Hospital of cancer-related complications at the age of 71. Wangari Maathai’s death has been felt by many. Despite Trending on Twitter, thousands of personalities and celebrities have expressed their condolences to the family for this profound loss.



Former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan in a statement sent out this morning said: “Wangari Maathai will be remembered as a committed champion of the environment, sustainable development, women’s rights, and democracy. Her contribution to all these causes will forever be celebrated and honoured. Wangari was a courageous leader. Her energy and life-long dedication to improve the lives and livelihoods of people will continue to inspire generations of young people around the world.”
“Her award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, the first to be bestowed upon an African woman, rightly underscored the important nexus in her work between sustainable development, peace and human security”.
Nelson Mandela’s Twetter page remembered the fallen legend by posting a link to photos of her lecture during the 3rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on the foundation’s Face Book.Bottom of Form



Other celebrities paying tribute include Sauti Sol who tweeted: “#WangariMaathai, you are a mother and a hero. Kenya and the world at large mourns you. We dedicate to you, 'Awinja'”



While Eric Wainaina’s tweet read: “Today, Kenya mourns the loss of one of her greatest heroines, Prof Wangari Maathai.”
Female MP and presidential aspitrant Martha Karua also tweeted: “We join family and friends in mourning Proff Wangari Maathai a phenomenal woman a friend and role model. You lived, you inspired!”



On American actress and singer Kerry Washington tweeter page, was the message: “… RIP MOTHER OF TREES.”
Maathai, who was divorced, leaves behind three children and a grandchild.

SAUTI SOL'S LATEST JOINT

The video was shot by Willy Owusu at a private residence in Runda. For the very first time Sauti Sol's Polycarp takes a lead role in the music video. It has some very intimate scenes between former TPF contestants Patricia Kihoro and Polycarp.
The couple explained it away as "good acting". Here is the trailer, hope it wets your appetite for the actual music video.



meanwhile, you can enjoy the soundtrack for the movie Leo that was unveiled to Kenyan audiences on Friday April 1.

SAUTI SOL TO LAUNCH THEIR SOL FILOSOFIA

On February 25, Kenyan label Penya Africa and Sauti Sol shall release their highly anticipated sophomore album Sol Filosofia in Nairobi, at the Alliance Francaise. This incredibly talented band has played an integral role in shaping Kenya’s emerging Afro pop scene since 2008. With their passion for live performance and fan interaction, Sauti Sol have sang their way into the heart of many, allowing them to perform in Kenya and abroad to much celebration.
“Sol” is Latin for sun and “Filosofia” is Swahili for philosophy. The sun is a symbol of light and knowledge, philosophy in this context represents the lessons learnt and their representation in song. Sauti Sol are staunch believers of making conscious and timeless music. With their double single release of Soma Soma and Coming Home Sauti Sol have given their listeners a taste of great things to come. Their twelve track album is as sincere as it is diverse; Sol Generation and Private Spice are testament of their musical breadth. Staying true to their love for ballads, Sauti Sol infused this album with influences and melodies that will tug on your heart strings.
Their increasing popularity has led to interesting collaborations. Fully sponsored by innovative online discount site, rupu.co.ke, and supported by the homegrown New Kid on the Block – One FM and leading clothing retailer Converse this launch promises to demonstrate why Sauti Sol really are the voices of their generation.

SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ GROUP GRACE GENDER VIOLENCE DINNER

After a dazzling performance at this year’s Safaricom Kenyan Classical Fusion, the award winning South Africa-based Soweto String Quartet (SSQ) will be making a return to Nairobi this week.
The award winning group consisting of Reuben Khemese, Makhosini Mnguni, Sandile Khemese and Thami Khemese will be performing at the annual Safaricom Foundation/Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) fundraising dinner slated for the Carnivore Grounds on Friday evening.
The dinner whose proceeds go towards supporting the treatment and care of survivors of gender based violence in the country is targeting to raise Kshs. 8.5 million which Safaricom Foundation will match a shilling for a shilling towards the cause. Various corporate organizations have sponsored the dinner among them Safaricom Limited which has already donated Kshs 1 million.
Themed ‘A million fathers and daughters – loving, caring and protecting women and girls against violence’ the evening will also feature performances from local Afro-fusion sensation, Sauti Sol.
Individual tickets for the dinner and concert were going for Kshs 5, 000 aand corporate tables purchased for Ksh. 100,000.



Since inception in 2001 as a unit within the Nairobi Women’s Hospital, GVRC has handled over 16, 261 gender violence cases and earned accolades both locally and on the regional platform for its role in assisting communities. It currently receives an average of 10 cases everyday.
Its highlight was during the 2008 post election violence when over 653 survivors were treated at the facility, thanks to support from partners. During the period some 2, 812 cases were handled through medical camps while another 180,000 received psychosocial support.
Over the years, GVRC has partnered with the Safaricom Foundation, and media to educate Kenyans on the negative impact of gender-based violence in communities. The Kenya Rugby Sevens Team are the goodwill ambassadors for GVRC and have championed the cause of positive masculinity and protecting girls and women.
The facility has also been on the forefront of development of training manuals on rape management, trauma counseling, child counseling and has counselors spread across the country. They have also spearheaded efforts to set up gender violence desks at police stations countrywide.
During this period, GVRC has offered free medical and psychosocial support to women survivors of sexual and domestic violence. These women form 58% of the cases reported to the centre. Psycho-education and medical treatment is also offered to women through medical camps for example in Mt Elgon and also includes reproductive health and economic empowerment.
The medical and psychological services offered at GVRC are voluntary and therefore the need for more corporate organisations and individuals to contributed towards the cause.
The Nairobi Women’s Hospital established the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) as a non-profit making, non-partisan, charitable trust of the hospital whose main purpose is to mobilize resources to provide free medical treatment and psychosocial support to survivors of gender based violence.
The treatment includes Post Exposure Prophylaxes (PEP) given within 72 hours of assault to help prevent infection of HIV/AIDS, emergency contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy, Hepatitis B vaccine and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).

SAUTI SOL AND COMEDIAN ERIC OMONDI GO GREEN

The latest artist to go-green in Kenya are Afro pop, all-male band Sauti Sol and comedian Eric Omondi.
“The campaign aims to celebrate environmental stewardship in art, fashion and song, reminding us that the choices we make have long-term consequences for the planet”, says Sheila Koki GreenFest spokesman. After a green living induction, the comedian acknowledged it was more comical and fun to go green. The comedian and his troupe will unleash green comedy at the GreenFest Music&Arts Festival, a 3day festival to be held in the New Year eve. Sauti Sol will headline the ‘Green New Year’ celebrations among other acts.
the multi-talented acoustic band nominated for the Africa Music Awards 2010 and leading aka Eriko have gone green.
The month of December 2010 is dubbed as a ‘green month'.




Artist working on green songs include rapper Abbas, Wyre, Saint Crooner reggae artist, Mashauri and Wamathai the poet. The artist will be attending a creative environment workshop facilitated by environmental scientists in the month of October. The workshop will feature art and music and how these artistic capacities can develop and run an environmental solution project in local communities. This workshop will be open to any interested artist.
The festival organizers posted on its site (www.beryllfoundation.org ), a call for performing artist. The call notice states artistes who wish to participate at GreenFest to apply with the understanding that they will actively participate in promoting awareness of our planet safety. They will undergo climate change awareness training. The deadline for application is November 15. All selected artists, bands and groups will be provided with stalls to market and display their music merchandise during the festival.

SALIF KEITA IS IN TOWN Y'ALL!

I'm super excited about this. Tonight, legendary singer Salif Keita will be performing at the Carnivore's Simba Saloon.
On Monday, October 11, Salif held a press briefing where he addressed members of the fourth estate on his Kenyan tour that culminates in a concert tomorrow at the Carnivore’s Simba Saloon.
“I’m happy to be here, this is my third time I’m visiting and the last time I was here, I got a lot of support and appreciation from the Kenyan people,” Salif said at the presser held at the Intercontinental.
Salif who was recently appointed the African Union’s Peace and Security Ambassador also has a foundation named after himself. It advocates for the rights of people with albinism. The Mali born royalty recounted his tough journey growing up as an albino.
“I suffered tremendously. When I was 5 years old, I started to be aware of my surroundings and what people thought of me. When I put my hands next to my friends I started to get worried. Since then I started wondering,” adding, “The situation (stigma and discrimination) for albinism continues even here is East Africa, that is why I said to myself, ‘it’s time to speak to everyone about it’.”
Salif will be putting up a show starting 8:30pm and will be backed by Kenyan acts Idi Achieng and Sauti Sol. American jazz singer Omar will also be on the performance line up.

NAMELESS AND SAUTI SOL GET AMA NODS

Three Kenyan artistes have been nominated for the UK based African Music Awards (AMA) that will be held Friday October 15th 2010 at the Wembley Arena, London. Nameless, Sauti Sol and Amani have all placed in highly competitive categories against other African acts. Amani got one nod in the Best Female Artist a category Wahu won last year.



Sauti Sol has been nominated for Best New Artist/Group and Best Group where as Nameless is up for the African Song Of The Year, Sunshine which features Habida and East African Artiste Of The Year.
The AMAs is Europe’s premier annual awards ceremony for African musicians and music makers. The main aim is to achieve mainstream recognition for big selling African artists who have sold millions of records in the African market, yet remain under-exposed to the Western world.
Eric McKaiser, CEO and founder, said “The AMAs are changing the perception surrounding African music. We aim to bridge the gap between the West and African musicians. Congratulations to all the 2010 nominees, and in my eyes you are all winners”.
The hosts for the awards are Nollywood's favorite actress Genevieve Nnaji and English singer-songwriter and actor Simon Webbe.
Voting on your favorite artists can be done between the September 6 and October 10 on AMA`s site.

SAUTI SOL ROCKING IT REAL HARD LIVE SWEDISH TV

MAKE A CHOICE ARTISTES TELL YOUTH

They call themselves Kenyans for Change. They have united to record a song to urge the youth to read the proposed constitution then make an informed choice.
Headed by Achieng Abura as the chairlady, Kenyans for Change, 2010 (K4C10) the group of artistes will be touring the country in a series of concerts.
To further enforce their stand the group launched their theme song dubbed Amua on Thursday, July 1 at The Alliance Francaise.
It features Sauti Sol, Juliani and Suzanna Owiyo while the video also features cameos of other personalities such as Nonini, Dennis Oliech amongst others. The theme song is for the referendum in August 4, for the Committee of Experts civic education campaign.

SAUTI SOL AND STAN’S EUROPEAN TOUR 2010

Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol and Stan have released the tour dates for their European tour 2010.
The sophomore album of Sauti Sol is going to be recorded in Europe during the tour and the scheduled release date is set for December 12 2010.
May, 30 2010 – Rotterdam, Netherlands
June, 2 2010 – Leksand, Sweden
June, 5 2010 – Rotondes, Luxembourg
June, 6 2010 – Essen, Belgium
June, 19 2010 – Hoogeveen, Holland
June, 24 2010 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
June, 26 2010 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
June, 27 2010 – Haarlem, Netherlands
June, 30 2010 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
July, 4 2010 – Dordrecht, Netherlands
July, 7 2010 – Gothenburg, Sweden
July, 10 2010 – Hertme, Netherlands
July, 15 2010 – Stockholm, Sweden
July, 18 2010 – Ljmuiden, Netherlands
July, 22 2010 – Oslo, Norway
July, 24 2010 – Copenhagen, Denmark
July, 27 2010 – Stöde, Sweden
July, 28 2010 – Gotland, Sweden
August, 2 2010 – Paris, France
August, 8 2010 – Halmstad, Sweden
August, 13 2010 – Gothenburg, Sweden
Note. More dates to be added.
For more info click huuurrrrrr

SAUTI SOL AND JUST A BAND WIN ONLINE AWARDS

Urban boy bands Just a Band and Sauti Sol won awards at the very first Africa online music award ceremony. The two boy bands scooped prestigious tittles at the Museke Online Africa Music Awards (MOAMAs) on Sunday when the list was finally released after months of online voting.
Sauti tied with Nigerian brodas P Square for the award of Best Group, while Just a Band scooped the Record of the Year Award for the song Usinobore off their latest album 82.

The inaugural awards were launched this year to celebrate African music and musicians’ achievement online and to unite African music fans everywhere.

SAUTI SOL TO ENDORSE CONVERSE ALLSTARS

Penya Africa is proud to announce the endorsement deal between Sauti Sol and the international brand Converse, which in Africa is distributed by Factory 55.
Factory 55's core objective is to increase brand image, building customer awareness and a clearly defined position in the minds of the target audience. Factory 55 is driving its attention to endorsing young creativity by sponsoring the youth market in Kenya and in doing so, recognizes and therefore endorses Sauti Sol as the CONVERSE ALLSTAR brand ambassadors -“All STAR ARTISTS”, as a group that will communicate the Converse brand messages because they believe that the ALL STAR brand needs to be affiliated with an already recognized and award winning group (Sauti Sol) for their sense of style and fashion and primarily also because it believes that they are STARS in the essence of the meaning.
Penya Africa is back in a huge way in 2010, in June Sauti Sol are going for a 3-month European tour together with Stan. The group are also featured on the upcoming song “Ni Sasa” with Juliani and Suzanna Owiyo and produced by Wawesh, it’s a collaborative effort by Kenyans For Change that features art personalities working together towards the realization of a New Constitution at the referendum in Kenya 2010. Other releases of 2010 include a massive Kenya-Nigeria collaboration: Nigeria’s Sasha and General Pype alongside our very own Sauti Sol and Muthoni the Drummer Queen with a crazy jam, Mara Hio Hio (free download available here)It’s the best of East meets West of Africa, and is one of the hottest tracks to come out of this region in a long time.

AN AFTER EASTER GIG

MARA HIO HIO A NAIJA-NAI HITSONG

Kenya singers Sauti Sol have colaborated with naija acts Sasha and General Pype. The music video hasn't been shot yet but you can have a listen...

SAUTI SOL THREATENED BY POLITICIAN

You know you are making an impact when fat cats call to threaten your life. This happened to the members of Sauti Sol who after a radio interview a very “big and influential” personality called to threatened their lives.
Our source who requested anonymity says, “What happened is, the politician who heard them on radio called them up and was really ticked off by the contents of the politically charged song they sung. He then threatened them.”
The song in question is yet to see the light of day, as it has never been sung in public again. The song castigates the killing of innocent people and the cancer of growing corruption and impunity that is quickly killing Kenya.
With the growing popularity of Sauti Sol that is made up of Delvin Mudigi, Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Chimano and Polycarp Otieno, fat cats should beware of a young voice that is steadily rising. Just last month they performed for the Netherlands Crown Princess Maxima at the Hague during their tour of Europe.
In the recent Kiss TV Unplugged show the quartet released their newest political song Geuza Dunia that shades light on the current situation in the country like the state of football and the post poll violence.
The group who are steadily taking over the industry with their brand of music are not only political but they are getting philanthropic too.
They will be performing for a cancer benefit concert at the Nairobi International School on December 11. Here all the proceeds go into buying expensive machinery that will be used in the treatment of cancer patients.