07/11/2025
When Sauti Sol's multi-million dollar contract with Universal Music Africa expired in 2022, they walked away.
The band had inked the lucrative deal with the global music giant in early 2020, securing international recording and distribution that most African artists dream of.
But two years later, when it came time to renew, Sauti Sol chose a different path entirely.
The group tried to renegotiate for better terms that worked better for their vision.
When both sides couldn't find common ground, they parted ways amicably. No drama, no bad blood, just different directions.
But Baraza's explanation revealed something deeper about the modern music industry.
"Going international haiko kwa ule msee unawork na yeye. Iko kwa kichwa yako, it's in your mind," he said.
In Bien's view, the old playbook has been rewritten.
Artists today can build massive fanbases through social media, promote their own music, and create the same impact that major labels once promised. All without giving up control or a chunk of their revenue.
Sauti Sol put their money where their mouth was.
They doubled down on Sol Generation Records to nurture emerging talent and produce their own music.
In 2023, after 18 years of dominating the industry, Sauti Sol announced they were taking a hiatus to explore individual projects.
copied. IAN STEVE
