Former Sol Generation artiste could be Senator in next Parliament

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has included Crystal Asige in their list of nominees to the Senate.

In the nomination list published by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Wednesday, July 25, Asige was nominated to represent persons with disabilities in the Senate.

Asige, who is visually impaired, was nominated alongside her male counterpart Kakiri Ochieng.

The singer-songwriter who grew up in Mombasa was diagnosed with glaucoma in her early 20s which made her lose her sight.

Despite this hurdle, she went on to achieve great things and burst into fame as the first lady on the premium label, Sol Generation.

They, however, went separate ways towards the end of 2019 and in a previous interview with the Standard, she revealed that there was no animosity.

“I wasn’t gonna sit there and just take what’s being given. As much as I’m a ‘disabled’ artiste, I work hard, and I earn everything. I manifest everything,” she said.

Adding: “There is no animosity between us. We mutually agreed to go our separate ways.”

Despite being featured on Extravaganza beside Bensoul, Nviiri the Storyteller and Kaskazini, Crystal maintains she is not famous, never mind the over 9 million views the song has.

“Even though strangers may walk up to me and give me their feedback on my music and am not able to see them, that kind of interaction and support makes me happy and I promise to keep making great music and being an inspiration,” she said.

Reflecting on leaving one of the most progressive music stables, she supports the crew remotely and would encourage anyone to join a music company.

“It’s all about you and them reaching a middle ground. There is a lot of opportunity, access and still hard work involved of course. However, I’m not foreign to being an independent artist and I’m enjoying building my brand.”