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Arguably Kenya’s most successful music group to date, award-winning afro-pop band Sauti Sol have serenaded us over the years with their beautiful music.
From soulful hits that got us feeling all mushy to club bangers that got us on our feet, we take a walk down memory lane to look at some of their most memorable hits.
Which is your favourite?
Soma
The track Soma featured on Sauti Sol’s second studio album, Sol Filosofia. An instant hit when released back in 2011, the song’s lyrics urge the youth to get an education so as to be competitive in a fast-changing world.
“Soma somasoma kijana masiku zazidi badilika, wazuri wazidi kuzaliwa na dunia nayo yazidi haribika…” humming along, aren’t you?
Sura Yako
Now this track is bound to get on your feet moving along to the beat.
Sura Yako (Your Face) was released in 2014 and is the track no.1 off Sauti Sol third album, Live And Die In Afrika.
The video plays out a scene form a typical Kenyan pre-wedding ceremony, no wonder the song rarely misses in ruracio playlists.
Nerea
“Nakuomba Nerea, usitoe mimba yangu we, Mungu akileta mtoto, analeta sahani yake Mlete nitamlea, usitoe mimba yangu we, Mungu akileta mtoto, analeta sahani yake” goes the hook.
Sauti Sol teamed up with Amos and Josh on this project, which upon its release in 2015 attracted both criticism and praise in almost equal measure.
The song addressed abortion, which is considered a ‘taboo’ topic in Kenya despite its widespread procurement.
Nerea established the group as more than just musicians but also shapers of discussions in society as it placed the abortion narrative where it belongs; among the masses, and especially among the youth.
Shake Yo Bam Bam
A bonafide party track, Shake Yo Bam Bam’s video was shot by legendary Nigerian video director Clarence Peters.
According to Sauti Sol, “Shake Yo Bam Bam is reminiscent of an earlier (90s) Kenyan music style, and fashion. The lyrics of the song flaunt Sauti Sol’s celebration of hood vibes and street-smart youth who set trends and shape the urban culture.
“The styling and dance choreography emphasize this.”
Kuliko Jana
Also off their third album Live and Die in Afrika, Kuliko Jana is arguably Sauti Sol’s mot soulful song.
Featuring Upper Hill School’s Redfourth Chorus choir, the track addresses God’s steadfast love.
“The meaning behind the song is; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end- they are new every morning,” the group stated regarding the song.
Released on September 12, 2016 on YouTube, Kuliko Jana has thus far garnered over 8 million views.
Bonus Tracks
Catch Sauti Sol live in action on 31 May 2019 at KICC during Radio Maisha’s ‘Choma Na Ngoma ‘Festival. Regular tickets go for Sh1,500 while the VIP ticket is Sh4,000. Grab your ticket here.
