Sauti Sol is the most successful boy band in Africa, hands down and after many years of producing, and putting out amazing songs and tours, their SolFest event has become one of the most anticipated shows in Kenya as we know it today.
Music fans adore them and are always willing to pay the ultimate prize to witness their greatness live.
This year’s SolFest edition’s venue was initially Drive-inn along Thika road but changes were made last minute to Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC).
This, the team says was to ensure the security of all the attendees at the event.
Among the top, sought-after established artistes who performed were Tanzania’s Harmonize, Octopizzo, Juliani, Bensoul, Nviiri the Storyteller, Matata, NSG, Costa Titch, Fena Gitu, Buruklyn Boyz, Brandy Maina, Charisma, Nadia Mukami, Sauti Sol, DJs Grauchi, Fully Focus and many others.
The list was stacked up with stellar artistes.
Kenyans who attended the long-awaited SolFest 2022 have shared their experience.
I’ve collected all the feedback for those who missed this one-of-a-lifetime showcase.
That feel-good vibration
Live band experience is what every music fan wants at a concert, and that was taken care of by the presence of a live band at the coveted show that everybody is talking about in the 254.
Kenyans came out in droves to support talent, which is always a good thing, keeping in mind that Naija, Bongo Flava, and Amapiano music enjoy more airplay than Kenya music to date[sic].
Security was as tight as expected and well-knit, and there were no major incidences reported.
The sensational NSG was brought out as a surprise artiste and it was indeed sensational, it was random and unexpected, kudos!
All the artists performed their best.
The ‘Ivo Ivo’ hitmaker Octopizzo and Juliani were exceptional, according to the fans which shouldn’t come as a surprise because the two are among the top best performing artistes in East Africa today, leave alone Kenya.
Konde Boy himself, Harmonize had the best audience control in the event and Sauti Sol was –as always– amazing, the boys gave that powerful performance that will forever be iconic to revellers.
The show that the award-winning headliners gave was amazing! we ought to give them their flowers while we can, they deserve it.
All the celebrities dressed and looked the part.
The fans were electric, showed up to have a great time, there were no jabronis present to dwindle the positive energy that was oozing all over K.I.C.C!
Security was top notch!
The bad
Sauti Sol kept their fans waiting until past 2 a.m.
After standing for hours, some of them were exhausted to death, by the time they hit the stage at 3 a.m.
The Adrenalin levels had gone low and sleep was almost snatching the little left excitement that revelers had, some revelers were groggy but they were strong enough to pull through for that Sauti Sol show.
Kenyans also wish Sauti Sol ended their performance with THANK YOU KENYA or THANK YOU NAIROBI salutation, instead of “Thank you, Africa.” Normally, the band does not generalize this when they attend shows in other parts of the continent.
Finally, Sauti Sol performed for 30 minutes. Fans feel, this was their show and an hour or more would have been better valued for the ticket price paid.
The ugly
It’s allegedly reported that comedian Eric Omondi was denied immediate access even after showing up with his theatricals to steal the show as usual.
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Eric, who was accompanied by isikuti dancers arrived at the KICC hoisted on the shoulders of powerful men, and a crowd was turned away initially.
Whether it was pre-planned or not, we will never know.
Later on, he was granted passage in the event that he was promised not to attend by Bien a few days prior.
Eric Omondi has been very vocal in fighting for the legislation of laws that will help creatives in Kenya, enjoy more airtime and as a result; more penetration, attention, and in the long run better revenue.
SolFest reigns
All in all, it was a good time to many Kenyans who showed up to turn up and have a great time.
For the few who were disappointed, guess the team will consider your feedback and make the next event experience even better, no love lost.
The industry is taking shape and with time, all artists and music producers and everyone who has any vested interest in the music industry will all be winning.
Congratulations goes out to Sauti Sol for making it happen!
Was SolFest 2021, better than SolFest 2022?
Hit us up!
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