Dutch airline KLM has partnered with Sauti Sol’s record label ‘Sol Generation’ to showcase upcoming artistes as part of the airline’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
The one-year deal will see BenSoul, Kaskazini (an urban-fusion trio by Chris, Ywaya and Israel), Nviiri and Crystal Asige team up to produce a six-track album dubbed “1919 to Forever” in commemoration of KLM’s inception a century ago.
Blending a largely Afro-fusion theme, “1919 to Forever” addresses a wide variety of topics ranging from love, escaping the rat race, communal celebrations and real-life issues the common Kenyan faces. The album will be officially released on 9th of October exclusively on KLM’s facebook page klmkenya.
The release of the album is in line with KLM’s 100 years pillar of supporting the ‘Next generation’. These upcoming artists who are part of a big record label are the next generation and giving them impetus to their dreams makes KLM part of their success story. With this in mind, their followers will acknowledge KLM as being key to their success.
On 19th May this year, KLM celebrated 50 years since it started flying to East Africa region. KLM Commercial Director for Eastern Africa Steven van Wijk equates the partnership to an equinox of business and culture as the brand continues to invest in the community.
Front (left to right): Christopher Kioko (Kaskazini) , Eugene Ywaya (Kaskazini) , Bensoul, Nvirii the StoryTeller, Israel Onyach (Kaskazini).
“This album is to re-affirm our commitment to the market, that we never left and we are committed to the next 100 years. Looking at the African calture, a great song lives forever. An album with arguably the best label for up and coming artistes makes the brand immortal, creating positive association, reach and affinity with our brand. Through the tracks, we are serenading the audience. The execution itself cements our KLM 100 pillars -celebration, innovation as we look positively into the future.” Mr. Ste Steven van Wijk
The forward-thinking mindset of KLM as evidenced by our collaboration with ‘Sol Generation’ means we are continuously investing in the next generation of culture influencers.” says Mr. Steven van Wijk
He went on to say: “Our partnership with Sol Generation is informed by the common vision shared by the two brands of nurturing the next generation talent and giving them impetus to their dreams.”
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919 and is the Royal Carrier of the Dutch Kingdom. It is celebrating a century of existence and 50 years of flying into East Africa.
About KLM
KLM was established on 7 October 1919 and is the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. Celebrating 100 years of global operation on 7th October. KLM started its operations in Kenya on 19th May 1969. KLM will celebrate its centenary this year. Operating out of its home base in Amsterdam, the KLM Group served its global network with a fleet of 209 aircraft in 2018. KLM employs 33,000 people. In 2017, the KLM Group generated EUR 10 billion in revenue.
Based on the principle that our people are the key to our brand, we are convinced that we can make the difference by consistently offering our customers a memorable experience. This ambition is in our DNA. Thanks to the sincere attention we give our passengers, they feel acknowledged, contented and at ease.
Following the merger with Air France in 2004, KLM has pursued the concept of one Air France-KLM Group, two airlines and three core activities (passengers, cargo and engineering & maintenance). Together with Air France, KLM plays a pioneering role in the European air transport industry.
