Willis Chimano, one of the vocalists of the renowned Kenyan music group Sauti Sol, recently shared a nostalgic reflection on the band’s journey from struggling on their first European tour to earning their first million shillings. The narrative, though humbling, offers a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the gradual evolution of their sound and success.
In the early stages of their career, Sauti Sol faced the realities of being emerging artists in the global music scene. Their debut European tour was a defining moment for the group. Fresh from signing with their first record label, which also produced their initial albums, the band embarked on their maiden international journey with high hopes but limited financial means. At the time, their record deal was valued at roughly one million shillings, a significant amount considering the band’s relatively modest beginnings.
The group’s first stop on their European tour was Amsterdam, a city that would become the backdrop for their early hustle. Chimano recalls how the band, despite being in their 20s and full of ambition, had to live frugally during the three months they spent there. Each member of the group had to make sacrifices, living on a tight budget of just €50 (approximately Sh6,800) per week. With this limited amount, they did their best to stretch their resources shopping at the cheapest stores, cooking their meals, and making every euro count.
Their performances during this period were modest by today’s standards. One of their earliest gigs was at an elderly care home, where they played for residents, many of whom were in wheelchairs or using walkers. For these shows, the band received payments ranging from €100 to €150 (approximately Sh14,000 to Sh20,000), which, while meager, helped sustain them during their stay in Amsterdam. Despite the low earnings, Chimano revealed that the group was in “hustle mode” and fully understood that these early gigs were stepping stones toward greater opportunities. At the time, Sauti Sol had no major hits and were simply an African band trying to make their mark in Europe.
However, things began to change when the band returned to Kenya after their 2009 European tour. By 2013, Sauti Sol found themselves at a pivotal moment in their career when they joined Safaricom Twaweza Live, a campaign that aimed to celebrate and promote Kenyan talent through a series of concerts across the country. This seven-month initiative not only gave the band greater visibility but also provided them with the opportunity to perform at large-scale concerts, which exposed their music to a wider audience. The exposure from Safaricom Twaweza Live proved to be a game-changer for the group.
Through the campaign, Sauti Sol earned their first million shillings, marking a major milestone in their career. The campaign allowed the band to leverage their talents and build a fanbase that would later propel them to even greater heights. By this time, Sauti Sol was no longer just an up-and-coming band; they were becoming one of the most recognized and influential groups in Africa, with their unique sound and creative fusion of Afro-pop and R&B gaining widespread recognition.
Looking back, Chimano’s reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that come with building a successful career in the music industry. From performing in front of a handful of people at a care home in Amsterdam to filling stadiums in Kenya and beyond, Sauti Sol’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, resilience, and staying true to one’s craft. Today, the band is a household name, and their music continues to inspire countless fans worldwide. Their story is not only one of musical success but also a testament to the power of believing in oneself, even when the financial rewards seem distant.
