We Just Needed A Break- Sauti Sol Clarifies Split After 18 Years

Band member Polycarp Otieno who addressed the press before the Boyz II Men concert noted that Sauti Sol was stepping back after a while

admin admin
Jun 11, 2023 - 14:33
0
We Just Needed A Break- Sauti Sol Clarifies Split After 18 Years
Sauti Sol at the Sol Fest concert on December 17, 2022. /TWITTER.SAUTI SOL

Popular boy band Sauti Sol on Saturday, June 10 clarified reports of their looming breakup for the first time in 18 years, after they announced that they will be taking an indefinite hiatus from the music scene.

The four-man band, known for songs such as Suzanna, Kuliko Jana, Midnight Train, Short and Sweet among others elaborated that their statement announcing their hiatus was taken out of context, resulting in speculation as well as misinformation that they would part ways for good.

Band member Polycarp Otieno who addressed the press before the Boyz II Men concert noted that Sauti Sol was stepping back after a while, following a blissful 15 years that has seen them overcome new limits in the world of entertainment.

Kenya Boy Band Sauti Sol performing during the Stanbic Yetu Festival at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on June 10. /RADIO AFRICA GROUP

“It's been an amazing journey. It’s been 15 years and we just need to step back a bit.

“We are not quitting music or breaking up. There is a lot of misinterpretation of the statement we put out. It’s just a small hiatus. We just feel like we need a very small break," Polycarp explained.

He added that the break will allow their businesses and joint ventures under the Sauti Sol brand to thrive to their full potential.

“All the business, the record label will still be running and we just feel that we need to take this small break,” he added.

Sauti Sol was among the headline acts of the highly anticipated event, dubbed Stanbic Yetu Festival, which took place at the iconic Uhuru Gardens and saw Kenyans from all walks of life, including nostalgic fans of classical music, grace the memorable music celebration.

The Boyz II Men trio is composed of baritone Nathan Morris, Tenors Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman. They backed Sauti Sol's decision to take a break, giving an example of how they themselves took a break for two years before resuming.

Kenya Boy Band Sauti Sol thrilled at around 7.30 pm and entertained the crowd, despite the cold weather and rain, before Boyz II Men came on stage.

All dressed in black outfits and with infectious energy and gratitude, the band expressed their appreciation to the crowd of enthusiastic Kenyan fans who were shouting their names at the top of their voices.

Among those in attendance included former Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho, who praised the performances from the talented R&B music group as well as the event organisers respecting the audience's time.

"(The show) was great and amazing over the fact that the show ended at 10:00 pm so we can go home early. I liked all the Boyz II Men songs but 'End of the Road' is quite something," he stated while in the company of tight security.

The event was celebrated despite varied reactions on Twitter with users calling out the varied disorganization at the venue ranging from sound setup to ticketing and the presence of adequate washrooms, among others.

Sauti Sol stated on Saturday, May 20 that they will split after their world tour and drop their last album at the end of this year (2023).

They will embark on a final tour in the US, Europe and Canada between May 21 to September 3 in a “celebration of their remarkable journey” before each member takes some time to work on personal endeavours.

Popular boy band, Sauti Sol. /INSTAGRAM