Africa’s biggest and Kenyan music group Sauti Sol has signed its first-ever exclusive recording agreement with Universal Music Africa (UMA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG).
The exclusive recording agreement Sauti Sol signed with Universal, an American music power-house company will give the band access to Universal Music Group ’s global network around the world and will allow greater opportunities for the band to reach new audiences globally.
The Kenyan Afro-Pop band Sauti Sol, is comprised of vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi and guitarist, Polycarp Otieno.
“It’s official! Our first major label deal, @universalmusicgroup. Thank you guys for being patient. We really hope y’all are ready for the new album. 🔥 #MIDNIGHTRAIN 🌎🚀 @umgsa @africacreativeagency,” reads the announcement.
Speaking about the new deal, Bien Aime Baraza said, “I love new beginnings. I have waited for this day for all my life. I cant wait to share love, music and be back on the road. The year off has really been a steep learning curve. But I couldn’t think of a better way to come back than this album. @sautisol fans are about to have a blast. I LOVE YOU ALL ❤ #MIDNIGHTRAIN.”
Polycarp Otieno wrote; “New dawn. New beginning. We can’t wait to share our new music with you, under @universalmusicgroup @africacreativeagency #MidnightTrain LETS GO!”
Chimano added, “Always wanted and wondered what it would feel like to be signed to a major! Well It’s official! Our first major label deal, @universalmusicgroup, you’ve been awesome and so supportive during this process thank you loads! Thank you guys for being patient. We really hope y’all are ready for the new album. Sauti Sol to the world #MIDNIGHTRAIN @umgsa @africacreativeagency”
On paper? Fantastic deal. Sauti Sol have been Africa’s best group since Peter and Paul decided that ego was bigger than business.
They’ve worked hard from Kenya, making the best music in East Africa and seeding it into other parts.
This is what they deserve. Congratulations!
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 30, 2020
They now joined the growing list of African stars such as Tekno, Vanessa Mdee, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Stonebwoy and Diamond Platnumz that are joining the music recording company in recent years.