Chimano explains why reservations for Sauti Sol are so costly right now

Vocalist Willis Chimano has spoken out about how much the band would now charge to book them for a concert, as each member of Sauti Sol is concentrating on their own musical endeavors and the band is still on an extended sabbatical.

After 18 years of collaborating on music, Sauti Sol said in May 2023 that they would be taking an indefinite break from music. That announcement was made over two years ago.

Sauti Sol has occasionally performed together despite the announcement, however the performances have been self-produced.
On December 19 and 21, 2024, Sauti Sol performed live at the third edition of Sol Fest, which took place in Uhuru Gardens.

Rhumba icons Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms shared the stage with Sauti Sol at the event, which was sponsored in large part by telecom giant Safaricom, which contributed Sh15.5 million.

It would now be more expensive to hire Sauti Sol to perform (during this break). The cost must be justified if we are to execute. 

A payment of $100,000 (Sh13 million) would be ideal, but not much less,” Chimano says.

Up until Sauti Sol declared their extended break, the band would typically charge at least $40,000 (Sh5 million) for a one-hour concert, according to seasoned Kenyan and UK entertainment writer John Muchiri.

It costs a lot to operate a band. Consider the expenses incurred by a promoter, such as purchasing airline tickets for a band, in addition to hotel expenses and other band-related expenses. The value of your brand is the reason a promoter will pay a band; it indicates that they anticipate turning a profit. “Sauti Sol has established a brand,” Chimano continues.

In 2013, Sauti Sol achieved their first million when Safaricom introduced Safaricom Twaweza Live, a seven-month campaign that featured six performances around the nation. The campaign sought to develop local musical talent while also having an influence on communities and consumers.

Our lives were completely transformed when we joined Safaricom Live because of the substantial sum of money we received. We had never seen a few million shillings before,” Chimano says.