SOULFUL SINGERS: They Sura Yako song is one of the most loved songs at the moment in Kampala, writes EDGAR R. BATTE
Kenyan group Sauti Sol will be live in concert at Kampala Serena Hotel tomorrow. The musical act, billed for their Sura Yako hit single, will be here for the first time. They are winners of the Best African Act of 2014 in the MTV Europe Music Awards among a host of other accolades.
The group of four comprises of Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Austin Chimano, Polycarp Otieno and Savara Mudigi. Baraza is the lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, Chimano is a vocalist too, and saxophone player, Otieno is lead guitarist and producer and Mudigi is vocalist, a percussionist, drummer and producer.
Sauti Sol have featured Amos & Josh in new single/music video titled Nerea, which is the fifth single off their new album.
According to a press release from the group’s publicist, Anyiko Owoko, the song re-enacts the younger versions of a vast mix of personalities, celebrities, presidents and champions in sports, arts and culture.
These are familiar icons, who have in a span of decades, shaped the lives of young and old people from all walks of life, and inspired the ideal to Live and Die in Africa. “The song is about the growth of an African man and how he takes full responsibility for his everyday actions,” Owoko says.
The song that is rising, enjoying airplay on radios in Kenya and Uganda applauds the everyday hustle in Africa, and celebrating all human achievement, whether considered big or small. The simple sound of the acoustic track is a perfect mesh of Sauti Sol and Amos & Josh.
It is one of the songs that will be performed at their concert tomorrow where revellers will part with Shs100,000 for regular tickets and Shs200,000 for VIP tickets.
Awards
2012 Channel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted East African Video (Shukuru, feat AY)
2014 MTV Europe Music Awards: Best African Act
Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards: Best Song East Africa (Sura Yako)
They are also nominated in the forthcoming MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Group and Best Song (Sura Yako).
