Sol Generation Records

Sol Generation Records is a Kenyan based music label, founded by Kenyan Afropop group Sauti Sol members; Bien-Aime Baraza, Savara Mudigi, Willis Austin Chimano and Polycarp Otieno. The label was founded in 2019.

Sol Generation Records
IndustryMusic
FounderBien-Aimé Baraza, Savara Mudigi, Willis Austin Chimano, Polycarp Otieno

History

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In 2019 Sol Generation signed its first artist, Bensoul, a Kenyan musician.[1] In the same year, the label signed Kenyan artists; Nviiri The Story Teller, Kaskazini (now Watendawili) and Crystal Asige.[2] Within the same year Crystal Asige amicably left the label.[3] Kaskazini (now Watendawili), also exited the label, citing having difficulties adjusting to being in a label.[4] In 2021, the label signed Bien Aime Baraza, one of the cofounders and members of Sauti Sol.[5] The other cofounders and Sauti Sol members Savara, Chimano and Polycarp are also signed to the label.[6]

In 2022, former signee Crystal Asige sued Sol Generation Records and Sauti Sol for breech of contract. She also wanted compensation for the songs she contributed towards while signed to the label.[7]

In 2023, Bensol announced his departure from the label, to pave way for newer artists.[8] In 2024, Nviiri the Story Teller also announced his departure from the label.[9]

In 2023, Sol Generation announced an Artist Development Programme aimed at developing 300 East African artists. The program is meant to develop their skills includingnsongwriting, music distribution, brand development and financial management.[10]

In 2024, Sol Generation signed a new Kenyan female artist, Le'Laika.[11] In the same year, the label also signed Mordecai Mwini of the Kenyan band, H-art The Band.[12]

TV Show

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In 2020, Sol Generation founders; Bien, Savara, Chimano, Polycarp, and the then signees; Bensoul and Nviiri were part of the reality show Sol Family.[13] The show followed their personal lives and business within the label. The show aired from 2020 to 2021 for two seasons[14]

References

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  1. ^ Nyota, Maxwell. "Bensoul's First Single Off The Newest Label, Sol Generation Records Is Dope". Kenyan Vibe. Kenyan Vibe. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  2. ^ Ngigi, Elizabeth. "Sol Generation takes the music industry by storm". The Star. The Star. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  3. ^ Onyango, Alfayo. "Crystal Asige reveals what she's been up to since Sol Generation exit". The Standard. The Standard. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  4. ^ Jerotich, Sheila. "'It Was All Too Much Too Fast,' Says Watendawili On Why They Left Sol Generation". Citizen Digital. Citizen Digital. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  5. ^ Ikahu, Susan. "Bien Signs Ksh.50 Million Deal With Sol Generation, A Record Label He Helped Found". Citizen Digital. Citizen. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  6. ^ Nation Africa. "Sauti Sol announces 'break up' after 18 years". Monitor. Nation Africa. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  7. ^ Muthoni, Kamau. "Crystal Asige sues Sauti Sol, airline over music contract". The Standard. The Standard. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  8. ^ Kiss FM. "Bensoul reveals why he is leaving Sol Generation & establishing own empire". Kiss FM. Kiss FM. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  9. ^ Issa, Zenna. "NVIIRI THE STORYTELLER LEAVES SOL GENERATION FOR GREENER PASTURES". NRG Radio. NRG Radio. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  10. ^ Correspondent. "Sol Generation Launches Capacity Building Initiative For Over 300 Eastern Africa Musiciams". Capital News. Capital News. Retrieved 26 April 2024. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  11. ^ Roba, Amos. "Sauti Sol's Sol Generation signs new talented artist". Pulse. Pulse. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  12. ^ Denis, Mwangi. "H_Art The Band founder member joins Sol Generation Publishing in lucrative deal". Pulse. Pulse. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  13. ^ Oruta, Brian. "Why we decided to have the Sol Family docu-series - Sauti Sol". Pulse. Pulse. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  14. ^ eDaily Reporter. "Sauti Sol, Eugene Mbugua Announce The Second Season Of Sol Family". Citizen Digital. Citizen. Retrieved 29 April 2024.