Industry | Music |
---|---|
Founder | Bien-Aimé Baraza, Savara Mudigi, Willis Austin Chimano, Polycarp Otieno |
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.
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]
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]
Africa Nazarene University is a private Christian-founded university in, Kenya, and an affiliate of The Church of the Nazarene Colleges and Universities around the world. Africa Nazarene University is fully accredited by the Commission for University Education and the International Board of Education.
Cobhams Asuquo is a Nigerian musician, producer, and songwriter. In 2005, Asuquo was signed on with Sony ATV London as a songwriter. After working as Head of Audio Productions at a local label, Questionmark Entertainment, he set up his own recording facility in 2006. He is the former CEO/Head of Productions of CAMP, which he co-managed with Bez Idakula and Stan Iyke. He was responsible for Aşa's highly acclaimed international album ASA and has been mentioned on many artists' sleeve credits as producer and writer. He is now the Founder/CEO of Vintage Grey Media.
82 is the second studio album by the Kenyan house/funk trio Just a Band, released in 2009 following their debut release Scratch to Reveal. Just A Band signed a US licensing deal with Akwaaba Music, who re-released 82 on February 23, 2010.
Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afropop band formed in Nairobi in 2005 by vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano and Savara Mudigi. Initially an a cappella group, guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined before they named themselves Sauti Sol.
The Gidi Culture Festival is an annual one-day music and arts festival that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. Co-founded by Chinedu Okeke and Oriteme Banigo, it was created in response to a demand from the local youth culture for live, affordable, and accessible entertainment in Africa. The festival provides a venue for live bands, DJs, and musical acts to perform. It also features outdoor activities, local vendors, and artisans. The main show features a line-up of African acts from numerous countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. The goal of the festival is to encourage the development of African talent and promote artists both within the continent and into overseas markets.
Victoria Kimani is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and entertainer previously signed to the Nigerian record label Chocolate City. Her debut album was released in 2016.
Ali Saleh Kiba, best known as Ali Kiba or occasionally as King Kiba, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter. He is one of the most talented musicians in East Africa and mostly considered the King of Bongo Flava music Genre. He is from Kigoma and the owner of Kings Music label and the Crown Media Group. With hit songs such as Mwana, Aje, Chekecha Cheketua, Cinderella, Nakshi Mrembo, Usiniseme, Dushelele, Single Boy with Lady Jaydee, Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia,mahaba,mama with legendary yvone chaka chaka and Macmuga. Ali Kiba is usually regarded as one of the most successful Bongo Flava stars usually associated with close rivalry with Diamond Platnumz.
Wendy Kimani is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entertainer. She came into prominence after being the first runners-up in the second season of Tusker Project Fame. As a singer she is known for her songs; "Haiwi Haiwi" featuring Bien of Sauti Sol, "Chali", "Unajua" featured by Gilad among others. She released her debut album dubbed as My Essence launched in August 2013. As an actress she is known for starring in the television series, Rush.
Mama Africa is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade. It was released on March 25, 2016, by Effyzzie Music Group. The album is the follow-up to her debut studio album, King of Queens (2014), and features guest appearances from P-Square, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Flavour N'abania, Rotimi Keys, DJ Arafat and Selebobo. Mama Africa was produced by GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys and Mr. Chidoo. It was supported by the singles "Na Gode", "Do As I Do", "Ferrari", "Kom Kom", "Africa" and "Tumbum". The album's deluxe edition features collaborations with South African musicians Bucie and AKA. Mama Africa won World Beat at the 2017 Independent Music Awards.
Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) is a Tanzania-based record label founded by musician Diamond Platnumz. WCB's commercial roster includes Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso, Zuchu, Lava Lava, Queen Darleen, and D Voice. The label is headquartered at Mbezi Beach, Dar Es Salaam. The label's Vice President is RJ The DJ, who is also Diamond Platnumz's official DJ, while the official producer of the label is Lizer Classic. In 2017, the WCB Wasafi artists released a joint project titled Zilipendwa, and in 2020, they released their second single titled Quarantine. In 2021, WCB Wasafi signed a publishing and distribution deal with Ziiki and Warner Music Group.
Faustina Charles Mfinanga, popularly known by her stage name Nandy is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born and raised in the town of Moshi, Tanzania in the Kilimanjaro Region. She won the All Africa Music Awards twice in the best female artist in East Africa category in 2017 and 2020.
Michael Kennedy Claver professionally known as Naiboi, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, record executive, and entrepreneur. In 2014, he made the switch from being solely a music producer, under the moniker Rapdamu, to a recording artist, and with the switch came a change of name to Naiboi. His collaborative records, “Welle Welle” in 2014 featuring Timmy Tdat and “Daktari” 2015 featuring Frasha gained him notoriety and recognition in the Kenyan music scene as a recording artiste of note.
Afrikan Sauce is the fourth studio album by Kenyan band Sauti Sol, released on their eponymous record label Sauti Sol Entertainment. Primarily an Afropop and R&B record, Afrikan Sauce marked a departure from the traditional acoustic sound of their previous albums. It features guest appearances from Patoranking, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Vanessa Mdee, Yemi Alade, Khaligraph Jones, Nyashinski, Bebe Cool, Mi Casa, Toofan, Jah Prayzah and C4 Pedro. The album comprises thirteen tracks and was supported by the previously released singles "Melanin", "Girl Next Door", "Afrikan Star", "Short N Sweet" and "Tujiangalie". Afikan Sauce received positive reviews from music critics, who characterized it as a "game changer" and commended it for having "substantial replay value". The album won Album of the Year in Africa at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards.
Zuhura Othman Soud better known by her stage name Zuchu, born is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born in Zanzibar. She is based in Dar es Salaam and signed to WCB Wasafi record label. She was awarded the Silver Plaque Button by YouTube for hitting 100,000 subscribers within a week. She became the first East African female artist to reach that milestone within a week. She also became the first East African female artist to reach 1 million subscribers on YouTube 11 months later. In 2020, Zuchu was named by AFRIMMA as the Emerging Artist Award winner.
G-Worldwide Entertainment (G.W.W.) is a 360 Entertainment Company in Nigeria, founded by Festus "Emperor Geezy" Ehimare. The company operates as a music and movie production company in Lagos. Its services include music recording, distribution, music publishing, and film production. Its label is home to recording acts, such as Sugarboy, Ajura, and Easy Jay, and home to recording music producers Hollar, and Brickz. Artists formerly signed, include Kiss Daniel, Iceberg Slim, and DJ Shabsy.
Mario TJ Cassela popularly known as Trio Mio is a Kenyan rapper, singer and songwriter. He started releasing music online in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, with his debut single "Bazenga - Vile Inafaa." He is best known for his hit single “Cheza Kama Wewe,” which was released on July 15, 2020, and featured remixes by other Kenyan artists such as Mejja, Exray and Nellythegoon.
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John-Allan Namu is a Kenyan journalist who has worked as a reporter, news anchor, editor and producer and as a trainer and mentor to upcoming journalists and media professionals. He is known for his investigative journalism. He is the CEO and editorial director at Africa Uncensored, an investigative journalism outfit operating out of Nairobi, that he co-founded in 2015. In 2023, he announced the release of his memoirs, 'The Joy in the Struggle'.