Sol Generation Records

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Sol Generation Records
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FounderBien-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.

Contents

History

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

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]

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References

  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.
  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.