Sol Fest Backlash: We will do better next time says Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol, the organisers of the just concluded Sol Fest, have been forced to own up to their mistake in organising the much-anticipated event.
The Grammy award-winning band on Monday evening released an official statement following fans’ negative feedback.
Fans who attended the event, which took place on Saturday night, called out the band for what they termed as a disappointing performance.
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The event, which kicked off in the afternoon, saw fans wait till the wee hours for the band to take the stage, and even after taking the stage, they performed for less than an hour to the fans’ disappointment.
In a statement, Sol Fest management acknowledged poor planning, which ultimately led to long delays, and promised to plan better in the future.
According to the band, the festival was created to offer a platform for Sauti Sol and Sol generation artistes and even other talented African musicians.
“Our intention was to put on a spectacular event ensuring each artist and musician received enough time to deliver their very best performances to all fans. We also put more focus on the local talent who were performing and our international guests,” the statement read in part.
“We acknowledge this may have led to some unfortunate delays in keeping the show running in a timely fashion and would like to reassure all our fans and supporters that we will plan better for this in the future.”
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We would like to thank and reassure all of our fans that we will plan better next time and invite you all to share what you think should be done right. Please send your feedback to pr@sol-festival.com pic.twitter.com/EzqUZzrwok
— Sol Fest 🇰🇪 (@SolFestAfrica) December 19, 2022
The statement came after one of the band members Delvin Mudigi, alias Savara took to social media and wondered why they are always the ‘victim’.
“Sauti Sol is the punching bag. Kama kawaida,” tweeted Savara.
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Sauti Sol is the punching bag. Kama kawaida 😪
— Savara Savara (@savarafrica) December 19, 2022
The organisers of the event earlier this month were forced to move the show to a new venue, citing security as the main reason for the change.
Originally it was to take place at Fox Drive-In, Thika Road but was moved to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
In 2020, the band disappointed hundreds of fans after they announced the cancelation of their ‘Sol Saturday’ concert.
Issuing a statement, Sauti Sol apologized to their fans, saying they were ready to give a fantastic performance.
However, the band confessed that they could not ensure everyone’s health safety according to the Covid-19 regulations by the Ministry of Health.
Sauti Sol pointed out that it would be reckless of them to hold such an event due to the rising number of Covid-19 infections and deaths in the country.
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Here are some of the comments from disgruntled fans.
Sauti Sol really did us dirty…sounded more like an Afro-beat event than Solfest. #solfest2022 pic.twitter.com/fmH8AMXuQi
— Mekatilili🌸 (@wa_menza) December 18, 2022
I think what @sautisol is not understanding here is that… people don’t go to SolFest to see artists who are not part of the Sol Family. It’s a bonus, but it’s not the motivation.
If it’s so hard to understand, rename that festival.
— Kerubo (@slyrie) December 19, 2022
Solfest made me rethink if I want to continue attending any night time concerts in this country coz how can the main act perform at 3am surely?
— Cherotich (@Cher0tich) December 18, 2022
Mnataka upuzi tulifanyiwa solfest watu wa nchi nyingine wafanyiwe pia. Unacceptable
— Chogu (@GoodguyChogu) December 20, 2022
Solfest did what other international artists do to Kenyans with no upcry. They come, get paid millions, and show the middle finger 🖕We are treated how we treat ourselves. Check the leaders we voted. Cancel culture is real. Difference. You are being cancelled as ravers. 😂😂
— Unorthodox Rebel (@Namba_imwe) December 20, 2022
Bwana solfest should just be solfest we didn't pay so that we come see other artists being given platform to do akiani ang'owa. We paid for sauti sol and the sol generation. Omera bwana we uru walo. I was very disappointed. Infact miya uru refund
— Victor Haya (@victor__haya) December 19, 2022
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