Sauti Sol cancels YouTube concert amid rising coronavirus cases
Celebrated afro-pop band Sauti Sol have cancelled an online concert that was set to take place on March 28, citing the rising cases of coronavirus. The famous group took to Twitter to relay the information to their fans.
“Following the cancellation of our UK tour date at Jazz Café on the 28th, we were optimistic that we could stream to you a live concert on YouTube to make up for the disappointment. Unfortunately, with the rising cases of COVID-19, we must cancel the YouTube concert scheduled for this Saturday,” read their statement.
The band stated that they had taken their decision to prioritize the need for their friends and families’ safety, as well as that of their band members.
The award-winning Suzanna singers also revealed that they were working on new music due in early April.
“We still love you and want to make your lockdown and isolation worthwhile by dropping the second single off our upcoming album Midnight Train next Friday, April 3.”
READ ALSO: How we set up Sol Generation Record- Sauti Sol
UMG deal
The renowned afro soul band signed a lucrative deal with Universal Music Africa (UMG) at the beginning of 2020, marking a major milestone for the famous four-man group. The exclusive deal gave the band access to the music corporation’s diverse network and global audiences.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Sauti Sol, one of the most innovative and creative groups to have broken through from Africa in recent years. Universal Music Africa is dedicated to helping the best African music talent reach new audiences around the world and we are excited to welcome them to our global UMG family.
“We look forward to working together with them to ensure they can authentically celebrate Africa through music and to help introduce their unique blend Afro-pop to new listeners everywhere,” said Sipho Dlamini, managing director of UMG South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa at the time of signing.
The talented group were elated by the steps in their growing careers, taking to their social media to express their gratitude and expectations.
READ ALSO: We used over Sh63 million- Why Sauti Sol’s ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ tour was a big hit
“Always wanted and wondered what it would feel like to be signed to a major! Well, it’s official! Our first major label deal, Universal Music Group, you’ve been awesome and so supportive during this process thank you loads! Thank you guys for being patient. We really hope y’all are ready for the new album coz it slaps! I’m even shook myself! Sauti Sol to the world” wrote Sauti Sol’s Chimano.
The quartet is comprised of vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi and guitarist Polycarp Otieno. The group’s signing came months after the signing of legendary Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.
The Los Angeles-based music group has signed some of the continent’s top artists including Nigerian pop-star Tekno Miles, Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee and Bongo star Diamond Platnumz.
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