GEOFFREY MBUTHIA ENTERTAINMENT SUB-EDITOR

10 September 2024

• Bien revealed earlier this year that last year's festival earned close to Sh100 million.

Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol has officially announced the return of their highly anticipated Sol Fest concert, scheduled for December 2024.

The event is set to take place over two dates: December 19, 2024, for the VIP experience with tickets costing Sh20,000, and December 21, 2024, for the general fan show with tickets going for Sh3000.

The promotional video for the event showcases a star-studded lineup, featuring top Kenyan artists such as former Sol Generation signees Nviiri and Bensoul, as well as Nyashinski and Khaligraph Jones, among others.

Interestingly, this announcement comes on the heels of Sauti Sol’s earlier decision to take a break as a group to focus on their individual careers.

Despite this, Sol Fest remains a significant endeavor for the band. In a candid interview with Mpasho’s Hannie Petra in August 2024, dance choreographer Chiki discussed the intricate details of the show, explaining,

"Sol Fest is just one of the many ventures Sauti Sol owns. They have this, Sol Generation, and others. The festival is owned by Sauti Sol, so while it’s organized by them, it’s not just a Sauti Sol concert—it’s a larger festival."

In a separate interview with Iko Nini Podcast in March 2024, Bien, one of the band’s members, shed light on the financial success of Sol Fest.

He revealed, "After Sauti Sol did Sol Fest, ticket sales alone generated around Sh70 million, with merchandise bringing in another Sh10 million or so.

With sponsorships, the total revenue hit Sh100 million. Now, who’s going to pay me that kind of money? Even if they say I’m not worth Sh100 million because I’m not Sauti Sol, well, I’m still a quarter of Sauti Sol. So I just go about my business, controlling everything and building an entire economy around myself."