The boys next door: Sauti Sol backstage interview with Africa Web TV

At Africa Web TV we’ve spoken with some big artists and some who think they are big. Some of them carry their arrogance like a bad fragrance with them. It is like they are doing you a favour rather than seeing it as an opportunity to reach out to new hoards of fans.

Interviewing the guys from Sauti Sol was a thing of pure joy! How we wish every artists would be like them. The interview, which was conducted by Africa Web TV’s Edith Isadia reflected the mentality and professionalism of Sauti Sol. Given that the interview was not planned, one would expect the guys to be a bit irritable especially after they had just finished their concert in Eindhoven. But just like their show a few minutes earlier, the guys were in top form.

They carried themselves like people who have their feet firmly on the ground. No fake fragrance of arrogance; just guys who looked and sounded like they are enjoying what they are doing. They were funny and mischievous, they were serious and focussed and above all, they seemed truly happy to be there. They had some really sweet words for their fans in The Netherlands. Standing behind the scene, watching their body language and the subtle but respectful interaction with their fans off-camera, one’s admiration grew for Bien-Aimé Baraza, Delvin Mudigi, Polycarp Otieno, Willis Austin Chimano (and Cedrick, who was on keyboards).

Are these not the same guys who were nominated along with P-Square (Nigeria) and Mafikizolo (South Africa) amongst others, in the biggest category of the recent MTV awards in Africa? Africa Web TV has interviewed some unknown singers in the past who sometimes nominate themselves for some obscure Facebook awards in Alkmaar or Vilvoorde. Some of these so-called artists are so full of bulls**t that even bulls think they stink! One would be happy to get 1 intelligent quote from them. Some of these wannabe superstars need to watch Sauti Sol in action. Watch their interview. They are the real deal. And we should know.

The first time we saw/met Sauti Sol was about 5 years ago in Essen, Belgium. They were relatively unknown then. Fast forward years later and they are an award-winning band known all over Africa and beyond. Their current song/video Nishike is one of the biggest selling, most talked about song/video in recent years in East Africa. Yet the only noticeable difference from 5 years ago is that their music is getting even better. They work harder while keeping a cool head. These are guys who are going to stay on top of their game for many years to come. No doubt about that.

When next Sauti Sol is in a city near you, be sure to drop in on their show. It is worth every moment of your time. And if you have been to their show before, they might even recognise and honour you like the lady in the video of our interview with them. Both on and off stage, Sauti Sol is a joy to behold. Watch the full video of our interview with them. It is full of fun and laughter. You will feel like they are the boys next door. In a lot of ways, they are!