Did you know that Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol found themselves behind bars in Tanzania? Here's a tale that could have easily become a setback but instead fueled their creative push. This revelation comes from the group's lead vocalist, Bien, during a recent celebration marking P-Unit's 20 years in the music industry at Mass House in Nairobi.
It was twelve years ago when the members of Sauti Sol, fresh on the scene, went to Arusha, Tanzania, for a video shoot with star AY. The song, “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone,” was set to be a defining moment for the group, but the excitement quickly dissolved into chaos at the Namanga border. The group believed their status as popular musicians would spare them from the ordinary requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, the boys only had ID cards while their accompanying crew, including Lucas from Ogopa DJs, had valid passports.
Upon reaching Longido, the group was halted by local police and immigration officials demanding proper documentation. The members were promptly imprisoned in a local cell setting the stage for what would become one of the longest and toughest experiences of their lives. Lucas tried to contact AY but the unreliable phone network in the area delayed the rescue. The group faced uncomfortable conditions in confinement as hours dragged on until late afternoon. When AY finally received word of their predicament, he was equally baffled.
It was during the hold up when the four-man band penned down "Gentleman" a song that has since garnered a lot of traction, popularity and numbers across digital streaming platforms. Later on, AY arrived to negotiate their release and the band members were freed. The following day they shot the video and this later secured them their first Channel O Music Video Award in Johannesburg, South Africa. From a small cell in Tanzania to chart-topping hits, Sauti Sol continues to inspire fans far and wide!
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