Kenyan favourite boy band Sauti Sol took a break in May 2023. After dropping the Midnight Train album, they decided to take a breather and to do their own soul-searching. This marked the beginning of a new chapter—their solo journeys.
When you’ve cooked together for almost two decades, stepping away and finding yourself again feels scary. But they have moved on with grace with each member focused on building a legacy for themselves beyond the collective.
Let’s look at how each of them has faired on since they parted ways:
Bien’s Global Outreach
His voice is the most recognizable in the Kenyan music industry. This made him connect with fans, in African and diaspora, almost immediately. He started dropping singles which culminated to an album. In East Africa, he has the biggest collaborations with arists like Darassa, Diamond and Marioo.
His album “Alusa, Why Are You Topless?”, was widely celebrated and marked an important milestone for Kenyan music. The project topped streaming charts both locally and internationally in cities like . He did a well publicised album tour around the world.
Chimano: Art, Advocacy and Literature
Willis Chimano has been equally active in carving out his own path. After dropping his debut EP: Heavy Is The Crown, he curated small intimate performance series. The “Chimano Intimates” has helped him build strong niche connections with his fans which he proudly calls Chimandems. He has also been on an international tour, to solidly his prescence around the world.
Beyond music, Chimano has been outspoken about issues affecting sexual minorities. Through this, he worked with humanitarian organizations to advocate for inclusivity and human rights. His creativity has also expanded into writing. and has now added “published author” to his résumé. His book is titled Heavy Is The Crown: Part Memoir, part Manifesto, All Heart.
Savara’s Music Evolution
Mudigi has taken a unique approach and experimenting and enriching his sound, blending Afrobeat, reggae, and deep cultural roots and expressive storytelling. So far he had released music gradually through extended plays (EPs).
Savara has also earned recognition on a national level. One of the highlights of his career came when he led the performance of the Kenyan national anthem during the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). This moment was widely seen as a proud display of patriotism and a significant milestone in his career. He earned solo Grammy consideration for Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance in 2025.
Polycarp Embraces Fatherhood
Meanwhile, Polycarp aka FancyFingers has been balancing creativity with family life. Inspired by his experiences as a father, he released a children’s fiction picture book “Written in the Stars” available in all major textbook centres. His EP: Father Studies is an ode to his son Sulwe. His third project Love Language featured female artists from around Africa and was an ode to celebrate women.
This new chapter of his life has influenced his music and storytelling. After being in production and playing the guitar for the band all these years, it was refreshing to hear his voice. It was one of his best kept secrets.
It has been a bittersweet transition watching them evolve. This proves that the separation to rediscover themselves was not only necessary but very healthy.
