Chimano Reflects on Sauti Sol’s Journey from Earning Sh14,000 on First Europe Tour to Their First Million
Vocalist Willis Chimano has shared the story of how Sauti Sol transitioned from earning modest amounts on their first European tour to making their first million shillings.
During their early days, Sauti Sol embarked on their debut European tour after signing with their first record label, which also produced their first two albums. Chimano recalled that the value of their record deal was about one million shillings in euros at the time—a significant sum for the group, who were in their 20s.
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Their first European tour took them to Amsterdam, where they stayed for three months. Living on a tight budget, the four band members survived on €50 (Sh6,800) per week. “We shopped at the cheapest stores and stretched what we had for the whole week,” Chimano recalled.
One of their earliest gigs was at an elderly care home, performing for residents, many of whom were in wheelchairs or using walkers. “They paid us €100 to €150 per show (Sh14,000-Sh20,000). We accepted it because we were in hustle mode, knowing it was a stepping stone to something greater,” Chimano said. At the time, the band had no major hits and was simply seen as an African band performing in Europe.
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However, things changed after they returned to Kenya from their 2009 European tour. By 2013, Sauti Sol landed a life-changing opportunity when they joined Safaricom Twaweza Live, a seven-month campaign that included concerts across the country. The initiative not only nurtured local talent but also allowed the band to earn their first millions.
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“When we signed up for Safaricom Live, our lives changed because of the money we received. That was the first time we saw a few million shillings,” Chimano shared. For the first time, each band member began receiving a salary of Sh150,000, while Sauti Sol Entertainment, treated as the fifth member, also earned a share.
Chimano used his first big paycheck to purchase a blue Toyota IST for Sh700,000, describing it as a proud moment.
The band, now on an indefinite hiatus, has since become one of Kenya’s most iconic musical groups, but Chimano’s reflection underscores their humble beginnings and the challenges they overcame to achieve success.
