Tag: Crystal Asige News

Senator Crystal Asige Announces Her Single Status

Posted on by Ozymandias

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has announced her single status in a weekend update that delighted her male followers. The young disability advocate shared a photo showcasing her outfit of the day while smiling at the camera.

In her post, she embraced her single status with the caption, “To whom it may concern, – Yes, I’m single,” and expressed gratitude to the designer of her outfit. Her optimistic message prompted a wave of comments from netizens, including:

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Senator Crystal Asige earns Sh739,600 monthly but only spends Sh50,000 on rent and bills.

– **njaumurigi**: “The admiration I have! You’re an inspiration to many of us through your representation of the less privileged.”
– **only_the_goose**: “Well done, Crystal!”
– **xdaybols**: “Alright, gorgeous! Need to up my game lol.”
– **halsville**: “You are an inspiration, Senator.”
– **its_stevemwendwa**: “Beautiful, muhesh 😍.”
– **ruthieorder**: “Such a beauty 😍😍😍.”
– **lemah_lema**: “Beautiful 😍😍🔥🔥🔥.”
– **wangaceo**: “@crystalasige ❤️❤️ Can I get a picture with you?”

A few facts about Crystal Asige: she was named among Time 100 Next (2024) and honored in the Top 40 Under 40 (2023). Nominated to the 4th Senate in the 13th Parliament, she represents persons with disabilities and special interest groups.

In addition to her political role, the senator is an award-winning musician, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, and a disability rights advocate. Due to her visual impairment, she is commonly known as a VIP (Visually Impaired Person).

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Sen. Crystal Asige, the nominee, hinted at a partnership with Samidoh

Her achievements include:

– Serving on the Amnesty International Board.
– Receiving the 2020 Kotex “She Can Award.”
– Being nominated for the award-winning collaboration “Extravaganza” in 2019.
– Acting as VIP Ambassador for a nationwide awareness campaign (#WorldGlaucomaWeek) in 2018/2019.
– Launching “MapAbility” for the Ability Programme (Open Institute, 2018/2020), advocating for universal design and policy change in accessibility across Kenya’s infrastructure.
– Speaking at various prestigious events, including those hosted by Safaricom, UNilever, and UN Habitat.
– Founding the first support group for visually impaired persons at the Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre in Mombasa.

Crystal considers herself a creative polymath, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. With over a decade of advocacy experience, she is a leading voice on issues affecting the disabled community and has presented her case to both national and international platforms.

Senator Asige Details How Protestors Rescued Wheelchair-Bound MP During Protests

Posted on by Ozymandias

Senator Crystal Asige shared a moving account of how three young protesters came to the aid of a wheelchair-bound MP stranded inside Parliament, helping him to safety before rejoining the demonstration.

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At Least 7 Bodies Booked at City Mortuary After Yesterday’s Anti-Tax Protests

Asige, who has a visual impairment, recounted her harrowing experience during the chaotic events that unfolded in and around Parliament following the controversial passing of the Finance Bill 2024.

The day began with the much-anticipated vote on the Finance Bill. Asige described the charged atmosphere as members of Parliament awaited the results. “We were watching, then the vote came out, and in the end, the majority said yes to passing the bill. We went outside and joined the National Assembly colleagues. We went to the gate of the National Assembly to join the protestors,” she recounted.

The situation quickly deteriorated as police began dispersing the crowd with tear gas. “That’s when we got separated because police began throwing tear gas even at members of Parliament. They were not distinguishing between who was protesting and who was not. We were just at the gate of Parliament. We were now being dispersed by the police, and other parliamentarians started running. I was separated from my security for some time,” she explained.

Amid the chaos, Asige and her colleagues learned that some protesters had managed to breach the gates and enter the Parliament grounds. “Then we were told some protestors found a way to get inside, so you need to look for cover wherever you can. Some went into Parliament, some into the offices, while others were taken through the tunnel to Bunge Towers,” she added.

Amid the commotion, Asige highlighted a moment of humanity and solidarity. A disabled MP who had voted in favour of the bill was left stranded in his wheelchair without his security detail. “Three young protestors saw him and, instead of confronting him about his vote, they helped him. They assisted him into the tunnel so he could be taken to Bunge Towers for safety. Then they went back and joined their fellow protestors,” Asige recalled.

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Bullets, death, tears: Kenyans document use of deadly force against them by Ruto’s police force!

Asige emphasised that the young protestors’ primary aim was to have their voices heard, not to incite violence. “What I am trying to say is that these young people just wanted their voices to be heard. They are not evil. They had the opportunity to inflict more violence on us MPs, but they did not,” she stressed.

Asige also expressed her dismay at the military’s response to the protestors. “We were still inside when they came in. Some were face-to-face with these protestors. We went to Bunge Towers and looked for a safe office to wait for things to calm down. Then within 10 minutes, we heard the military had been deployed to Parliament. To do what? With their machine guns and AK-47s to confront children who had bottles of water, stones, and whistles. That was unbelievable,” she lamented.

According to Asige, the protestors were more concerned with finding necessities than causing harm. “They were inside Parliament asking us for water, so we were showing them where the dispensers were. That’s all they wanted. They wanted to be heard!” she said.

Senator Crystal Asige earns Sh739,600 monthly but only spends Sh50,000 on rent and bills.

Posted on by Ozymandias

Despite earning a gross monthly salary of Sh739,600, singer and nominated senator Crystal Asige leads a modest and frugal lifestyle, with her monthly expenses, including rent, averaging only Sh50,000.

Asige gained fame in 2019 as one of the first signees of Sauti Sol’s Sol Generation record label. Despite her substantial income, she maintains a lifestyle that many of her Senate colleagues consider below her status.

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Former Sol Generation signee Crystal Asige dishes the dirt on her relationship with Sauti Sol

“When I first came to the Senate, I was still driving my little KBS Toyota IST. My fellow senators insisted I upgrade. I live far below my means, spending around Sh50,000 monthly on everything I need, including rent,” Asige reveals.

Her spending habits were significantly influenced by losing her eyesight to glaucoma at age 15.

“My perspective changed after losing my sight. It taught me to focus on what truly matters—character, personality, emotional well-being—rather than material things. Shopping gives me a migraine, so I save a lot and spend very little. I don’t have children, which also affects my expenses. I save about 80% of my income because I live simply, even as a senator. Losing my eyesight has lessened my desire for material things, as I don’t experience envy through my eyes,” she explains.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Sauti Sol admit laying off Sol Generation´s First Lady, Crystal Asige

Asige still wishes to drive her small Toyota to work, but her colleagues discourage it.

“If I could still drive my Toyota IST, I would. When my colleagues insisted I upgrade, I asked, ‘Why? Is it to make you feel uncomfortable or to make me look cool? It’s your perception that distorts what you think an MP should look like, drive, or live in.”

Sen. Crystal Asige, the nominee, hinted at a partnership with Samidoh

Posted on by Ozymandias

Nominated ODM Senator Crystal Asige has sparked interest in a potential musical collaboration with renowned Mugithi artist Samuel Muchoki, famously known as Samidoh.

Taking to her social media platform, Senator Asige engaged netizens, inviting their thoughts on the idea of teaming up with Samidoh for a musical project, accompanied by the hashtag #BlindingAllure.

“Netizens, what do you think music with ⁦@SamSamido⁩ and I would sound like? #BlindingAllure,” she posted on X.

While Samidoh is yet to respond to the proposal, fans are buzzing with excitement at the possibility of the talented Senator and the celebrated Mugithi artist joining forces for a musical endeavor.

One fan, identified as Edu Bazu Mukunga’s Son, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Amazing mhesh, would like to hear your sweet voices blended together.”

Senator Asige, known for her impactful activism and artistic ventures, recently unveiled her latest single and music video titled “Tattoo,” following the success of her acclaimed project, the “Blinding Allure mixtape,” released in November 2023.

“Tattoo” delves into the pain of life’s challenges, encouraging listeners to transform their vulnerabilities into artistic expressions that narrate their personal stories.

Describing the music video as a visual odyssey of embracing one’s scars and transcending associated pain, Senator Asige underscores her commitment to using art as a platform for social change and empowerment.

The release of “Tattoo” coincides with a significant moment in Kenya, as women lead a powerful campaign against gender-based violence.

Senator Asige has been a vocal advocate in this movement, rallying grassroots human rights defenders and spearheading initiatives to condemn femicide.

Beyond advocacy, she has actively championed legislative action in Parliament, sponsoring motions addressing the alarming increase in femicide cases and advocating for justice for victims.

Senator Asige’s musical journey includes a stint with Sauti Sol in 2019, although the collaboration ended after a brief period, leading to her departure from the label.

Former Sol Generation signee Crystal Asige dishes the dirt on her relationship with Sauti Sol

Posted on by Ozymandias

Crystal Asige, a former musician on the Sol Generation label, has stated unequivocally that she no longer harbors animosity toward Sauti Sol, her former employers. However, the singer disclosed that she hasn’t spoken to all four Sauti Sol group members in a while during an interview with Japanese station Massawe on Radio Jambo.

She claimed that even though she had a falling out with the four-piece band in the past, she is not fighting right now. “I’m fine with those guys, I don’t have a problem with them,” Crystal stated.
The senator who was selected pointed out that when she sued his previous employers, she was merely defending her legal rights.

“I have not spoken to them for a long time. But I know there is no such thing. It’s that I just wanted my right,”

The stunningly voiced singer spoke candidly about her initial disagreement with Sauti Sol, saying, “They asked me to leave the label, they didn’t see our collaboration continuing, I said it’s fine.” Last year, the band Sauti Sol was sued by Crystal Asige, who was appointed to the Senate to represent individuals with disabilities following the August 2022 general election.

She asked the court to disclose the amount of money the band had received from the songs Asige contributed, which included Lenga, Extravaganza, Ukiwa Mbali, Intro, and Favorite Song since 2019.
As per the court documents, she requested that Sauti Sol provide her with compensation and request that they give all the license details of the songs for which she lodged a complaint.

“While under the studio of the first defendant (Sol Generation), the plaintiff composed and performed on the popular songs ‘Extravangaza’ and ‘Ukiwa Mbali’ together with the second and fifth defendant, and his colleagues at that time known as Bensoul, Nviiri The Story Teller and the North group in 2019 and his contribution was confirmed as such,”

The reserved singer claimed that in November 2019, only a few months after he was signed, label management effectively sacked her.

Sauti Sol admit laying off Sol Generation´s First Lady, Crystal Asige

Posted on by Gloria Katunge

Sauti Sol have acknowledged breaking up with Crystal Asige, the only female artist featured at Sol Generation.

Crystal, who is visually impaired, created her path and made a name, in the music industry, despite her eyesight challenge.

Speaking to Word Is, Bien disclosed that a few disputes led to the termination.

We are not working with Crystal anymore and this came with a lot of complications. It was an amicable break and we are glad we gave her a platform.

Sauti Sol with Crystal Asige on stage

Crystal remains the first female signed under Sol Generation in 2019.

According to Bien however, they were targeting already-molded artistes and not replacements.

I think she [Crystal] got a platform where she can grow.

Crystal came into the industry, aspiring to show challenged girls and boys that it still can be done.

Sol Generation

She cannot completely see currently but it matters less to her because she is her to make herself a brand regardless.

As Sol Generation, they dropped their African hit ¨Extravaganza¨. Check it out below:

Video

Sauti Sol has to put up a strong fight to save Kenyan music

Posted on by David Kingsley

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with the kind of music that is popular in Kenya at the moment, in as much as it’s vulgar, I still find it enjoyable.

Also read: Believe it or not, Sauti Sol is saving the Kenyan music industry

However, we have laud the likes of Sauti Sol for trying to model the next generation of musicians and showing them that they don’t have to be risqué to make hits.

New musicians and groups are emerging everyday and most of them seem to be taking the same direction with their music.

Ethic led the way when they released Lamba Lolo in 2018 and because it became a big hit, everyone thinks that is the way to go.

Ethic Figa
Ethic

Sometimes I miss sane, responsible and mature music, the kind that you can listen to even when an elder person is in the room.

However, if you are keen, I’m sure notice that that kind of music is becoming less each day.

Almost every musician, even the established ones, are going route of Ethic because it is what is popular in Kenya at the moment.

People like Sauti Sol are showing us that it does not have to be like that, that you don’t have to be dirty to make a hit.

However, it seems to be a difficult task since the whole country has made vulgar music acceptable.

The boy-band will have to put a strong fight if they want to save Kenyan music because this wave is sweeping over so fast.

Watch Sauti Sol’s jam with Bensoul, Nviiri The Storyteller, Crystal Asige and Kaskazini below.

Believe it or not, Sauti Sol is saving the Kenyan music industry

Posted on by David Kingsley

I’ve listened to Sauti Sol’s new jam Extravaganza a couple of times since it was released. I kept hitting the replay button because the song sounds great. I really love it!

Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol

Each time I listened to the song I kept thinking how different it is from what the vulgar music that we have gotten used to in the last 1 year (or so).

The new song by Sauti Sol, Bensoul, Nviiri The Storyteller, Crystal Asige and Kaskazini is about a party  but it was executed so beautifully.

The other thing that I loved about Extravaganza is the fact the different singers didn’t have to throw in dirty words like lamba lolo, geuka nikubeng and what have you to make the song enjoyable.

Also read: New age musicians are destroying the Kenyan sound

I honestly miss kind of of music. It’s music that is sane, responsible and mature. People are just singing about ordinary things and it sounds so good to the ears.

As I listened to the song I a realized that Sauti Sol is trying to salvage the local music industry. Hope is not lost ladies and gentlemen!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6rjqmhsFU/

The band has signed up a couple of singers to their label – Sol Generation Records – and they are trying to show them that you don’t have to be vulgar to get people’s attention.

I have immense respect for Sauti Sol because they have taken it upon themselves to mentor the likes of Bensoul, Nviiri The Storyteller, Crystal Asige and Kaskazini.

We are at a time when vulgar music has become the order of the day so that some artists thought it was okay to release a song and make fun of a university student who was hacked to death.

Sauti Sol could not sit back and watch these as the so called ‘new-age musicians’ ruined the industry so they act! Props to them!

Watch Sauti Sol’s new jam with Bensoul, Nviiri The Storyteller, Crystal Asige and Kaskazini below.