Sauti Sol’s music producer and singer, Savara Mudigi, believes that the song “Sura Yako” was the turning point in their careers. The unlikely hit transformed the Kenyan boy band into millionaires and paved the way for their enduring success.
The idea for the song came from an unexpected source, and at the time, none of the band members thought it would amount to anything. Savara emphasizes the importance of valuing ideas, no matter where they come from, in the creative process. He jokingly compares the concept to the preference for street food over gourmet dishes served at high-end hotels.
“Sura Yako” was produced in Savara’s bedroom, where the four band members used to live together. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a game changer in their careers and lives, opening doors to opportunities they had never imagined.
“We honestly didn’t know it was the song that was going to transform our lives. We were just having fun when the song came about,” Savara revealed.
Breaking down the song’s creation process, Savara explained that it took some time to put together as it was never initially intended to be a hit.
“When I created the beat, Aaron Rimbui added the bass, Cedo contributed the keys, and then I called Benjamin Kabaseke to my bedroom to add the guitar chords. Then came the mixing, and Musyoka, our producer, gave us a hard time, questioning the vocals that he felt were not of high quality,” Savara said.
Despite the challenges, the song was eventually released, and its reception exceeded their expectations.
“The reaction caught us by surprise. It was crazy. We had released a couple of songs that had done well before, but ‘Sura Yako’ made us a household name, and gigs started coming our way thick and fast,” Savara recalled.
Sauti Sol had previously released songs such as “Lazizi,” “Blue Uniform,” “Soma Kijana,” and “Coming Home,” which had gained them some recognition, but it was “Sura Yako” that turned them into national stars and set them on the path to becoming millionaires.
Analysis:
Savara’s story is a reminder that success is often unexpected and can come from the most unlikely places. It is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and collaboration. Despite the challenges they faced in producing “Sura Yako,” the band members never gave up on their vision, and their dedication paid off in the end.
The song’s success is also a testament to the power of music to connect with people on a deep level. “Sura Yako” is a celebration of love and beauty, and its positive message resonated with listeners across Kenya and beyond.
Sauti Sol’s story is an inspiration to all aspiring musicians. It shows that anything is possible if you have the talent, passion, and drive to succeed.
