Universal Music Claims That Sauti Sol Broke Up Permanently Rather Than Taking a Break

Universal Music Group (UMG) has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the termination of its contract with popular Kenyan band, Sauti Sol. The band, comprised of Bien Aime, Savara Mudigi, Polycarp Mudigi, and Willis Chimano, had entered into a 360 deal with UMG in 2020. This type of contract grants the label a significant share of the artist’s earnings in exchange for comprehensive support.

However, the partnership abruptly ended in 2022 when Sauti Sol announced their separation after an 18-year run. In an interview, Bien Aime explained that the band had chosen to terminate their contract with UMG. This decision came amidst a time when the band was facing internal challenges and the future of their collective music career was uncertain.

Despite Sauti Sol’s claims, a senior executive at UMG has countered that the band actually walked away from an existing contract. The executive revealed that there were still outstanding obligations, such as the delivery of an album, that Sauti Sol had yet to fulfill. Ultimately, UMG had no choice but to write off the contract due to the breakup of the band.

The executive expressed hope that Sauti Sol would eventually reunite and continue their musical journey, possibly with another label. In the meantime, Bien Aime has reportedly signed a solo deal with Warner Music Group.

The incident highlights the complexities and risks involved in the music industry, where unexpected events can disrupt even the most promising partnerships. While the details of the contract and the exact reasons for its termination remain somewhat unclear, the fallout between Sauti Sol and UMG serves as a cautionary tale for both artists and record labels.