Could the entry of Amos and Josh, Elani and H_art The Band signify a new beginning?

 Amos and Josh       Photo: viralconnect.co.ke

Listening to Nerea, one cannot help but notice the vocal talent of newcomer group Amos and Josh. The harmonious collabo between them and Sauti Sol is a masterpiece.

However, with Sauti Sol being the more popular group, very little credit is given to the two. They are perhaps making very little, if anything, from the song’s massive popularity.

In fact, Amos and Josh are more popularly known for their collabo with Rabbit, Baadaye. Just like H_Art the Band, Amos and Josh are becoming favourites, sparking fresh debate as to how long Sauti Sol can hold on to the number one spot.

With their Nikikutazama and Uliza Kiatu singles, H_Art the Band now command a great following from both the young and old. And even though Sauti Sol claims all the international dominance, things could be different at home as the new bands are making gains.

This fact seemed to play out last week after a seemingly innocent remark was taken too far. A journalist had done a story on how the quartet had failed to win the MTV Africa Music awards and the headline did not seem to sit well with the Sauti Sol members.

“You probably won’t see another Sauti Sol in this generation so get on the winning bus and stop talking sh**!” a member of Sauti Sol responded on their Facebook page. The post received major backlash. Many took it as arrogant.

“Perhaps instead of being so rigid and stuck up on one band, it’s time for Kenyans to diversify their interests and realise just how much more talent there is in Kenya,” said a promoter who has previously worked with Sauti Sol when we brought the subject up.

“The likes of Amos and Josh, H_Art the band and Elani are coming up fast and to be honest, they are more accessible than Sauti Sol whose performance rating has exponentially grown over time. Apart from the fact that Sauti Sol have been around longer and more people know them, these upcoming bands are doing impressive shows and staging impeccable performances that I would rather pay for and enjoy,” the promoter added.

The fact is that as much as Sauti Sol have more experience and appeal to thousands, underestimating the newcomers might just work against them.

Some perceive Sauti Sol as being too expensive for them compared to H_Art the Band, Elani, Sarabi and Amos and Josh.

At the same time, some see these bands as more accessible and for that matter a better option for their events. However, in the past, Sauti Sol have maintained that they don’t mind competition as it is healthy for the industry. Yet, posts like the ones they put up on social media last week can impact negatively on their image even as competition comes calling.

“Even that post by Bien was an indication that they felt so good about themselves that they felt the need to talk back and announce that there would be ‘no other Sauti Sol in this generation’ despite knowing too well that the headline told a truth. They had not brought any awards, had they?

In that case, if they are that powerful and awards are still not forthcoming, then it means that this generation will only score nominations, cause premature excitement, but never bring the award home,” a music producer mentioned in the course of conversation.

And it is not only Sauti Sol who are being faced by this game-changer challenge. Across in Tanzania, celebrated singer Diamond is facing stiff challenge from Ali Kiba who once ruled the industry.

“The thing is, after becoming famous Diamond has become unreachable and has also hiked his performance rates to levels many people cannot afford. He also has diva demands,” a Tanzanian promoter told Pulse.

Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo is also threatening industry leaders Chameleone and Bebe Cool. Are we at the edge of something new?