Sauti Sol, leaning further into politics, release ‘Tano Tena’ with Nviiri, Bensoul

Dubbed ‘Tano Tena’, (Five again – the Kenyan-politics code for a leader’s 5-year term in office), the new song features established acts in the Sol Generation family, Nviiri the Storyteller and Bensoul.

“Sikupi, sikupi ooh, sikupi raundi tano tena/ Sikufi, sikufi ooh, sikufi miaka tano tena/ Lights, camera, action; another fool in action here/Picasso anachora giza akishaingia/ Jasho yetu ndio fuel nyinyi hutumia/On a brand new highway,” the team sings at the opening of the song.

The visuals feature campaign billboards in the city and shots of what appears to be an ultra-modern elevated highway.

Once shy of immersing themselves into politics, Sauti Sol, who have a combined following of over 3 million users on Twitter and Instagram alone, have said they hope the meaning behind the songs off ‘Tujiangalie’ will help remind Kenyans to make better and more informed decisions ahead of next week’s General Election.

The series itself is titled after Sauti Sol’s 2018 hit with rapper Nyashinski, which tackled such sociopolitical issues as debt, corruption, democracy, religion and social media.

‘Tujiangalie’ kicked off with a collaboration with award-winning rapper Khaligraph Jones on the song “In My Head.” 

“Tukishikane sisi wote with one voice, it’s a wrap…I’m just hoping that right now people are wise enough to know how this game is being played,” Khaligraph Jones said in a behind-the-scenes video promoting the project.

“Girls On Top”, released earlier this week, is an ode to women empowerment and features Brandy Maina and Maandy.

Rising underground hip-hop group Buruklyn Boyz is also set to appear in the series.

Check out the video for ‘Tano Tena’ below: