Universal sign Kenyan band Sauti Sol

American music label, Universal Music Group, have signed a recording deal with Kenyan music sensation Sauti Sol.

The band posted the news on their Facebook page, writing “It’s official! Our first major recording deal, UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP.  We really hope y’all are ready for the new album.”

LA-based Universal have long eyed the African market, which still remains relatively unexplored by major music labels outside the continent.

Universal signalled its interest in Africa in 2018, when it bought Nairobi-based music label AI Records, handing it one of the world’s largest catalogues of East African music.

Sauti Sol are a huge scalp for Universal, one of Kenya’s most famous bands, their success largely due to the song Extravaganza, released in May 2019.

Having released their first album back in 2008, Sauti Sol have gone on to enjoy considerable success in Africa but remain relatively unknown outside the continent.

The band also have their own record label, Sol Generation Records, which boasts the signature of Kenyan singer Bensoul.

Photo credit: Sauti Sol | Facebook