• Bien said they are currently working as independent artistes
Image: COURTESY
Bien Aime Baraza says Sauti Sol ended their contract with Universal Music.
Speaking to Mambo Mseto, Bien said they did not renew the contract since they are currently working as independent artistes.
"It was either we sign another contract or we cancel the current one, we terminate it," Bien said about a deal that was signed in early 2020.
"We went independent again. So right now we have recorded another album. Licensing and distribution will be done by others."
Bien agreed that working with an international music partner wasn't always wise.
"After working with Universal, I have realised one thing. Going international haiko kwa ule msee unawork na yeye. Iko kwa kichwa yako, it's in your mind. So kisanii lazima kwanza umekuwa umeji elevate. So us, Sauti Sol, we were already there, mentally and musically, too."
Bien, however, clarified that their split had been amicable.
He added that the band benefited from the deal.
"Much as we worked with Universal, I feel it's been a good relationship, we have split amicably in terms of we are going independent for our next project," he said.
"Artistes right now don't need to be signed to a label. Be independent."
The band signed the historic deal with Universal Music Africa (UMA) in January 2020.
"It's official! Our first major recording deal, Universal Music Group. Thank you guys for being patient. We hope y'all are ready for the new album," posted the band on Instagram at the time.
The album, slated for 2020 release and titled Midnight Rain, was Sauti Sol’s first project with an international label.