Kenyan group Sauti Sol have released their third album, Live and Die in Afrika, in collaboration with Safaricom. Following an exclusive Listening Party, the album was made available for free download on the mobile operator’s website for 48 hours.
“You don’t have to wait any longer. The free album giveaway is our little gift to all our fans in advance of the physical copies for sale. We want this album to reach far and wide to all our fans across Africa and beyond,” said Sauti Sol in an official statement.
The 15-track album includes hits such as Sura Yako which the band performed and danced with president Barack Obama during his official visit to Kenya, Shake Yo Bam Bam and Isabella. Previously unreleased songs will include Live and Die in Afrika, Say Yeah, It’s Okay, Dollar Dollar, Kiss Me, Kuliko Jana featuring Aaron Rimbui, Sambo Party, Nipe Nikupe and Relax.
This is Sauti Sol’s first self-produced album, and it was produced in collaboration with renowned producers Kagwe Mungai, Cedric Kadenyi and Ulopa Ngoma among others. The album’s cover art features the four members of the band circled by art from the African Heritage House.
According to Sauti Sol’s manager Marek Fuchs, the unorthodox release was done to make the music accessible to fans. “This was a first for both Sauti Sol and Safaricom, where an album is made available for free for a limited time. The album release will be followed by a countrywide tour where the band will be able to meet and interact with the fans.”
Live and Die in Afrika is also available for pre-order on iTunes, and physical copies will be available for sale at the Nakumatt supermarket chain.
