Following Sauti Sol's indefinite hiatus announced in May 2023, Fancy Fingers discussed navigating life after global tours, the rise of Rwandan artists, and the cultural threads binding East Africa, all while showcasing his innovative Jawaya guitar in a Nairobi studio.
Sauti Sol, formed in 2005 by Fancy Fingers, Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi, redefined African music with their storytelling and harmonious blend of Afro-pop, jazz, and traditional rhythms.
After nearly two decades of hits like 'Suzanna' and 'Kuliko Jana,' the band paused music production to focus on individual pursuits. 'We haven't broken up per se. It's a hiatus, mostly for music,' Fancy Fingers clarified, emphasizing that the group remains united through ventures like Sol Generation Records, Sol Fest, and other businesses under the Sauti Sol Group.
These enterprises, he noted, keep the band's legacy active and fuel their continued collaboration. For Fancy Fingers, the hiatus marks a challenging yet exciting transition.
'We've not known any other life than the band,' he admitted, describing the need to 'put in four times the work' to build his solo identity.
Previously defined by his intricate guitar work, he is now exploring songwriting, production, and themes like African fatherhood. 'I'm discovering who I am in music, what my brand is,' he said, aiming to make a 'legendary impact' by mentoring young artists and advancing the industry.
His recent solo work, produced in the same Nairobi studio where the interview was recorded, reflects this evolution.
Fancy Fingers' journey into music defied traditional expectations. Enrolled in actuarial science, a math-heavy course, he juggled university with Sauti Sol's tours, often missing classes for months.
'Music is very stubborn. If you're given the gift, it has to come out,' he said, recalling how he paid his school fees through gigs and graduated with honours, though his passion remained with music.
This persistence, he believes, is shifting African parental views on creative careers, with more families now supporting artistic pursuits, 'intrepreneurial spirit.
'I paid my school fees through music, as little as it was at that time,' he noted, highlighting how his early success eased parental concerns.
A highlight of the interview was Fancy Fingers' introduction of the Jawaya guitar, the first premium African guitar brand, crafted from African mahogany and spruce in partnership with Canadian company Graphtech.
'There aren't African music brands like Yamaha or Fender,' he said, explaining how his childhood dream of building instruments inspired Jawaya's creation to empower young musicians.
The conversation also explored East Africa's cultural and musical landscape. Fancy Fingers praised Rwanda's growing music scene, naming artists like Kivumbi, Bruce Melodie, and Angel Mutoni as global contenders.
'Rwanda is doing something right,' he said, crediting their investment in artist development.
He stressed the power of collaboration, noting that Sauti Sol's success stemmed from projects like their album featuring 'Melanin.'
However, he warned against diluting African identity for global appeal.
'Elevate it, don't put it aside,' he advised, advocating for authentic storytelling fused with modern production.
Fancy Fingers described East African culture as unified by language, food, and music's storytelling tradition.
'We're very melodious, storytellers,' he said, pointing to the region's choir-influenced, harmony-rich sound. Kenyan music's edge, he added, comes from Nairobi's cosmopolitan diversity, where tribal influences blend seamlessly.
'You just jam,' he said, recalling Sauti Sol's formation without regard for members' origins.
As a father to a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Fancy Fingers emphasised exposing children to diverse activities to uncover their talents.
'Exposure is everything,' he said, noting that his daughter, surrounded by music, is still exploring her interests.
Fatherhood, he shared, has transformed him, fostering greater empathy and love. 'It brings out a you that you didn't know was there,' he told Sanny.
Looking ahead, Fancy Fingers plans to bring Jawaya to Kigali for an acoustic show, potentially in October, to connect with fans and media.
Watch the full episode on The Long Form podcast.
Rania Umutoni
