Kenyan musician Savara, a member of the renowned boy band Sauti Sol, recently recounted a humorous yet nerve-wracking experience the group faced in Tanzania. The band was held in custody for over 12 hours by Tanzanian authorities due to immigration issues, turning what was supposed to be an ordinary visit into an unforgettable ordeal.
During an interview on the Simulizi na Sauti podcast, Savara detailed the incident, which took place near Arusha. The situation escalated when the regional commander happened to be present at the time, making it even more challenging for the group to resolve the issue quickly.
“Ilitushika vibaya sana, tulikamatwa wote na tukapelekwa ndani,” Savara recalled in a playful Tanzanian accent, laughing about the situation despite its seriousness at the time.
Fortunately, Tanzanian rapper AY came to their rescue. Upon learning about their predicament, AY drove from Dar es Salaam to Arusha to help secure their release. His swift intervention prevented the award-winning group from spending an extended period behind bars.
One of the most amusing aspects of the experience, according to Savara, was the unexpected quality of the food in detention. He joked about how the prisoners were served rice and beans cooked with coconut, which he found delicious.
“Tulikula wali kwenye ndoo lakini kile kilinishangaza ni kuwa wali wa maharagwe ulikuwa wa mnazi. Niliwaza, huku wafungwa wanakula chakula kizuri kiasi hiki, kidogo nitake kukaa hapa zaidi,” Savara quipped, sending his interviewers into fits of laughter.
Despite the challenges, the Sauti Sol members took the experience in stride, finding humor in an otherwise stressful situation. Their ability to remain lighthearted and make the best out of a difficult moment once again demonstrated their resilience and camaraderie.
Sauti Sol, which consists of Bien Aimé Baraza, Chimano Willis, Polycarp Otieno, and Savara Mudigi, announced in 2023 that they would be taking an indefinite break from making music together. However, they continue to remain close and reunite annually for their highly anticipated Sol Fest, a music festival that celebrates their legacy.
Their recent detention experience has only added to the long list of memorable stories they have amassed throughout their successful career. Fans were entertained by Savara’s storytelling and his playful Tanzanian accent during the interview, further solidifying his reputation as an artist who never fails to bring joy, even in the face of adversity.
