Sauti Sol’s iconic album Midnight Train is celebrating its fifth anniversary since its release on June 5th, 2020. This milestone marks the enduring impact and remarkable achievements of the band’s fifth studio project, which has solidified Sauti Sol’s position as not only Kenya’s finest musical export but also a powerhouse in the African music industry.
Released under Universal Music Group Africa, Midnight Train showcases a rich blend of sounds and languages, including English, Swahili, and Luhya. The album’s production boasts top-tier talent, featuring Grammy-winning producer Andre Harris alongside Polycarp Otieno and Delvin Mudigi, among others. With a total of 13 tracks, the album represents a diverse musical journey, from introspective and vulnerable lyrics to hopeful and uplifting anthems.
Over the past five years, Midnight Train has achieved extraordinary digital success. It has amassed over 407 million streams across various digital platforms, with user-generated content pushing total streams beyond 549 million. On YouTube alone, the album has racked up an impressive 341 million views, making it a landmark achievement in Africa’s digital music landscape. These numbers highlight not only the album’s popularity but also its cultural resonance and widespread appeal.
Sauti Sol remains Kenya’s most-followed group on Spotify, boasting nearly one million monthly listeners and consistently ranking among the top five most-streamed artists in the country. The album’s standout track, “Suzanna,” has become a massive hit with over 34 million YouTube views and 10.5 million streams on Spotify, making it the most streamed song from Midnight Train and the band’s second most streamed track overall after the fan favorite “Melanin,” which has accumulated over 13 million streams.
Musically and thematically, Midnight Train takes listeners on an emotional and reflective journey. From the candid self-exploration of songs like “Insecure” to the spiritually uplifting gospel-influenced “Brighter Days,” featuring the renowned Soweto Gospel Choir, the album is a tapestry of hope, vulnerability, and reinvention.
The project also stands out for its high-profile collaborations, bridging African and international music scenes. Notable features include American singer-songwriter India Arie on “My Everything,” South African rapper and singer Sho Madjozi, and the dynamic South African group Black Motion on “Disco Matanga” (Yambakhana). The latter track also gained extra visibility as the lead soundtrack for Netflix’s first African original series, Queen Sono, further showcasing the album’s cultural reach.
Midnight Train highlights Sauti Sol’s dedication to creating music that resonates across generations and cultural boundaries. The group’s ability to blend diverse musical influences and languages reflects their commitment to innovation and inclusivity in their artistry.
Since their debut in 2008 with Mwanzo, followed by Sol Filosofia in 2011, Live and Die in Afrika in 2015, and Afrikan Sauce in 2019, Sauti Sol has evolved into one of Africa’s most celebrated music collectives. Their extensive catalog demonstrates versatility and emotional depth, affirming their leadership in Kenyan music and the broader African music scene.
Today, Midnight Train is celebrated as the most streamed Kenyan album to date, with over half a billion streams worldwide. This incredible achievement underscores Sauti Sol’s continued relevance and influence in shaping the continent’s musical landscape. Their journey reflects not only artistic growth but also the power of music to connect, inspire, and unite audiences across Africa and beyond.
