Diamond Platnumz’s close associate, Baba Levo, has suggested that popular Bongo Fleva artists Harmonize, Rayvanny, and Marioo consider forming a music group inspired by Kenya’s iconic band Sauti Sol. This advice came after the trio’s successful collaboration on the track “Pere,” which has been well-received by fans across the region.
The idea behind Baba Levo’s recommendation is for the three artists to combine their individual talents and strengths into a collective effort, similar to how Sauti Sol operated. Harmonize, Rayvanny, and Marioo are currently some of the leading figures in the East African music scene, and their chemistry on “Pere” demonstrated the potential for even greater impact if they were to unite as a band.
Baba Levo emphasized that music like “Pere” is what the streets need right now, highlighting the importance of fresh, collaborative projects that resonate with the audience. He believes that forming a band would be a wise move for these artists, potentially replicating the success that Sauti Sol enjoyed during their career.
Looking at the individual backgrounds of the trio, Harmonize began his journey with WCB Wasafi in 2015 before parting ways in 2019 to establish his own record label, Konde Music Worldwide. Rayvanny, who joined the same label in 2016, left in 2022 to focus on his own label, Next Level Music. Marioo, on the other hand, started as a songwriter crafting hits for artists such as Nandy and Gigy Money before launching his solo career with the single “Dar Kugumu” in 2018, which marked the start of his rise in the music industry.
The success story of Sauti Sol serves as a strong example for this potential new band. Formed in 2005 as an a cappella group while still in high school, Sauti Sol evolved into a band by 2008. Over the course of 18 years, they released multiple albums, including “Mwanzo” (2008), “Sol Filosofia” (2011), “Live and Die in Afrika” (2015), “Afrikan Sauce” (2019), and “Midnight Train” (2020), carving out a unique place in the African music landscape.
Sauti Sol’s ability to stick together as a unit for nearly two decades and maintain relevance throughout that time is what makes them a role model for many upcoming artists. Despite announcing a break in 2023 to focus on individual projects, they continue to keep the spirit of the band alive with annual concerts such as Sol Fest, maintaining strong engagement with their fan base.
Baba Levo sees the trio’s potential to achieve similar longevity and influence by uniting their creative energies. Given their individual success and shared passion for music, forming a band like Sauti Sol could help Harmonize, Rayvanny, and Marioo make an even bigger impact on the East African music scene, delivering hits that appeal both to the streets and beyond.
In summary, Baba Levo encourages these talented artists to think beyond their solo careers and consider the power of collaboration. Their recent teamwork on “Pere” has already ignited excitement, and forming a band could be the next step to elevate their artistry, strengthen their fan base, and create a legacy similar to that of Sauti Sol.
