Kenyan singer and nominated Senator Crystal Asige has filed a lawsuit against celebrated music group Sauti Sol and their label Sol Generation Records, accusing them of discrimination, exploitation, and violation of her intellectual property rights.
In a detailed witness statement filed at the High Court, Asige paints a troubling picture of her experience under the label, describing what she calls a “pattern of exclusion and mistreatment” following her entry into the Sol Generation stable.
According to the statement, Asige says she joined Sol Generation in 2019 with high hopes of launching her professional career under one of Kenya’s most successful music brands. She recounts how she relocated from Mombasa to Nairobi at her own expense after receiving assurances of a formal contract, mentorship, and industry exposure from the members of Sauti Sol.
However, she claims that those promises never materialised. Instead, Asige alleges she participated in songwriting and recording sessions without pay or any binding agreement, despite contributing significantly to projects that gained national recognition.
She specifically cites her involvement in the hit song “Extravaganza”, where she featured prominently, saying her contribution and rising profile were used to bolster the group’s reputation as champions of young artists and inclusivity.
Asige, who later became a nominated senator representing persons with disabilities, says the experience left her feeling “used and sidelined”, especially given her efforts to navigate the male-dominated industry as a visually impaired artist.
The case has drawn public attention for its potential implications on artist–label relationships in Kenya’s fast-evolving creative industry. Neither Sauti Sol nor Sol Generation Records had issued an official response at the time of filing.
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