Savara Reveals Bad US Record Deal Kept Him From Releasing Music for 10 Months

Kenyan singer and music producer Savara Mudigi has opened up about a difficult chapter in his career, revealing that a bad record deal with an American label prevented him from releasing music for nine to 10 months.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Sauti Sol member said the experience left him feeling trapped and taught him a valuable lesson about understanding contractual obligations before signing agreements.

Savara explained that the record label approached him with promises of how it would advance his career, but he failed to scrutinise the legal terms carefully before committing to the deal.

“The song ‘Sele’ is a short form of ‘celebrating’. For like nine to 10 months, I couldn’t release music because I signed a bad deal. So I wouldn’t wish this for any artist. It’s a bad place to be. It feels like prison,” he said.

The singer revealed that the agreement contained a clause restricting his ability to release new music, leaving him unable to share his work with fans for an extended period.

Savara admits overlooking a crucial contract clause

Reflecting on how the deal came about, Savara said the American record label approached him swiftly and made promises that persuaded him to sign.

However, he admitted that he did not pay sufficient attention to the legal details, a decision he later regretted.

“Mine was actually an American record label. They just came to me so fast and attracted me and told me they would do this for me. I didn’t check my legal well, and there was like one clause,” he explained.

The experience proved particularly frustrating because releasing music is central to an artist’s career, enabling musicians to express themselves, build their brands and maintain a connection with their audiences.

Savara warned that being unable to release music can be a difficult experience for any musician, especially when they have completed projects and fresh ideas they are eager to share with the public.

His account also highlights the importance of carefully reviewing recording contracts and understanding clauses that could affect an artist’s creative control and ability to release music.

Singer turned to business during music break

Despite the setback, Savara said he used the period to explore opportunities outside the music industry rather than remain focused on the restrictions imposed by the agreement.

The singer ventured into other businesses, describing the experience as a positive turn that gave him alternative avenues to pursue while his music career was temporarily constrained.

“But during that time, I started other businesses. I moved in a different angle which I’m proud of,” he said.

Savara has built a career extending beyond performing, establishing himself as a songwriter and producer who helped shape Sauti Sol’s sound before pursuing his solo ambitions.

Following the band’s indefinite hiatus, he released solo projects, including his 2022 album Savage Level and the 2024 EP No Overthinking.

His solo career has allowed him to explore different sounds and musical directions beyond the work he became known for with the group.

Savara explains why ‘Sele’ celebrates freedom

Savara said his song Sele represents more than a new music release, describing it as a celebration of regaining the freedom to express himself creatively.

“For me, this song, Sele, is a celebration of freedom and even expression. I didn’t know lacking the freedom of expression felt that way. This song is a celebration of freedom of expression,” he said.

The song reflects the frustration he experienced during the months when he could not release music and the relief of being able to share his creativity with audiences again.

For Savara, the experience has reinforced the value of creative independence and the need for artists to understand the implications of the agreements they enter into.