SAUTI SOL’S LAST DANCE: CHIKI KURUKA SPILLS THE SECRETS BEHIND HER CHOREOGRAPHY

Dance choreographer Chiki Kuruka recently shared her insights and experiences on choreographing Sauti Sol’s last show SolFest.

Taking to Instagram, Chiki said her mother flew in to support her and son-in-law Bien Baraza, “A short story of the emotional story of sol fest, from the perspective of the woman that I love too much, my mama who flew in not just to support me, but to also celebrate her son.”

She also stated she took the group through a rigorous dance program, “When I was called and asked to choreograph the festival, my honest first reaction was ‘oh shit, I was petrified honestly. It was too big, too important, too much. I called @vibe_kevo and said, can you do this with me, and he said, let’s go. Lol if not for that, I think I would have politely given my apologies.

Taking three humans I’ve known for many years @bienaimesol @iamchimano and @savarafrica through a rigorous dance program was one of the greatest honours of my career so far. From audition through to show time they were committed, raw and driven. It made me see our craft through their eyes, and fall in love all over again. Picking the dream team @salimesta_ @nyambu_art_princess @dante_dancestarr @_billybrian6 and @davillah_s and of course @vibe_kevo was a no brainer! Each one, brilliant! Truly.“

Chiki is excited about Bien’s new journey, “I feel so many emotions right now. Grief that the show is over, grief to be saying goodbye to a band that has quite literally been my life since coming to Kenya, @sautisol, there is quite literally no me without you. Pride they killed it! And excited, @bienaimesol journey now begins! The family lives on forever, and to my sisters @yvonnendo and @iamladymandy we have held each other’s hands, and will continue to.”

She added, “@moriasiomambia Zahida and @kavuthamwanzia the hero’s behind the scene. For folks to shine, there are always the folks holding up the light. From the bottom of my heart, Asante. You were all gracious, patient and kind. Never was dance treated as less, unimportant or simply extra.

I’ve never experienced that in Kenya, not only does that shift a music narrative, it shifts how dancers on stage are treated. It’s not good bye, it’s see you soon. In the meantime, my superman simply changes cloaks, and invites you into his genius mind for a while. I can’t wait for everyone to come along that journey with us. #alusawhyareyoutopless.”