‘AY SAVED US’ SAVARA ON SAUTI SOL’S UNEXPECTED ARREST IN TANZANIA

Savara, a member celebrated Kenyan band Sauti Sol, has opened up about a shocking incident that saw the group land in trouble with Tanzanian authorities during a visit to Arusha. 

Speaking on Simulizi na Sauti, Savara recounted the unforgettable experience, marking the group’s first and only arrest as a collective. According to him, the situation unfolded when one band member lacked the necessary travel documents. Coincidentally, the Regional Commissioner happened to pass by at the same time, escalating the matter and resulting in the entire group being detained. 

“One of us didn’t have the required documents, and at that time, the Regional Commissioner happened to be passing by. This caused some issues, and we were all apprehended and put in custody. AY drove all the way from Dar es Salaam to Arusha to come and save us,” Savara disclosed during the interview. 

Although the group’s time behind bars was brief lasting under 12 hours, Savara couldn’t help but highlight the unexpected hospitality they experienced. He humorously recalled the meal they were offered in detention, describing it as rice and beans served in a basin, with the beans cooked in coconut milk. “We ate rice on a basin! Rice and beans and whats funny the beans was cooked with coconut,” Savara said, adding that if this was the standard prison menu in Tanzania, he wouldn’t have minded staying a bit longer. 

Thanks to the swift action of Tanzanian artist AY, who drove from Dar es Salaam to Arusha to secure their release.