Sauti Sol have come under heavy criticism from Kenyans online after it, apparently, emerged that the boy band was intending to carry out a video shoot in which they would pay the models only by providing them with transport and food.
Sauti Sol had, via their official Twitter handle, on January 31 put out a casting call for models to apply for the said video shoot saying, “This is a casting call to all female models between the age of 18-25 years old from Nairobi needed for a shoot on Monday next week. Kindly submit your full body and portrait shots (front and side) to productions@sauti-sol.com.”
https://twitter.com/sautisol/status/958683633702682625
A sample email response to an applicant made rounds on social media in which Sauti Sol reportedly claimed they did not a have budget for the models and that they would, however, “provide money for transport and food on the day of the shoot.”
The email further went ahead to add that,”… we believe this could open many more doors for you.”
This sent the internet in a frenzy, with Kenyans online bashing the boy band for what one Twitter user termed as “disrespecting other people’s art” and “furthering the exposure narrative.”
Sauti Sol have, nevertheless, come out distancing themselves from the email response to the models saying, “The production email address it was sent from is often used by 3rd party contractors and in this case they clearly got it all wrong.”
They further added that, “We believe in fair compensation for all work in the entertainment industry and do not condone the “exposure” speak. We believe our track record speaks for itself. Needless to say, we have terminated our contract with the production company involved. Apologies.”
We have been made aware of an email going around asking models to appear in a Sauti Sol dance video production for no compensation. The production email address it was sent from is often used by 3rd party contractors and in this case they clearly got it all wrong. pic.twitter.com/kfVAr2eiAn
— SAUTI SOL (@sautisol) February 2, 2018
(Continued) We believe in fair compensation for all work in the entertainment industry and do not condone the “exposure” speak. We believe our track record speaks for itself. Needless to say, we have terminated our contract with the production company involved. Apologies. pic.twitter.com/izRGE3U9PS
— SAUTI SOL (@sautisol) February 2, 2018
Below are sample comments from Kenyans on Twitter regarding the matter;
My friend, a model, posted this 😭😭😭
Even after @sautisol have gone international they still "don't have a budget for their video" and will pay you by "opening many doors for you"This 👏🏾is 👏🏾trash!!!! and @sautisol productions 👏🏾this 👏🏾is a 👏🏾trash move!!! pic.twitter.com/iHUi3Kq9gk
— Njeri_K (@auntie_njeri) February 3, 2018
So sauti Sol did not pay the melanin divas instead they compensated them with Chrome shots that they are always given free since they are brand ambassadors.
Pay our vixens please..
The letter shows that you are aware of the notorious behavior— Ismael™ 🇰🇪 (@ismaelnewts) February 4, 2018
Aki na hio bidii yote alafu ati exposure, food na ka fare ndio malipo..pole😂😂
— Josphen mumbi (@MumbiJosphen) February 4, 2018
So those slay queens all over @sautisol videos do it for food & fare😂😂😂
This isn't supposed to be funny but wth😂 @sautisol you are misusing KDF😂
— Akuna Chaa Ukabila (@mbotela_sacco) February 4, 2018
Dear Kenyans, Let us share this and expose these users @sautisol. Take this screenshot and blast it on their face. Who does this in 2018? Am still disappointed. Kumbe hata wale madem wa MELANIN were paid by EXPOSURE. Do people eat EXPOSURE? You are a shame on the boy child. pic.twitter.com/bxsx7TYRQo
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) February 3, 2018
Sauti Sol will pay with exposure? Damn man…and I thought those dudes were rich enough to be called Saudi Sol.
— Shamit Patel (@just_sham_it) February 4, 2018
These dudes @sautisol are a major disappointment. Dudes making millions but paying nothing to their video models. This is extortion and you must be called out for it. Style up pic.twitter.com/Wn4Bl3LZjb
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) February 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/itsmorara/status/959539528603258881
Leave alone Sauti Sol, most of these musicians don't pay models for their videos, they'll just provide alcohol so they get ratchet on the videos.
Corporates also notorious for this 'exposure' slavery, invited to cover event only for coffee yet you advertised them.
— Kenya West© (@KinyanBoy) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/IamNjokiKelvin/status/959689087518158848