After ten successful shows in Austin, Texas Sauti Sol are back in Nairobi with new equipment and lots of energy.

They stirred the crowds that turned up for the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where musicians Just-A-Band and Nneka were among hundreds of newbie bands and seasoned song maestros at the event.

Wearing outfits designed by Patricia Mbela and Kardi Kepha, Sauti Sol’s performances earned them mentions in the NY Times and The Guardian as an upcoming force to watch out for.

Along with their solo acts, they also shared the stage with Just-A-Band, Seun Kuti, Spoek Mathambo and Baloji.

Sauti Sol, under the Penya label, have travelled across Africa and to Europe to perform and were recently nominated for 3 Chaguo La Teeniez awards.

The SXSW festival took place between March 9 and 18, and it was Sauti Sol’s second visit there in two successive years.