VIDEO: Sauti Sol to Sue Azimio la Umoja Coalition for Copyright Infringement

The band stated that the Azimio la Umoja captain, Raila Odinga used their 'Extravaganza' song without their permission on May 16 after he had revealed his running mate who was Narc Kenya party leader, Martha Karua.

The song was used as the soundtrack for a video announcing Raila's running mate, Martha Karua. Raila's official social media accounts shared the video.

In a statement released on their official Instagram account, Sauti Sol stated that they were not aligned or associated with the Azimio la Uomoja Coalition campaign. 

Sauti Sol also claimed that Azimio's use of their song violated their right to control and own what was originally and solely their property by directly associating it with their campaign without their consent.

They further stated that they would be seeking further legal remedy for the leader's violation of copyright issues.

Sauti Sol is a Kenyan afro-pop band founded in 2005 by singers Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi. Originally an a cappella group, guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined before the group was renamed Sauti Sol. It is famous for songs like Rhumba Japanni, Suzzana, Feel My Love, and Unconditional Bae.

What is Copyright infringement?

Copyright infringement can also be referred to as piracy.

It is the use of works protected by copyright without permission for a usage where such permission is required, infringing on certain exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform the protected work, or to create derivative works.

The work's creator, or a publisher or other business to whom copyright has been assigned, is usually the copyright holder. Copyright holders routinely use legal and technological measures to prevent and punish infringement.

Copyright infringement is punished differently in different countries. Convictions for copyright infringement may result in jail time and/or heavy fines.