Kenyan band Sauti Sol has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated SolFest Pre-Party in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The announcement was made by Serena Hotels and SolFest Management on Tuesday, November 18, citing concerns that prevent them from offering the high-quality experience the festival is known for.
"Serena Hotels and SolFest Management wish to inform our valued guests, partners and fans that the SolFest Pre-Party Tanzania 2025, scheduled for 22 November 2025 at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, has been cancelled.
"This decision follows thoughtful consultations and a review of recent developments that affect our ability to deliver the seamless experience our audiences expect and deserve. Ensuring the comfort, safety and overall quality of every SolFest moment remains our top priority," the statement read.
SolFest added that the management has initiated the reimbursement process and will provide direct communication to each ticket holder.
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"Refunds are currently being processed and all ticket holders will receive direct communication with full details on timelines and next steps," the statement added.
Despite the cancellation, the SolFest team expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from their Tanzanian community.
"We remain deeply grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown toward SolFest Tanzania; we extend our sincere appreciation to our community, artists and partners for their understanding," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, this comes a day after police in Tanzania have arrested a 30-year-old Charles Onkuri Ongeta, a dual citizen of Kenya and the United States (US).
In a statement on Sunday, November 16, Tanzanian police said Ongeta was arrested at the Sirari border with four hand grenades while attempting to enter Tanzania.
The Tanzanian police also noted that Ongeta holds the rank of a sergeant in the US Army, was apprehended at around 12 noon.
"The Tarime Rorya Regional Police today, November 16, 2025, at around 12:00 PM, arrested Charles Onkuri Ongeta, 30, a dual citizen of the United States and Kenya, at the Tanzania-Kenya border point in Sirari.
"Ongeta, a U.S. Army soldier holding the rank of Sergeant, was found with four CS M68 hand-thrown grenades as he attempted to enter Tanzania from Kenya in a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number KDP 502 Y," read part of the statement.
The police noted that Tanzania strictly prohibits the entry of explosives, and even with a permit request, he would not have been allowed to bring them into the country.
The Tanzanian authorities have launched investigations and are questioning Ongeta to determine his intentions before taking legal action against him.
"Evidence is still being collected, alongside ongoing questioning over the allegations, to ensure appropriate legal action is taken against him," the police added.
