- In Kenya, while Bien is celebrated locally, his rise as a solo artist may not have received the unified push needed to elevate him to global stardom. A stronger, more consistent backing from local fans, media, and the music industry could propel him to greater heights.
Bien-Aimé Baraza, best known as Bien from the iconic Kenyan group Sauti Sol, has seen his solo career flourish since the group’s amicable split. His debut album, 'Alusa Why Are You Topless?', released in November 2023, showcases his ability to blend Kenyan musical elements with a global appeal.
The album features a mix of heartfelt ballads like "True Love," energetic tracks like "Lost and Found," and high-profile collaborations with Ayra Starr, Ms. Banks, and Scar Mkadinali. These elements, paired with Bien’s charismatic performances, have positioned him as a potential breakout global star.
Despite his international achievements such as performing on global stages like the Colors Show and a European tour in 2024 covering eight cities, including Paris, Rotterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Berlin, London, Copenhagen, and Stockholm Bien has yet to reach the same worldwide acclaim as Nigerian powerhouses like Burna Boy, Omah Lay and Rema.
This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors. Nigeria’s global dominance in Afrobeat has created a well-established pipeline for international success, supported by a robust entertainment ecosystem and significant investments in global marketing.
Meanwhile, Kenyan artists often struggle with inadequate representation on global platforms and limited international marketing. The Kenyan diaspora, while significant, has not unified around supporting Kenyan music globally in the same way Nigerian and South African diasporas have.
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This disparity results in less organic promotion of Kenyan artists abroad through word-of-mouth, events, and streaming support. Kenya has long struggled with music piracy, which diminishes local artists' revenue and ability to reinvest in their craft. Additionally, royalty systems are often ineffective, leaving many artists financially strained despite their popularity.
In Kenya, while Bien is celebrated locally, his rise as a solo artist may not have received the unified push needed to elevate him to global stardom. A stronger, more consistent backing from local fans, media, and the music industry could propel him to greater heights.
Moreover, Bien’s commitment to breaking boundaries evident in his genre-bending music and fearless exploration of new themes positions him well to dominate 2025 as a defining year for his international career.
If Kenyan audiences, stakeholders, and the global diaspora rally behind Bien, his trajectory could mirror or even rival the global success of his Nigerian counterparts. Next year, with major events such as his European tour and growing recognition, could be a pivotal period for Bien as a global ambassador of Kenyan music.
