“I’ve just returned from rehearsal,” Bien-Aimé Baraza shares from his tranquil garden in Nairobi. He appears relaxed, embodying the confidence of a seasoned artist.
“Rehearsing is my constant. I don’t wait for an event to practice,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of being prepared at all times.
This dedication to ongoing progress reflects Bien’s evolution from his iconic role in Sauti Sol, Kenya’s leading band, to his new solo journey.
Last November, Bien, aged 36, performed for the last time alongside his Sauti Sol bandmates — Polycarp Otieno, Savara Mudigi, and Willis Chimano. This was part of their announcement of an indefinite hiatus after a successful 17-year run.
With five albums released, Sauti Sol gained global recognition while receiving nominations from the Channel O Music Video Awards to the BET Awards. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and even shared the stage with former President Barack Obama during his 2015 visit to Kenya.
“I had to humble myself to start from scratch,” he reflects. Notably, during a recent European tour, he performed at venues where Sauti Sol had performed at the beginning of their journey. “Fame doesn’t accelerate your journey; you still have to earn your place,” he adds.
Regarding the group’s dynamics, Bien reassures that they remain close. He mentions a recent dinner he hosted for them and how he frequently meets with Willis for dance practices.
“They are my closest friends,” he shares. “They are my confidants and the people I turn to for any issues in my life. We ensure we stay active in each other’s lives.”
Transitioning from a band to a solo career can be intimidating for many artists, and Bien experienced similar feelings. Despite Sauti Sol’s monumental achievements, he realized that going solo presented its own challenges — rediscovering his identity, reaching new listeners, and producing music that echoed his individual voice.
Bien’s debut album Alusa, Why Are You Topless?, which was released shortly after Sauti Sol’s final show, encapsulates these explorations. The album and its deluxe version highlight Bien’s skills as a songwriter and collaborator, featuring catchy tracks like “Wahala” featuring Adekunle Gold and ShineTTW, the remix of “Ma Cherie” with Fally Ipupa, and “My Baby” featuring Ayra Starr.
Alusa, Why Are You Topless? features a diverse range of sounds, collaborating with artists from Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo while retaining a strong Kenyan essence. Bien feels that East African music often receives less attention worldwide compared to West African or South African music. He believes East African sounds represent a “hidden gem.”
“No one advocates for us,” he asserts. “We need to be more confident as a region, and our distinctive sound should be more pronounced.”
He points to Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz as an example of the region’s relentless work ethic. “Show me a Nigerian artist or anyone else globally with the dedication Diamond Platnumz demonstrates,” he challenges, emphasizing that although the numbers may not align with Nigeria, the artistry and hard work of East African musicians remain undeniable.
Bien acknowledges that collaborating with various artists on Alusa, Why Are You Topless? has opened up new audiences for him. “I encountered fans who had never heard of Sauti Sol and discovered me through Spotify, then came to my performances,” he explains. “When I performed Sauti Sol songs, they’d react in surprise, realizing it’s all connected. It was a remarkable experience.”
Though this solo venture may seem solitary, one significant change for Bien was partnering with his wife, Chiki Kuruka, as his manager.
“She was the ideal choice for me,” he states with pride, recognizing her solid experience in the music industry. He credits her pursuit of excellence as vital for his brand and career progression, fostering consistency and a shared vision.
Working together has significantly enriched their relationship, which Bien describes as a “prolonged honeymoon.”
The duo is gearing up for a European tour beginning in November, with appearances scheduled in the U.K., Finland, Germany, and Norway. Bien also hints at his next album, expressing excitement about exploring deeper creative avenues, planning to include traditional instruments and sing in Luhya, his native language.
“While I do enjoy popular music and sometimes follow trends, I’ve found my most successful times come from simply following my heart. With my upcoming album, I plan to dive deeper into that philosophy,” he shares.
Eager to push boundaries after the success of Alusa, Why Are You Topless?, Bien notes that the album has already achieved two of its three primary objectives: personal self-discovery and reaching new markets. The final goal still awaits: a Grammy nomination.
“If it happens, then great,” he pauses meaningfully before expressing, “I believe it will.”
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