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Bien credits Sauti Sol for shaping his solo music journey
26th July, 2025 11:50 AM
Kenyan singer and songwriter Bien-Aimé Baraza, popularly known as Bien, has attributed his success as a solo artiste to the years he spent with his former band, Sauti Sol.
Speaking during an episode of Cadillac Chronicles on Friday, July 25, 2025, Bien reflected on his journey since the group’s split, revealing that the experience of being in the band helped prepare him for the solo chapter of his career.
“Previously, you know, I was in a group. This is my second year of a solo career. I am thankful for those years I was in a band group because they prepared me for this season I am in right now,” Bien said during the show.
“I’m more centred, focused, and I feel like I have a cheat code moving forward. It is like I’ve lived this life before,” he added.
He also shared a lesson that has guided him through the transition.
“Something that I have learned in my life is that all work works. Just put in effort, and you will see results. Any effort will one day add up.”
Sauti Sol split
Bien was part of Sauti Sol, one of Africa’s most celebrated music groups, alongside Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno. In May 2023, the band officially announced that they were going on an indefinite hiatus after two decades of making music together.
“After two decades of making music and sharing our lives with you, we have decided to take a break from the group to pursue individual projects,” a statement shared on their social media pages read at the time.
They were quick to clarify that the break was not due to any internal conflict.
“We are still brothers, and this is not a breakup based on any fights. It’s just time for each of us to spread our wings,” Bien said in a past interview.
To mark the end of an era, Sauti Sol held a farewell world tour, performing in cities across Europe, the U.S., and Africa. Their final show was emotional, with fans turning up in large numbers to celebrate their music one last time as a group.
“This has been an emotional journey. We’ve done this for 20 years, and now it’s time to see what we can each offer as individuals,” Savara said after their last concert.
Since the split, Bien has continued to thrive as a solo artist. His hit songs like My Baby, featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, and True Love have earned millions of streams and views online. His debut solo album, Alusa Why Are You Topless, has also received praise from fans and critics alike.
Currently, Bien is on a U.S. tour, performing in major cities across the country. His shows have been drawing large crowds, with fans singing along and dancing to his music.
