Bensoul’s journey: From church choir to writing for Burna Boy
By William Muthama, April 2, 2026Bensoul, born Benson Mutua Muia in Embu County, Kenya, has established himself as one of East Africa’s most talented and versatile musicians.
Growing up in the modest Dallas slum area, his early exposure to music came from his family: his father played bass and electric guitar, while his mother sang in the church choir.
Inspired by this environment, young Bensoul began singing and playing instruments at church, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually take him from local performances to international acclaim.
Bensoul attended high school in Embu, actively participating in music festivals and competitions that nurtured his love for performance.
He later moved to Nairobi to study Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya, but he quickly realised that music was his true calling.
Despite initial family resistance, he dropped out in his third year to pursue a full-time music career, a bold decision that would shape the trajectory of his life.
Breakthrough in music
Bensoul’s breakthrough came in 2019 when he became the first artist signed to Sauti Sol’s Sol Generation Records.
Early singles such as “Lucy” and “Favourite Song” showcased his smooth voice and emotional songwriting, quickly gaining him recognition in Kenya’s Afrosoul and contemporary R&B scene.
Known for his versatility as a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Bensoul’s talent allowed him to collaborate with top artists like Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, Alikiba, Kidum, and Mercy Masika.
A defining moment in Bensoul’s career came when he co-wrote “Time Flies” for Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall (2020).
This achievement not only highlighted his songwriting prowess but also put Kenyan talent on the global music map.
In 2023, he released his debut album, The Lion of Sudah, featuring collaborations with artists like Bien, Savara, and Xenia Manasseh.
He followed it up with The Party & The After Party (2024/2025), which delivered hits including “Extra Pressure” featuring Bien. Recently, he has released a song with Iyanni, dubbed Utaambia Nini Watu.
Known as the “Lion of Sudah”, Bensoul blends Afrosoul, R&B, reggae, and pop, with heartfelt lyrics exploring love, relationships, and personal growth. His music resonates deeply with Kenyan youth for its authenticity and emotional depth.