Bien reveals he lets his mum listen to unreleased songs before dropping them
By Steve Ireri, May 21, 2026Singer and songwriter Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza has opened up about his close bond with his mother, revealing that she plays a key role in his creative process by listening to his unreleased music before it is made public.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the singer, who is a former member of the acclaimed Afropop group Sauti Sol, said his mother is often the first person to hear his new songs during the production stage, making her one of his most trusted early listeners.
He explained that before officially releasing any track, he sometimes plays it for his mother so she can sample it and give her reaction, noting that her feedback and emotional response matter a lot to him.
“This is mainly because I usually let her listen to my songs before I officially release them, so she is always in love with my music even before it comes out,” Bien said.
He further stated that his mother has developed a strong emotional connection to his unreleased songs over time, noting that she sometimes follows up to ask when specific tracks she has already heard privately will be released. According to him, she becomes excited and fully invested in the music even before it is available to the public.
“My parents pray for me every day. My dad is always playing my music, and my mum also constantly plays my songs. My mum is my biggest fan and she always calls me asking when I am releasing a new track,” Bien said.
Bien also revealed that during a past Christmas gathering, he played an unreleased song for his parents, highlighting how family moments are often used to test and share his creative work before it goes out officially.
“Like recently, during Christmas, I went and played them an unreleased song,” he shared.
Bien’s father
Turning to his father, Bien said that while his dad was once a closeted fan who did not openly show much emotion or excitement about his music, he has now changed and become a full supporter of his work.
He described this transformation as his father becoming a “fanboy,” openly embracing and enjoying his music.
“I remember my dad used to be a closeted fan; he would not openly show his emotions about my music, but nowadays he has become a full fanboy,” Bien said.
He added that both his parents are now actively supportive of his career, frequently attending his shows and performances. His mother, in particular, is a regular presence at his Nairobi festivals, where she attends and simply enjoys the performances from the audience.
Bien noted that his parents’ support extends beyond just attendance, saying they consistently pray for him and encourage his musical journey, which has given him emotional strength throughout his career.
He also expressed pride in making his parents happy, stating that there is nothing greater than giving them joy, respect and pride through his success.
“My parents also attend my shows all the time, and my mum especially comes for my Nairobi festivals. She just sits there and enjoys everything. There is nothing better than giving your parents pride and respect,” Bien said.