Bien Aime’ Baraza, the frontman of Sauti Sol, has been making waves in the music industry with his solo career, particularly after the band went on a break. Recently, Bien took to social media to share some insight into his hit tracks, revealing some unexpected truths about his music and collaborations. It turns out, many of the songs people are hearing now were recorded quite some time ago, with some dating back two years.
Bien shared that several artists he worked with in the past have begun releasing collaborations they recorded long before his solo career took off. Some of these tracks, which were done ages ago, are now surfacing and becoming hits, but not always with his approval. According to Bien, a few artists have dropped the songs without even consulting him first, and yet, they are still gaining massive popularity.
“Honestly, some of the songs featuring me that are dropping now are tracks I did ages ago, like two years back. I record a ton of stuff a while ago, and now that my solo career is taking off, these artists are releasing those songs. Some don’t even get my okay, and they just end up being hits,” Bien explained.
Although many people think he’s been working around the clock, especially in 2024, Bien clarified that he hasn’t been as active as it may seem. “I’ve actually been chilling. I haven’t been grinding as much as it looks. All the songs you’re hearing now were recorded two years or a year and a half ago. They’re just getting released now,” he added. His success seems to be more about the buildup of years of hard work and preparation than constant hustling in the studio.
In fact, Bien sees the recent surge in releases as a result of the groundwork he has laid over the years. With multiple songs coming out in a short span, he likens the process to compound interest. “It’s like compound interest. I’ve put in a lot of work over the years, and now I’m seeing the results. All these releases are building up to something bigger,” he said, showing his optimism about what lies ahead for his career.
Bien’s solo success has been undeniable. In 2024, he became the most streamed Kenyan artist on Spotify, surpassing the previous year’s leaders, the rap group Wakadinali. This achievement further confirms the growth of his individual career, with his music reaching more fans than ever before.
Looking ahead, Bien’s recognition continues to grow. He is the only Kenyan artist nominated for the 2025 Trace Music Awards in Zanzibar, a prestigious honor that highlights his increasing influence in the African music scene. Bien’s path forward looks brighter than ever, as he rides the wave of both past work and new releases. While his solo journey continues to unfold, it’s clear that his dedication and patience over the years are starting to pay off in a big way.
