Kenya’s music scene continues to make waves globally, and one of its most celebrated artists, Bien-Aimé Baraza (commonly known as Bien), is set to shine on the international stage. The lead vocalist of the renowned band Sauti Sol has been nominated in the prestigious “Best Artist – Eastern Africa” category at the Trace Awards & Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from February 24 to 26 at the Mora Zanzibar Resort. The event will recognize excellence in African and Afro-inspired music across 24 categories.
Bien’s nomination is especially significant as he is the only Kenyan artist in this category, underscoring his impressive influence on the East African music landscape. His unique style, which blends African rhythms with modern sounds, has helped to elevate not only his career but also Kenyan music as a whole.
In a 2024 interview, Bien spoke about the importance of crafting music that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally. He expressed that his success could help spotlight Kenyan music, stating, “If Bien is amazing, people will look for Kenyan music and find other artistes.” His words reflect his belief in the power of collaboration and cultural exchange through music, with the potential to boost Kenya’s presence on the global stage.
Bien also emphasized the importance of using Swahili, a language spoken by over 150 million people across East Africa, to reach a wider audience. He believes that Swahili allows artists to connect with fans not just in Kenya, but across the African continent and the diaspora. “We have to make music for that community wherever they are in the world and use them to propel us out onto the global sphere,” Bien shared, illustrating his commitment to creating music that bridges cultural divides.
However, the competition in the “Best Artist – Eastern Africa” category is fierce. Bien will be up against some of the region’s biggest stars, including Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Marioo, Zuchu, and Nandy, as well as Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and Ethiopia’s Rophnan. Despite the stiff competition, Bien’s nomination is a testament to the strides Kenyan artists have made in the music industry, and his presence at the awards is a significant milestone for Kenyan music on the world stage.
The Trace Awards voting process concluded on February 15, 2025, with fans worldwide having the opportunity to participate. As the awards ceremony approaches, the anticipation is building, and Bien’s nomination has undoubtedly sparked a sense of pride among Kenyan music lovers and artists alike.
