Kenyan musician Bien-Aime Baraza made history at the 2025 Trace Awards, emerging as the Best Artiste in Eastern Africa. The awards ceremony, held in Zanzibar last night, saw the celebrated Sauti Sol lead vocalist beat some of the biggest names in African music, including Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Zuchu, Joshua Baraka, Nandy, Marioo, and Rophnan.
This victory marks Bien’s first solo win at the Trace Awards and a significant milestone for Kenya, as it is the first time the prestigious accolade has been brought home. The competition was fierce, with top East African musicians vying for the title, but Bien’s artistry and dedication earned him the coveted honor.
The star-studded gala in Zanzibar was graced by Africa’s top music acts, including Rema, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, Inoss B, Juma Jux, Nandy, D’banj, Black Sherif, Tyler ICU, DIDI B, King Promise, and many others. The event celebrated the excellence of African music and its expanding global influence.
The Trace Awards and Summit is an annual event recognizing outstanding achievements in African music while inspiring future generations of artistes. The 2025 edition featured awards in 24 categories, with Johnnie Walker sponsoring two key awards: ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Newcomer.’
Beyond the glitz of the awards, the event also hosted a two-day summit that included creative discussions, masterclasses, and panels focusing on Africa’s creative industries, technology, and branding. The summit provided a crucial platform for artistes, managers, DJs, producers, and industry stakeholders to network and share insights on the ever-evolving music landscape.
Bien’s victory is a testament to his continued growth as a solo artist following Sauti Sol’s group projects. His music, which blends Afrobeat, R&B, and Kenyan influences, has resonated deeply with audiences, earning him both regional and international recognition. His win at the Trace Awards solidifies his status as one of Africa’s leading musicians.
Following the announcement of his win, many Kenyans took to social media to celebrate and congratulate Bien for his achievement. Fans and fellow artistes praised him for elevating Kenyan music on the international stage.
As African music continues to capture global attention, Bien’s triumph at the 2025 Trace Awards underscores Kenya’s rich musical heritage and its growing impact on the world. This victory not only celebrates his talent but also sets the stage for greater recognition of Kenyan artistes in the global music industry.
