Kenyan artist Bien recently made headlines during a visit to Tanzania for the album launch of popular rapper Darassa. In a candid interview, Bien revealed an emotional and surprising moment, sharing that he had turned down a staggering $2 million offer from Darassa.
According to Bien, the offer was made personally by Darassa, but he declined it, explaining that their bond goes far beyond money. “He’s my brother,” Bien emphasized, illustrating the deep friendship they share. He recalled a pivotal moment that solidified their connection — during a past visit to Tanzania, he had a late-night performance, and Darassa stayed by his side until morning. That simple yet meaningful gesture convinced Bien that their relationship was more like family than mere professional acquaintanceship.
Speaking on Darassa’s artistry, Bien praised the Tanzanian rapper with warmth and admiration. He joked that the question should not be about what he sees in Darassa, but rather what Darassa sees in him. He went on to describe Darassa as an exceptional talent, saying he stands out among East African rappers. Bien highlighted how Darassa’s music enjoys immense popularity in Kenya, noting that his tracks trend on platforms like TikTok in Nairobi without any formal promotion. The organic growth of Darassa’s music in Kenya, according to Bien, is a testament to his genuine impact across the region.
Beyond his relationship with Darassa, Bien also spoke about the surge of new songs featuring him that have been appearing recently. He clarified that although it may seem he is constantly releasing new music, most of these collaborations were recorded a long time ago — some even two years back. He explained that during a previous phase of intense work, he had recorded numerous tracks, and now that his solo career is flourishing, some of these collaborations are being released, sometimes without his direct approval.
Despite the lack of consultation over the release of these songs, Bien maintained a positive outlook. He likened the situation to compound interest — the investment of his hard work over the years is now bearing fruit, helping to expand his reach and solidify his position as an artist. He emphasized that while it may seem he is always in the studio, he has actually been resting and focusing on strategic moves rather than constant recording.
For Bien, the delayed release of these tracks is not just a reminder of his earlier efforts but a key part of building a stronger, more expansive version of himself. The unexpected exposure from the older tracks, combined with his recent solo successes, is creating a powerful momentum that he welcomes as he continues his artistic journey.
