Time has a funny way of shaping narratives, and for Kenyan musician Bien Aime, it is now redefining his musical journey. Many of the songs featuring him, which are currently dominating the airwaves, are not new releases but rather older collaborations finally seeing the light of day.
Bien, a former member of the celebrated band Sauti Sol, has disclosed that several of these tracks were recorded as far back as two years ago. Following Sauti Sol’s announcement of an indefinite hiatus, the singer’s solo career has skyrocketed. This newfound success has prompted many artists he previously worked with to release their collaborations, some even without his knowledge or approval.
“Some of the songs featuring me that are coming out now were recorded a while back, some even two years ago. Many artists I collaborated with then are now putting them out because they see my star shining. Some don’t even seek my approval, yet the songs end up being hits,” Bien explained.
This revelation contradicts the perception that Bien has been tirelessly recording and releasing music throughout 2024. Fans have speculated that he has been working non-stop, given the number of songs attributed to him this year. However, the singer clarifies that he has actually taken time to rest, even though his presence in the industry appears stronger than ever.
“I’ve actually been resting I haven’t been as busy as it seems. None of the songs you’re hearing now are recent; they were recorded one and a half to two years ago and are only being released now,” he stated.
Despite this unexpected wave of releases, Bien sees the trend as a positive for his brand. As the only Kenyan artist nominated for the 2025 Trace Music Awards in Zanzibar, he acknowledges that these collaborations have contributed to his growing success.
“It’s all about compound interest—putting in the work over time and now reaping the rewards. These releases are contributing to a bigger, better version of me,” he noted.
Bien’s streaming success further cements his dominance in the industry. In 2024, he was named the most-streamed Kenyan artist on Spotify, surpassing Wakadinali, who had held the title in 2023. This milestone is a testament to his growing influence and the longevity of his work, proving that great music stands the test of time, even if it takes a while to reach the audience.
