Bien-Aime Baraza, known widely as Bien, has always been open about his humble beginnings. His rise from poverty to prominence in the music industry is not just a tale of success but a narrative deeply rooted in personal trials and the transformative power of music. As the lead singer and songwriter of the renowned group Sauti Sol, Bien’s journey is a compelling testament to how music can offer both solace and purpose.
Bien’s story takes a poignant turn with his family’s dramatic shift from wealth to poverty. Once a symbol of financial stability, his father’s descent into poverty was a turning point that shaped Bien’s outlook on life. In a candid interview with DYB Concepts, Bien recalled the harrowing experience of watching his father’s fall from grace. “Things were so bad at the time I literally watched my father slip away and give up. My mum held the forte, while my dad sat on the verandah the whole day reading the Bible and talking to himself,” he reflected.
The profound impact of this period was not lost on Bien. The crushing weight of debt and the subsequent financial struggles his family endured left a deep scar. “We had debt all over the neighborhood, we couldn’t borrow anymore. That was rock bottom,” Bien shared. This experience of witnessing his father’s defeat not only ignited a deep-seated anger but also fundamentally altered his perception of money and success.
It was during this tumultuous time that Bien discovered his musical talent. High School became a sanctuary where he met Chimano and Savara, and together they formed the group that would later become Sauti Sol. “We started singing when we were 15 years old. I remember that’s where I discovered my musical talent,” Bien said. For Bien, singing was more than just an escape; it was a transformative experience that allowed him to transcend his immediate circumstances. “When I opened my mouth to sing, that’s when I forgot my house didn’t have electricity. Singing in Sauti Sol took me physically and mentally into a space where I was really good at what I did, and it didn’t matter what I had at home or what I was going through.”
The profound connection he felt with music provided a sense of redemption and purpose that continues to resonate with him today. Bien described how the applause from audiences and the bond with his Sauti Sol brothers served as a source of healing and motivation. “All those years of listening to the radio and singing along to our 9-battery radio started to pay off,” he noted. Music became his refuge, a place where he could escape from the harsh realities of life and find solace.
As an adult, Bien’s relationship with music remains deeply personal. It represents more than just a career—it is a sanctuary from the world’s challenges. “Sauti Sol represents my escape, it represents the place that I go when I don’t want to deal with the world and what the world is throwing at me,” Bien expressed.
Bien’s past also instilled in him a sense of financial prudence. His father’s financial downfall taught him valuable lessons about delayed gratification and the importance of saving. “It scarred me for life. It changed my relationship with money. You see now anything I get, I understand the need for delayed gratification,” Bien admitted. Despite his success, he remains humble and grounded, choosing not to flaunt his wealth. “You will never see Bien brag or show off wealth. I save. You are never going to hear a story of Bien popping bottles in a club,” he added.
Bien’s journey from hardship to musical success illustrates how deeply personal experiences can shape and refine one’s purpose. Through his music, he has not only found an escape but also a way to connect with others and share his story of resilience and redemption.
