Kenyan singer and songwriter Bien Aimé has given fans a glimpse into what could be one of the most culturally rooted projects of his career yet.
Speaking during an interview with Jeff Koinange, the singer revealed that his upcoming album, which he plans to release this year will draw inspiration from different Kenyan communities and sounds, including Mugithi and Ohangla.
He added that the project aims to answer a question, he believes both Kenyans and international audiences have asked for years: What does Kenyan music truly sound like?
“…and this year, I want to put out the most amazing Kenyan album in history because for a long time, the question comes on your desk, what does Kenyan music sound like and we never really have an anthem and I think I know why, because of colonialism,” Bien said.
The finale hit-maker explained that the project was inspired by a desire to reconnect Kenyan music to its cultural foundations, arguing that much of the country’s sound has historically been shaped by foreign influences.
“Our music is never rooted in our culture. Our music is rooted in Jamaican culture, American and these other cultures,” he added.
Bien also revealed that he travelled across different parts of Kenya while working on the album, blending local influences with pop music.
The Evolution of Kenya’s Music Industry
Reflecting on the evolution of the industry, Bien described how far Kenyan music has come in the past 15 years.
In his view, the transformation has been both economic and cultural, marked by a clear shift in how artists live, work, and build their careers.
The guitarist recalled a time when most artists would only afford using public transport to attend industry meetings contrasting it with today’s reality where many musicians are financially stable, own property, and run successful businesses beyond music.
“We’ve come a long way. I remember like maybe 15 years ago, there could be a meeting of artists and everybody there would have come in a matatu. Now I just see artists driving state of the art cars, like artists are living and owning property, artists are opening business that are parallel to their art and those businesses are thriving,” Bien said.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism about the future of the industry, emphasizing that the creative sector is becoming an increasingly viable path for long-term success.
As a result, he urged parents to nurture their children’s creative talents, saying that future earnings increasingly lie in the creative sector.
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Bien Speaks on Global Reception of Kenyan Music
Bien shared his perspective on how Kenyan music is received on the global stage, noting that initial awareness is often limited, however, appreciation grows quickly once audiences engage with it directly.
According to him, Kenyan music may not always be widely recognized at first exposure internationally, but it tends to resonate strongly once listeners experience it in a more personal setting, especially through live performances.
He pointed to his own experiences performing with Sauti Sol, explaining that concerts and face-to-face interactions often shift perceptions and deepen appreciation for the sound and energy of Kenyan music.
“So, they think much of it in the beginning but when they meet me and come for our concerts, and they come in contact with the music, they love it.” Bien said.
Music as a Unifying Force in Kenya
Bien described Kenyan music as deeply patriotic, emphasizing how artists express identity and unity through a blend of languages such as Sheng, Swahili, and Kikuyu that resonate broadly with diverse audiences.
“All that music is patriotic. We all look good when you’re shining through your gifts. So, I think all music is necessary, and all artists are patriots. They may be on different sides of the divide, but they mean well for Kenya,” he said.
Overall, Bien expressed strong confidence in the continued growth of Kenya’s music industry and its creative potential moving forward.
