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Quick Facts
Born
1987
1987
From
Kenya
Kenya
Journey
Bien-Aimé Baraza, born 28 December 1987 in Nairobi, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, guitarist, and entrepreneur. He rose to fame as co-founder and lead vocalist of Sauti Sol before building a successful solo career.
He grew up in Nairobi in a culturally grounded family and attended Upper Hill School, where he met future bandmates Willis Chimano and Savara Mudigi. Together with Polycarp Otieno, they formed Sauti Sol in 2005. The group became one of Africa’s most influential Afro-pop acts, releasing projects like Mwanzo (2008), Sol Filosofia (2011), Live and Die in Afrika (2015), Afrikan Sauce (2019), and Midnight Train (2020). In 2023, the group announced an indefinite hiatus after a final tour.
Bien began solo work while still in the group, releasing Bald Men Love Better (2021) with Aaron Rimbui. His debut solo album, Alusa Why Are You Topless? (2023), featured collaborations with artists like Ayra Starr, Ms Banks, and Scar Mkadinali and became one of East Africa’s most-streamed projects. He has toured internationally and was named Spotify’s most-streamed Kenyan artist in 2024.
His accolades include contributions to Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning Twice as Tall, awards for tracks like “Komasava” and “My Baby,” and recognition at Trace Awards, Pulse Music Video Awards, and other platforms.
Beyond music, he co-founded Sol Generation Records and has been involved in ventures such as Sol Fest, Hustle Sasa, Sol Kids, and The Manhattan Ke Bar & Grill. He also sits on the board of the Recording Industry of Kenya.
He is married to Chiki Kuruka, a fitness coach and media personality who also manages his career.
