Bien Aime-Baraza performs on stage during the Sol Fest Event at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on November 4, 2023.
Afropop star Bien-Aimé Baraza has long been known for his bold songwriting and fearless creativity, but he says that in 2025, one track stood above the rest: his July 18 release “All My Enemies Are Suffering”.
The song, a cultural, spiritual, and musical explosion, has quickly become his most successful project of the year. Currently, the song has over 7.3 million views on YouTube and over 15K challenges on TikTok.
“That song has been the highlight of the year,” Bien told Nation Lifestyle.
“The song has done great globally than I expected.”
Rooted deeply in Luhya culture, Bien says the anthem has sparked conversations, memes, chants, and even dance challenges, cementing it as more than a song; it’s a cultural moment.
According to Bien, “Enemies is derived from the Luhya culture, that rhythm section. I think in our culture, we spend a lot of time dwelling on our enemies, how they must suffer, and how they don’t wish us well.”
He laughs as he explains the humour and truth behind it. “We love the culture of beefing one another in Luhya. I put that in the context of our everyday life.”
The track blends traditional Isukuti drums, rich storytelling, and an electrifying Afrobeat arrangement co-written with Flavour, Remy Baggins, and Bien’s wife, Chiki Kuruka.
Produced by Remy Baggins and mastered by Michael Manitshana, it features striking guitar work by Godwin Ufot and powerful background vocals from Benjamin Masinde and others, creating a sound that is both global and deeply Kenyan.
Sauti Sol band member Bien-Aimé Baraza performs during Blankets and Wine event at Laureate Garden in Kasarani, Nairobi on December 17, 2023.
The music video is a work of art on its own.
Directed by Melih Kun and shot by Omer Berkli, it captures the spirit of Luhya pride with crisp visuals, dramatic dance sequences led by choreographer Kelvin Lore, and appearances by actors Joseck Asikoye, comedian DJ Shiti, and content creator Bradley The Gen Z Goliath.
The location of the music video also carries deep emotional significance.
“That church, Friends Church Itumbu, was built by my grandfather a long time ago,” Bien reveals.
“It is in our compound back home, and my father also built it. My family still takes care of it, and during the day, it’s a school with over 30 children who are in kindergarten.”
Bien also shares that his family has long sponsored children there.
“When I requested to do a video there, they were very happy because I had contributed to the church too.”
From the Isukuti drums to the “kanzus” worn in the video, to the ancient crying stone where he stands, a symbol of strength and protection, the visuals honour Luhya traditions.
“That massive stone I stand on has a big significance. People say it cries. It is a symbol of strength,” he explains.
And yes, there is bullfighting too.
“I have a bull that will be fighting in a few years. It is young but very promising. It is called Sauti Sol,” he says with a smile.
Bien believes the song’s success comes from its authenticity.
“That song was successful because of the culture. When you go deep into culture, you don’t go wrong musically.”
Bien and his former Sauti Sol group members are preparing for another major moment, SolFest, returning this December.
“Initially, SolFest was a concert for Sauti Sol,” he explains.
“But over the years, we have grown it into a celebration of music and Kenyan art. All generations are represented: the legends, the present, and the up-and-coming artistes.”
In 2024, the lineup included Les Wanyika, Them Mushrooms, Susan Owiyo, BenSoul, and the Arbantone movement.
Bien Baraza performs during the East African Breweries Limited centenary in Nairobi.
This year, Bien reveals, “We will have Calif (Records) and Ogopa DJs (artistes) as the legends. Current is Sauti Sol and Khaligraph Jones. For the future, we have Lil Maina, Afro-pop duo We Are Nubia, Njerae, and many more.”
He says the mission remains the same: “This platform was not built so that people can come and watch Sauti Sol. No. It is for people to come and experience Kenyan greatness.”
Why Sauti Sol bond still holds strong
Despite their public split, their bond remains unshaken.
“Sauti Sol was built on friendship before everything else,” Bien says.
“We are intentional about making sure the friendship is in a good place. Even before we split, we went for therapy.”
Their unity, he explains, goes beyond music.
“We call each other, we are always in each other's lives; that is the essence of us. In different seasons we will be together. In others we will be apart, businesswise, but we will always be together.”
Comparisons don’t bother him.
“I don’t feel that any of us outshine the other. Comparison is a thief of joy. Saying one used to cover another that is a poverty mindset. The sky is big for everyone.”
Afropop star Bien-Aimé Baraza has long been known for his bold songwriting and fearless creativity, but he says that in 2025, one track stood above the rest: his July 18 release “All My Enemies Are Suffering”.
Kenyan Singer Bien.
The song, a cultural, spiritual, and musical explosion, has quickly become his most successful project of the year. Currently, the song has over 7.3 million views on YouTube and over 15K challenges on TikTok.
“That song has been the highlight of the year,” Bien told Nation Lifestyle.
“The song has done great globally than I expected.”
Rooted deeply in Luhya culture, Bien says the anthem has sparked conversations, memes, chants, and even dance challenges, cementing it as more than a song; it’s a cultural moment.
According to Bien, “Enemies is derived from the Luhya culture, that rhythm section. I think in our culture, we spend a lot of time dwelling on our enemies, how they must suffer, and how they don’t wish us well.”
He laughs as he explains the humour and truth behind it. “We love the culture of beefing one another in Luhya. I put that in the context of our everyday life.”
The track blends traditional Isukuti drums, rich storytelling, and an electrifying Afrobeat arrangement co-written with Flavour, Remy Baggins, and Bien’s wife, Chiki Kuruka.
Produced by Remy Baggins and mastered by Michael Manitshana, it features striking guitar work by Godwin Ufot and powerful background vocals from Benjamin Masinde and others, creating a sound that is both global and deeply Kenyan.
The music video is a work of art on its own.
Directed by Melih Kun and shot by Omer Berkli, it captures the spirit of Luhya pride with crisp visuals, dramatic dance sequences led by choreographer Kelvin Lore, and appearances by actors Joseck Asikoye, comedian DJ Shiti, and content creator Bradley The Gen Z Goliath.
The location of the music video also carries deep emotional significance.
“That church, Friends Church Itumbu, was built by my grandfather a long time ago,” Bien reveals.
“It is in our compound back home, and my father also built it. My family still takes care of it, and during the day, it’s a school with over 30 children who are in kindergarten.”
Bien also shares that his family has long sponsored children there.
“When I requested to do a video there, they were very happy because I had contributed to the church too.”
From the Isukuti drums to the “kanzus” worn in the video, to the ancient crying stone where he stands, a symbol of strength and protection, the visuals honour Luhya traditions.
“That massive stone I stand on has a big significance. People say it cries. It is a symbol of strength,” he explains.
And yes, there is bullfighting too.
“I have a bull that will be fighting in a few years. It is young but very promising. It is called Sauti Sol,” he says with a smile.
Bien believes the song’s success comes from its authenticity.
“That song was successful because of the culture. When you go deep into culture, you don’t go wrong musically.”
Bien and his former Sauti Sol group members are preparing for another major moment, SolFest, returning this December.
“Initially, SolFest was a concert for Sauti Sol,” he explains.
“But over the years, we have grown it into a celebration of music and Kenyan art. All generations are represented: the legends, the present, and the up-and-coming artistes.”
In 2024, the lineup included Les Wanyika, Them Mushrooms, Susan Owiyo, BenSoul, and the Arbantone movement.
This year, Bien reveals, “We will have Calif (Records) and Ogopa DJs (artistes) as the legends. Current is Sauti Sol and Khaligraph Jones. For the future, we have Lil Maina, Afro-pop duo We Are Nubia, Njerae, and many more.”
He says the mission remains the same:
“This platform was not built so that people can come and watch Sauti Sol. No. It is for people to come and experience Kenyan greatness.”
Why Sauti Sol bond still holds strong
Despite their public split, their bond remains unshaken.
“Sauti Sol was built on friendship before everything else,” Bien says.
“We are intentional about making sure the friendship is in a good place. Even before we split, we went for therapy.”
Their unity, he explains, goes beyond music.
“We call each other, we are always in each other's lives; that is the essence of us. In different seasons we will be together. In others we will be apart, businesswise, but we will always be together.”
Comparisons don’t bother him.
“I don’t feel that any of us outshine the other. Comparison is a thief of joy. Saying one used to cover another that is a poverty mindset. The sky is big for everyone.”
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