Afropop star Bien-Aimé Baraza has had a good run this year, especially after his July 18 release, ‘All My Enemies Are Suffering’, which has garnered over 7 million views on YouTube and more than 15k challenges on TikTok.
“That song has been the highlight of the year. It has done well globally. I didn’t see that coming,” Bien told Nation Lifestyle.
Rooted deeply in Luhya culture, Bien says the anthem has sparked conversations, memes, chants, and even dance challenges, making it a cultural movement.
“I think in our culture, we spend a lot of time dwelling on our enemies, on how they must suffer, and on how they don’t wish us well,” Bien laughs as he explains the humour and truth that inspired the song.
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.
Sauti Sol band member Bien-Aimé Baraza performs during Blankets and Wine event at Laureate Garden in Kasarani, Nairobi on December 17, 2023.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Produced by Remy Baggins and mastered by Michael Manitshana, the track 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, capturing 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.
“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.”
“When I requested to do a video there, they were very happy because I had contributed to the church too. The massive stone I stand on holds significant meaning. 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.
“That song was successful because of the culture. When you go deep into culture, you don’t go wrong musically.”
Last weekend, Bien and his former Sauti Sol group members hosted SolFest, another cultural celebration.
“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 upcoming artistes.”
In 2024, the line-up included Les Wanyika, The Mushrooms, Susan Owiyo, BenSoul, and the Arbantone movement.
“This year, we had Calif and Ogopa DJs, Sauti Sol, Khaligraph Jones, Lil Maina, Afro-pop duo ‘We Are Nubia’, Njerai, and many more.”
“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.”
Despite Sauti Sol’s public split, their bond remains unshaken.
Sauti Sol band members, from left, Polycarp Otieno, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi and Bien-Aimé Baraza.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“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.
Comparisons don’t bother him.
