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Why Bien turned down Kenyan promoters for US tour
Bien Aime-Baraza of Sauti Sol band performs during Sol Fest concert at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on November 4, 2023.
Vocalist Bien-Aime Baraza, who has been on a musical tour in the US, has opened up on why he had to turn down several offers from Kenyan promoters living in the US and instead agree to an offer by Nigerian promoter Osita ‘Duke’ Ugeh.
Speaking on One Mic Show, a Kenyan diaspora radio show that broadcasts live every Friday from outside of Washington, DC, Bien revealed he has had to turn down several offers from Kenyan promoters in the US because their offers didn’t match his brand value.
“I want to say thank you to all the Kenyan promoters who have been promoting my show in the US in one way or another. I can’t forget them and how we have grown over the years, but guys I also need you (promoters) to grow with me, because I am trying to take our Kenyan music to another level," he said.
"There is no Kenyan promoter who has given me an offer like Duke. Every other Kenyan promoter was asking me to come and do one show. Secondly, Kenyan promoters don’t like to adhere to the rules of my brand as a live performer," Bien explained.
"I don’t do shows in a bar, I don’t do shows in multi-purpose halls — I can’t do that, I am past that level. Respectfully. If we are going to do something, then it has to be in a music venue. People go to music venues to watch shows. That’s the space that has been curated for sound. So that as a bare minimum we can have a beautiful experience between the consumer and the artists.”
Duke runs Duke Concept, an event production and promotion company based in New York specialising in live concerts, festivals, and tours. He is also organising Davido’s upcoming “The 5ive Alive Tour” and Kizz Daniel’s “Uncle K Tour” in the US.
