Bien Aimé Baraza, 37, is one quarter and lead singer of Kenya’s top group act Sauti Sol. Sauti Sol is a renowned and award-winning Kenyan Afropop group with fans worldwide, especially in Africa, the United States, and Europe. He is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist. Since he went solo, he has magnified his brand and stood out as a solo artist. He released a solo EP (with Aaron Rimbui), Bald Men Love Better, in November 2021. He also released a full-length studio album, Bien, Why Are You Topless, early this year.
Here’s a low down on the bold, bald, and bossy performer:
Background
Bien was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on December 28, 1987. He attended Upper Hill High School, where he met his band members, Willis Austin Chimano and Savara Mudigi. They met Polycarp Otieno much later, he played them guitar as they sang acapella, and they were very impressed, the rest they say is history. He later furthered his studies at the United States International University, Nairobi, for a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Media Studies, and graduated in 2011.
Personal Life
In March 2020, he married his longtime girlfriend Chiki Onwekwe, who is a dance choreographer and fitness expert. She currently doubles up as Bien’s brand manager. Chiki Kuruka was born in the United Kingdom to Swiss and Nigerian parents. It was a private ceremony and was only attended by close family and friends.
Unknown to many, Bien has two kids, which he keeps private, with his baby mama who is remains faceless to the public.
Bien’s Relationship With Nancy Baraza
Did you know that former Deputy Chief Justice of Kenya, Nancy Baraza, is Bien’s stepmother? The star has kept his family from the limelight, citing his love for privacy. His father was skeptical of his career when he started, and wanted him to get a ‘real’ job.
However, his mother is his biggest fan. Speaking on a local podcast interview, he revealed that his mother inspired the name of his debut album, Bien, Why Are You Topless? He said that those were his mother’s first remarks on a phone call then when Sauti Sol’s visual for the controversial single Nishike dropped in 2014. He brought her out during his debut album’s first performance, early this year, at the Blankets and Wine Festival.
Bien Aime Baraza Net Worth
Bien is rumored to be one of the richest entertainers in Kenya. Ever since his days with the band, he has been very successful beyond words. He has traveled the world, topping the continental music charts and selling out concerts. His recent album tour saw him perform in world cities like Berlin, Copenhagen, and Australia. He is estimated to be around USD 4 Million. This comes from a diverse financial portfolio they made with the group.
They invested in Hustle Sasa App which mobilises creators and entrepreneurs. Other include incomes like music publishing and licensing. Publishing involves following up on royalties collection whenever their music consumed while licensing is where rights to use a piece of music are granted by the rights holder ( songwriter/ publisher) to another party. Like employees of Sauti Sol, he gets to draw a salary for the great music they created. He has shares in their record label Sol Generation, which launched Nviiri and Bensoul careers, and many more. Sol Fest is another stream of income even though they won’t be performing together as frequently. So given the facts, the Sol boy laughs loudly at the bank each time.
In November of 2021, Bien was unveiled as the newest Sol Generation artist, complete with a KSh 50 million deal. The three-years deal saw him release his debut EP with Aaron Rimbui.
Sauti Sol as a group remains signed to Universal Music but Bien joined the Sol Generation roster as a solo artist.
Fun Facts
- Bien is an astute businessman apart from being a fantastic singer. He also co-owns Manhattan Club in the CBD with Eugene Mbugua, a Forbes-renowned serial entrepreneur.
- He is an activist on political & human rights and supports the LGBTQ+ movement.
- He comes from a family of creatives. Melvin Alusa, a former Big Brother House Mate and screen actor Melvin Alusa is his step-brother.
- While at the CBD one day, in his early 20s, he got involved in a road accident that left him unconscious and saw him lose most of his upper teeth. He underwent an expensive dental procedure and got a replacement.
