Chiki Kuruka, wife and manager to celebrated Sauti Sol member Bien, has shared the highs and lows of managing her husband while navigating a demanding global music career.

In a candid interview with Mpasho, she pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to run international tours, keep a marriage intact, and still maintain her own identity as a dancer and entrepreneur.

The Pressure of Touring Abroad

Chiki revealed that while Kenyan fans consistently show support, the dynamics are very different outside the country.

"The beautiful thing is Kenyans, they show up and show out. But when you are away, it’s giving the vibe of, will people really come?

Then they surprise you with flags and love. Coming back home, it’s almost like minimal effort is shown,” she said.

What has been toughest, she admits, is how East African artists are often undermined abroad.

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"Outside of Kenya, East Africans are treated as the least important. We constantly have to explain who we are, that we know what we’re doing. Sometimes it’s draining, especially having to justify Bien’s magic over and over,” she explained.

Balancing Marriage and Business

As both his wife and manager, Chiki acknowledged the delicate balance required when disagreements arise during tours. (Laughing) “Girl, a fake smile goes a long way. I’m good at separating personal life and stage life.

There’s a band, dancers, and a whole team depending on us, so when we’re in public, we keep what’s private, private.

If we’ve just had a successful show, it’s not about arguing over who left a shoe where — it’s about being in the moment.”

The Strain of Dual Roles

While Chiki values the global experience of touring with Bien, she admitted it has been draining to juggle multiple roles. “I can’t wait for a time, maybe in a year, when someone else will manage him.

Touring is beautiful but straining. After soundchecks, performances, and after-parties abroad, when everyone else is resting, I’m already planning the homecoming concert in Kenya. I don’t even get space to breathe or to tell him, ‘Well done.’ It’s overwhelming.”

Despite her work with Bien, Chiki emphasized that she has not abandoned her dance career.

“When I started my dance company, a business specialist told me, if you create a company that can’t function without you, you’ve created a job.

I have a solid team. Even when I was away, we had clients and hosted festivals. If Bien decides tomorrow he wants a different manager, I still have to keep my brand going.”