Radio king Maina Kageni has waded into the heated debate surrounding Sauti Sol’s Bien-Aimé Baraza. The singer faced social media backlash on Tuesday night after performing at the Africa Forward Summit concert.
The summit, co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, began on 11 May. It brought together global leaders and Kenyan creatives to discuss the continent's future.
However, some Kenyans were not pleased with the local stars’ involvement with Western political figures and global elites.
Maina Kageni took to social media to express his confusion over the criticism. Posting to his followers, he asked why there was "blow-back" regarding Bien’s performance at the Kasarani arena.
"Surely... is there anything wrong with him representing Kenyans for Africa?" Kageni asked.
The presenter also joked about the singer’s fashion choice. He added that the issue was likely not about his outstanding outfit. He ended his post with the popular Kenyan phrase, "Kwani iko nini?”
A Night of Stars and Summits
The controversy began after a series of high-profile events linked to the summit. On 11 May, President Macron hosted an exclusive dinner for Kenyan creatives. Guests included Bien, his wife Chiki Kuruka, chef Dennis Ombachi, and actress Sarah Hassan.
Following the dinner and subsequent performances, critics online questioned the optics. Some argued that African artistes should not align themselves so closely with powerful Western leaders.
Artistes Fire Back
Bien was quick to defend his participation. He insisted that meeting world leaders does not change his identity or his beliefs.
“I can sit at a table with global leaders and still remain fully African, fully critical, and fully myself. Presence is not submission.”
His wife, Chiki Kuruka, also spoke out in support of African creatives. She argued that if Kenyans want their stars to represent the continent globally, they must be allowed into the rooms where the world is shaped.
She noted that artistes play a key role in carrying African stories beyond borders.
Tensions at the University
The debate was further fuelled by Macron's conduct during his visit. At a session held at the University of Nairobi, the French President interrupted a cultural presentation.
He called out attendees for making noise and told those unwilling to listen to leave the room.
This incident drew a sharp response from a section of Kenyans, claiming that Macron’s tone felt inappropriate.
“Macron must understand that we are not fighting for independence anymore, and his tone during this visit is a little bit weird,” commented comedian Ofweneke.
