Kenyan singer and former Sauti Sol member Bien-Aimé Baraza has raised concerns about the changing identity of Kenyan music, saying the country is gradually losing some of its cultural influence in modern music.

Bien shared his thoughts while explaining the importance of Sol Fest and why the annual festival continues to place Kenyan music and culture at the centre of its programming.
Speaking in a video shared on Instagram on Friday, September 25, the Lifestyle hitmaker said there was a noticeable erosion of culture within Kenyan music.
“You can see the erosion of our culture in our music,” Bien said.
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Bien explains Sol Fest’s purpose.

According to the singer, Sol Fest was created to do more than bring Kenyans together for entertainment.
He said the festival and Sol Generation were also intended to remind audiences about where Kenyan music comes from and give younger generations an opportunity to connect with the country’s cultural heritage.
Bien-Aimé Baraza // Instagram
“The main exercise of Sol Fest and Sol Generation is to use art and music to remind us where we are from, so that we can know where we are going,” Bien explained.
Sol Fest was launched in 2021 as a music festival associated with Sauti Sol and Sol Generation. Over the years, the event has brought together established musicians and younger acts, giving different generations of Kenyan artists a platform to perform.

Bien reflects on Gengetone.

Bien also touched on Gengetone, a genre that became particularly popular among Kenyan youth before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entertainment industry.
The singer argued that the genre did not get enough time to develop because its growth was interrupted by the pandemic.
“Gengetone didn’t get the chance it deserves because Gengetone’s lifeline was cut short by COVID, and I’m excited to see them perform again,” he said.
Bien-Aimé Baraza // Instagram
His comments come at a time when Kenyan artists continue to experiment with different sounds while incorporating elements of local languages, traditions and contemporary influences.

Bien’s push for Kenyan sounds

Bien has previously spoken about his desire to create music that is more deeply connected to Kenya’s different communities.
In May 2026, the singer revealed that his upcoming solo album would incorporate sounds inspired by various parts of the country, including Mugithi, Ohangla, Isukuti and Kamba musical traditions.
He explained that he had travelled across different communities while working on the project, drawing inspiration from their sounds and incorporating them into contemporary pop music.
Through his music and Sol Fest, the singer has continued to highlight the importance of preserving local sounds while allowing them to evolve with younger generations.