NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza has urged Tanzanian music fans and media outlets to give Kenyan musicians the same support Tanzanian artists receive from audiences in Kenya.
The former Sauti Sol member made the appeal on Sunday, October 18, 2026, during his visit to Tanzania ahead of a performance. He pointed to the popularity of Bongo Flava in Kenya and challenged Tanzanians to reciprocate by embracing music from their neighbouring country.
Bien argued that Kenyan audiences have consistently welcomed Tanzanian musicians, including some of the region’s biggest stars, while several Kenyan artists remain relatively unknown across the border.
“Wasanii wa Bongo hata sidhani kuna pahali mnasikizwa zaidi ya Kenya…wanawapenda huko sana,” Bien said.
Translated from Swahili, he said he did not think Bongo Flava artists received more attention anywhere than they did in Kenya, adding that Kenyan audiences loved them.
His remarks highlighted the uneven recognition Kenyan and Tanzanian musicians receive in each other’s markets and renewed the conversation about cross-border support for East African music.
Bien used the reception of Tanzanian music in Kenya to explain why he believes Kenyan artists deserve greater attention in Tanzania.
He referenced the popularity of musicians such as Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso and Zuchu, whose releases attract attention from Kenyan listeners.
He argued that Tanzanian music already enjoys a receptive audience in Kenya and asked fans in Tanzania to extend the same welcome to Kenyan performers.
“Yaani, mziki wa Tanzania unapokelewa Kenya vizuri sana. Kwa hivyo ningewaomba pia nyie wa Tanzania mtupokee vivyo hivyo,” he said.
In English, Bien said Tanzanian music was received very well in Kenya and asked Tanzanians to welcome Kenyan musicians in the same way.
His appeal centred on reciprocity rather than a rejection of Tanzanian music. He acknowledged the popularity of Bongo Flava while asking audiences across the border to discover and support more Kenyan acts.
The singer’s comments also placed the spotlight on the role audiences play in determining which musicians gain visibility beyond their home markets.
Bien challenges Tanzanian media to promote Kenyan artists
Beyond appealing to fans, Bien directly challenged Tanzanian media outlets to pay closer attention to Kenya’s music scene.
He argued that some Kenyan musicians continue to make music without gaining recognition among Tanzanian audiences. He urged journalists and media personalities to research Kenyan talent and help introduce those artists to listeners in Tanzania.
“Maana yake kuna wasanii wa Kenya ambao wanaimba na hamuwatambui bado. Kwa hivyo fanyeni research kidogo kama media hivi, mtu-support pia sisi tunavyowasupport nyinyi,” Bien said.
His remarks translate to: “There are Kenyan artists making music whom you still don’t know. So do a little research as the media and support us too, just as we support you.”
The appeal placed responsibility on media organisations to help audiences discover music from outside their domestic markets.
Radio stations, television presenters, entertainment journalists and digital platforms can influence which artists receive airplay, interviews, reviews and wider public attention.
Bien’s comments suggested that greater coverage of Kenyan musicians could help them reach new audiences in Tanzania, just as Tanzanian stars have built followings in Kenya.
He also called on music stakeholders to help elevate Kenyan music and create more opportunities for artists from both countries.
Growing audience for East African music
Bien’s appeal comes as Tanzanian music continues to attract listeners in Kenya, where Bongo Flava stars have established a strong presence in the entertainment market.
A report by Mpasho, published on October 19, 2026, cited Spotify data released in July showing that Bongo Flava streams among Kenyan listeners aged 18 to 24 increased by 75 per cent year-on-year.
The reported growth points to the genre’s appeal among young Kenyan listeners and provides context for Bien’s argument that Tanzanian musicians benefit from support across the border.
However, the streaming figure alone does not establish how Kenyan and Tanzanian artists compare across all platforms, radio stations or live performances.
Bien’s own career also reflects the potential for East African collaborations to reach audiences across national boundaries. His work with Tanzanian singer Alikiba on the song Finale brought the two artists together on a regional release.
Such collaborations can introduce musicians to listeners who may not otherwise encounter their work, helping artists build audiences beyond their home countries.
