Nairobi, February 27 – Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza, popularly known as Bien, has been crowned Best Artist – Eastern Africa at the 2025 Trace Awards, held at the breathtaking Mora Resort in Zanzibar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
This win serves as a milestone in Bien’s solo music career, solidify9ing his presence in the African entertainment industry. Kenyans and fellow African musicians poured in their congratulatory messages to the artist for his big win.
Several Kenyan celebrities, including fellow artists and industry leaders, also congratulated him. Sauti Sol bandmates, as well as artists such as Nyashinski, Otile Brown, and Nadia Mukami, shared their support, highlighting Bien’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries in the music industry.
The second edition of the Trace Awards once again celebrated Africa’s top artists while spotlighting the diverse cultural influences that shape their music. Over the past three years, Afro-centric music has dominated global charts across genres such as Afrobeats, amapiano, bongo flava, genge, and rumba, among others.
This year’s awards recognized artists from over 30 countries, including global icons like Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Fally Ipupa, Tyla, Rema, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and Ayra Starr. With 24 categories, the event honored musicians who have propelled African music to international success.
Bien’s victory further cements Kenya’s presence in the global music industry, proving that East African artists continue to make waves beyond the continent.
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