Bien Wins Trace Award for Best Artist in Eastern Africa at the 2025 Trace Awards in Zanzibar
Kenyan artist Bien-Aimé Baraza, known for his soulful vocals and exceptional songwriting, made history at the 2025 Trace Awards by clinching the prestigious Best Artist in Eastern Africa award. The ceremony, which took place at the Mora Zanzibar Resort on February 26, 2025, was a spectacular celebration of African music, honoring the best artists across the continent. This win has solidified Bien’s position as one of the most influential musical figures in the region.
A Night of African Music Excellence
The Trace Awards, a grand event that recognizes exceptional talent in African music, was a star-studded affair. Held annually, the awards aim to spotlight the diverse and dynamic sounds of Africa, encompassing genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and traditional African rhythms. Bien, representing Kenya, triumphed over formidable contenders from across East Africa, including Tanzanian icons like Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize, as well as Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and Ethiopia’s Rophnan.
Bien’s victory marks a significant milestone in his solo career, especially after Sauti Sol’s hiatus. His triumph in this category underscores the global recognition of his work. During the awards, Bien also took to the stage to deliver an electrifying performance of his hit song “Nairobi” alongside Tanzanian artist Marioo. The song, which has become a viral sensation, is currently the number-one video on YouTube in Kenya.
Bien’s Commitment to Regional Music
Bien’s success at the Trace Awards is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to his commitment to elevating the music scene in Kenya and East Africa. In past interviews, Bien has repeatedly emphasized the importance of creating music that highlights the richness of African culture and appeals to a global audience. “If Bien is amazing, people will look for Kenyan music and find other artists,” he said, referring to his role in supporting his fellow Kenyan artists.
Bien, who primarily sings in Swahili, also believes that the language plays a crucial role in reaching a broader global audience. “Swahili is spoken by 150 million people and those are customers and ambassadors of our culture. So, we have to make music for that community wherever they are in the world and use them to propel us out onto the global sphere,” he added. His words reflect the growing recognition of Swahili as a unifying language that connects millions of people, allowing African music to flourish worldwide.
The Winners of the 2025 Trace Awards
The 2025 Trace Awards honored numerous exceptional artists from across the continent. Nigerian sensation Rema bagged Album of the Year for his album Heis, while also winning Best Male Artist. The global success of his hit single “Calm Down” contributed to his ongoing dominance in the music scene. Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, who was nominated for Best Artist in Eastern Africa, clinched the Best Global African Artist award, further affirming his international appeal. South Africa’s Tyla was named Best Female Artist, while Mercy Chinwo from Nigeria won Best Gospel Artist.
The award ceremony was a showcase of African excellence, with several artists from various countries emerging victorious in multiple categories. The event highlighted the growing influence of African music genres on the global stage. As part of the celebration, the winners were recognized for their contribution to shaping the sound of modern African music.
Bien’s Rise to the Top
Bien’s rise to stardom has been anything but conventional. Starting his career as part of the popular Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol, Bien quickly made a name for himself with his distinctive voice and powerful lyrics. After taking a step back from the group’s mainstream activities, he ventured into solo projects, which have only amplified his artistic versatility. His music blends traditional African sounds with contemporary global influences, creating a style that resonates with fans worldwide.
In 2025, Bien’s solo career reached new heights with the release of several successful singles, including “Nairobi,” which has earned significant airplay and digital success. His ability to craft meaningful lyrics and create music that speaks to the heart of African culture has garnered him both critical acclaim and widespread commercial success. The Trace Award win marks the latest achievement in a growing list of accolades for the artist.
The Importance of African Music in the Global Landscape
The Trace Awards 2025 served as a reminder of the undeniable impact that African music has on the global music industry. With artists like Bien, Rema, and Diamond Platnumz leading the charge, African music is continuously breaking barriers and expanding its influence. Genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Reggae have seen a rise in popularity around the world, thanks in part to the pioneering efforts of artists across the continent.
Bien’s win at the awards highlights the importance of platforms like Trace, which bring African music into the global spotlight. These events not only recognize individual achievements but also provide a platform for artists to showcase their work to a broader audience. As African artists continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, the future of African music looks incredibly bright.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Future
With his Trace Award win, Bien has firmly cemented his place among the continent’s most influential artists. His ability to blend contemporary and traditional elements has earned him a loyal following, and his future in the music industry looks promising. As the global music scene continues to embrace African artists, Bien is well-positioned to make an even bigger impact in the years to come.
Bien’s message to fellow musicians is clear: success in the music industry comes not only from talent but also from a commitment to culture, community, and collaboration. His career serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists, especially those in East Africa, showing that with hard work and dedication, African music can resonate on the global stage.
A New Era for East African Music
Bien’s victory is a clear indication that East African music is continuing to grow and thrive. With more artists from the region gaining recognition on the global stage, East Africa is poised to become a major force in the global music industry. Bien’s win represents the growing power and influence of East African artists, who are now being recognized alongside their counterparts from other parts of the continent.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that East African music will play a central role in shaping the future of African music. Bien’s success is just the beginning, and the region’s rich musical heritage is sure to continue inspiring future generations of artists. The Trace Award is a significant step forward for East African music, and Bien’s win is a testament to the region’s growing influence on the global stage.
