Kenyan music star Bien Aime has opened up about how working with Tanzanian singer and songwriter Marioo has been a transformative experience in his career as a solo artist. During a recent interview, Bien shared how Marioo’s dedication, work ethic, and high level of focus have influenced his approach to music since stepping out as a solo performer.
Bien explained that collaborating with Marioo has had a profound impact on his life and work, especially as he embraces his solo career. “I want to thank Marioo and also state that working with him has changed my life as a solo artist. Marioo is so focused, he is serious about his money, and he has a high content turnover. His work ethic is unmatched,” Bien expressed.
Bien’s Favorite Tanzanian Collaborations
In the same interview, Bien revealed that Marioo and Darassa are among his top Tanzanian artists, with whom he enjoys collaborating the most. His joint track with Marioo, Nairobi, has become a hit, currently trending among the top songs in Kenya.
Bien reflected on the process of creating Nairobi and revealed that from the very first recording session, both artists knew they had something special on their hands. “I love the song Nairobi, and on the day we recorded it with Marioo, we played it over fifty times and immediately we knew we had recorded a hit song,” said the Extra Pressure hitmaker.
Bien’s Success as a Solo Artist
The success of Nairobi comes on the heels of Bien’s rise as a prominent solo artist after his departure from the legendary Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol. He has been releasing hit singles such as Ma Cherie, Extra Pressure, I Choose You, and Inauma, each of which has garnered millions of streams on platforms like Spotify. In 2024, Bien was ranked as the most-streamed Kenyan artist on Spotify, with four of his songs securing spots among the top ten most-streamed tracks in Kenya.
Bien has enjoyed significant success since becoming a solo act, and his collaboration with Marioo is just one example of his ability to connect with other African artists and produce music that resonates with audiences. His growing popularity also earned him a nomination for the Best Artist-East Africa category at the upcoming Trace Awards 2025, making him the only Kenyan artist nominated for this prestigious award.
The Trace Awards 2025
Bien’s nomination for the Trace Awards 2025 is a testament to his hard work and impact on the music scene. The awards ceremony will take place at the Mora Zanzibar Resort in Tanzania from February 24 to February 26, 2025. It promises to be a grand celebration of African music, with 24 categories and a two-day creative summit.
In the lead-up to the event, the Trace Awards Tour will visit major African cities, including Kenya, offering live performances and meet-and-greet opportunities with nominated artists.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his thriving solo career, successful collaborations, and notable industry recognition, Bien is certainly carving out a path for himself as a force in African music. His relationship with Marioo, along with his determination and focus, will undoubtedly continue to shape his journey as he works towards even greater heights in the music industry.
