Bien-Aime Baraza’s Solo Adventure: Exploring New Sounds and Old Roots with Alusa Why Are You Topless?

Fusing Kenyan Roots with Global Sounds in Bien's Alusa Why Are You Topless?

Bien-Aime Baraza, the voice behind Sauti Sol’s infectious rhythms, has stepped into the spotlight solo with his debut album, Alusa Why Are You Topless? On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, sponsored by oraimo, Bien joined me to unpack the layers of his new project, while simultaneously testing out the oraimo SpaceBuds. The result? A conversation as rich and textured as the music he’s known for, with the oraimo SpaceBuds amplifying every beat and word with crystal clarity.

Bien’s journey from Sauti Sol’s celebrated frontman to a solo artist is nothing short of epic. His album Alusa Why Are You Topless? is a sonic adventure that straddles the lines between his Kenyan roots and the expansive global sounds of today. “I wanted to create something that felt true to where I’m from but also embraced where music is going,” Bien explained, his voice resonating perfectly through the oraimo SpaceBuds. The album isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s a statement, a bridge between eras, and a testament to his evolving artistry.

As Bien immersed himself in the oraimo SpaceBuds, he marveled at their performance. “These buds are incredible,” he said, his excitement palpable. “The bass is deep, and the clarity is next level. I’m definitely getting a pair.” His genuine appreciation for the technology was matched only by his enthusiasm for his music and its impact.

Alusa Why Are You Topless? explores a broad spectrum of themes, drawing from various musical styles, including some deep cuts into Nigerian genres like Fuji and Apala. “Nigerian music has such a rich history, and styles like Fuji and Apala are the bedrock of so much of what we hear today,” Bien remarked. His knowledge and respect for different musical traditions are evident, showing a depth that enriches his own creative output.

One of the album’s standout features is Bien’s reflection on his career with Sauti Sol and his hopes for a reunion with his former bandmates. “Sauti Sol was such a big part of my journey, and I think there’s still magic left in us,” he shared. The idea of reuniting isn’t just a nostalgic wish but a genuine hope for future collaboration. The music world would undoubtedly welcome a return of that iconic synergy.

The conversation also took a turn towards political activism, where Bien touched on the disparities between Kenyan and Nigerian political landscapes. “There’s a lot of work to be done in both countries, but sometimes it feels like the focus is different,” he said thoughtfully. “I hope that as artists, we can bring more attention to these issues and drive meaningful change.”

Bien’s Alusa Why Are You Topless? is more than an album; it’s a dialogue with the past, a commentary on the present, and a hopeful glance towards the future. The oraimo SpaceBuds, with their superior sound quality, were the perfect medium for this deep dive into Bien’s world. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new sounds, one thing is clear: Bien’s musical journey is far from over, and his solo venture is just beginning.