Kenyan music star Bien-Aimé Baraza arrived in Kigali on Wednesday, Could 20, forward of his efficiency on the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs halftime present scheduled for Could 22 at BK Area.
The singer, a well-recognized face in Kigali’s leisure scene, spoke about his rising reference to Rwanda, his musical journey, and upcoming initiatives he hopes to roll out within the close to future.
“This 12 months alone I’ve been right here like 4 occasions, and that love is the vitality I’m bringing to Rwanda,” Bien mentioned upon arrival at Kigali Worldwide Airport. “I’m very comfortable to be right here once more.”
Identified for his ardour for basketball, the previous Sauti Sol member described the BAL Playoffs as greater than only a efficiency alternative, saying the game has at all times been a part of his life.
“I really like basketball, and I feel on the continent there are usually not many African artistes who play basketball greater than me,” he joked. “I grew up enjoying the sport — it’s my sport.”
Bien additionally mirrored on his current assembly with President Paul Kagame throughout the NBA All-Star occasions in the USA, saying their temporary dialog centered on basketball and Africa’s rising affect within the sport.
“Our assembly was brief. We didn’t have a lot time to debate the event of basketball — we simply spoke in regards to the recreation,” he mentioned. “Perhaps subsequent time we’ll have an opportunity to go deeper into it.”
Away from basketball, the Kenyan star praised Kigali and shared why he enjoys returning to Rwanda.
“The meals, man,” he mentioned. “I simply wish to come and eat Rwandan meals — Isombe with good meat inside.”
“I come to Rwanda to see what Africa ought to appear like. When folks speak about trendy cities, they at all times point out Europe and America, however I at all times say there’s Kigali. I’m right here to get pleasure from the great thing about town and the folks — they’re calm, peaceable and wonderful.”
Bien’s bond with Rwanda has additionally grown by way of music collaborations with native artistes. Over the previous 12 months, he has labored with a number of Rwandan stars, together with Bruce Melodie and Component Eleéeh.
He additionally revealed that he has unreleased songs with Kivumbi King and Mike Kayihura.
“I’ve a ton of songs with Mike Kayihura that haven’t been launched but. I even have a tune with Kivumbi King,” he mentioned. “I really like working with Rwandan artistes due to how intentional and inventive they’re.”
He additional praised Component Eleéeh’s sound and Bruce Melodie’s artistry, describing each as distinctive and modern.
Along with his rising record of collaborations in Rwanda, Bien hinted at plans to stage his personal live performance in Kigali within the close to future.
“I’d love to return and have enjoyable with my followers and convey collectively all of the artistes I’ve labored with in Rwanda,” he mentioned. “It might be wonderful to attach with my Rwandan followers.”
The BAL Playoffs return to Kigali this week, operating from Could 22 to 31, bringing collectively a few of Africa’s prime basketball golf equipment, alongside leisure performances all through the match.
Among the many different artistes anticipated to carry out are Joshua Baraka, Charly Na Nina, Ariel Wayz, Juno Kizigenza, Ish Kevin, in addition to DJs together with DJ Iraa and DJ June.
