“It Changed Our Lives” – Bien Reveals How Ksh 25K and School Choir Dream Built Sauti Sol

Former Sauti Sol singer Bien-Aimé Baraza has opened up about how the famous Kenyan music group was formed and how a Ksh25,000 boost changed their lives forever.

Speaking during an interview with veteran journalist Jeff Koinange on the “I Am” podcast aired on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Bien narrated the humble beginnings of the group that would later become one of Africa’s biggest music bands.

The finale hit maker revealed that he met fellow band members Willis Chimano and Savara Mudigi while studying at Upper Hill School in Nairobi.

According to him, the three were members of the school choir and stood out because of their singing talent.

“We were all in the choir, and we stood out. We made our own group on the side, like a trio,” Bien said.

He explained that the trio later became known as Voices in the Light, an a cappella group made up of top singers at the school.

“That’s when I met those boys. We are still boys, man. We are still making music together,” he added.

How Their First Song Was Recorded

Bien also narrated how the group got its first big opportunity after high school while they were still university students.

He said music veteran John Katana of the Mushrooms introduced them to a music programme at Alliance Française Nairobi known as Spotlight on Kenyan Music.

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While performing there, they met renowned media personality and former Kiss FM Presenter Larry Asego, who listened to their song “Lazizi” and immediately offered to help them record it.

“We played him a song called Lazizi, and he said, ‘Yo man, I’m going to pay for the production for the song,’” Bien recalled.

According to Bien, the production cost was Ksh25,000, money that completely transformed their music journey.

“I remember we told him it’s Ksh25,000. Larry called me to his car and gave me 25K in cash. Man, God bless his soul. It changed our lives totally,” he said.

Bien Speaks About New Album

During the interview, Bien also spoke about his upcoming solo album, which he described as one of the biggest projects of his career.

The singer said the album seeks to answer the long-standing question about what authentic Kenyan music truly sounds like.

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Bien explained that, unlike many African songs influenced by American or Jamaican sounds, his new project is deeply rooted in Kenyan culture.

“This year, I want to put out the most amazing Kenyan album in history,” he stated.

The artist revealed that he travelled across different communities in Kenya to study local sounds and incorporate them into modern pop music.

“I have a Mugithi song, I have an Ohangla song, and songs from different communities. I’ve made pop music from that,” he said.

Bien thanked Kenyans for supporting his solo career after the separation of Sauti Sol, saying the support has given him confidence to continue flying the Kenyan flag globally.

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Former Sauti Sol singer Bien-Aimé Baraza. PHOTO/Baze Radio