Bien Responds with Humor to YY Comedian on Why Kenyan Artists Didn’t Unite for Baba’s Tribute Song
The passing of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has sparked widespread mourning across the country and beyond.
As citizens and creatives alike seek ways to honour his legacy, an online debate emerged about why Kenyan artists have not come together to produce a single tribute song.
Renowned musician Bien Baraza formerly of the group Sauti Sol has weighed in, offering his perspective amid growing call for collective action.
Comedians and industry voices such as YY Comedian, Dem Wa Facebook, and actress‑creator Azziad Nasenya urged Kenyan musicians to set aside their differences and produce a collaborative tribute song to honour Odinga.
The concept mirrors actions taken in neighbouring Tanzania, where artists came together to mark the passing of former President John Magufuli with a powerful musical piece.
Bien-Aimé Baraza, responded with his trademark humor to YY Comedian’s viral question .In a witty reply, Bien quipped,
“Watu wengine labda Baba afufuke ndio niwork nao,”
While humorous, this statement was interpreted by many as a pointed critique of the fragmentation and individualism in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Bien’s remark sparked laughter and reflection alike, shining a light on the broader issue of why Kenyan artists sometimes struggle to unite on emotionally significant causes, as opposed to commercial ventures.
The effectiveness of art as a platform to shape public sentiment and honor national figures like Raila Odinga remains a vital conversation, revealed by this discourse.
Raila Odinga’s death united Kenyans in national mourning, and though tributes flowed widely, YY Comedian’s candid question and Bien’s witty retort brought focus back to the role of music and art as the collective conscience and emotional mirror of society.
The absence of a single unified song by the Kenyan music community, as opposed to multiple individual tributes, raises questions about industry coordination and focus. While multiple tracks have emerged from the region including a major collaborative effort in Tanzania Kenya appears to be treading its own path.