The historic KOKO venue in London witnessed an electrifying evening on November 1, 2024, as Bien-Aime Baraza delivered a memorable performance that had fans singing along to every note.
The former Sauti Sol member’s solo show demonstrated his commanding stage presence and versatile artistry, while proving his ability to captivate audiences as a standalone performer.
A Politically Charged Beginning
The evening took an unexpected turn before Bien even stepped onto the stage, with fans spontaneously breaking into “Ruto Must Go!” chants.
This coming at a time when the connection between music and social consciousness in East African culture cannot be overstated.
However, once the music began, the focus shifted entirely to the artistry on display.
Bien-Aime Alusa: Musical Journey Through Past and Present
Accompanied by his touring band and supported by his wife Chiki’s presence, Bien crafted a setlist that perfectly balanced his solo material with beloved Sauti Sol classics.
His performance of tracks from his debut solo album “Alusa Why Are You Topless?” showcased his evolution as an artist.
“Too Easy,” created with DJ Edu, and the soulful “True Love” demonstrated his range, while “Chikwere” emerged as a definitive highlight of the evening, with the audience’s passionate singing nearly drowning out Bien himself.
Collaborative Spirit
The three-and-a-half-hour show, running from 6:00 PM to about 9:30 PM, featured a special appearance by Joshua Baraka for their “Nana” remix, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
The performance was enhanced by exciting choreography from Bien’s touring dancers, particularly during the crowd-pleasing performance of “Suzanna.”
Highlights and Fan Favorites
Some of the most powerful moments came during performances of:
- “Dimension” (song featuring Fully Focus)
- “Mbwe Mbwe” (song featuring Aaron Rimbui)
- “Inauma“
- “Extra Pressure” (song with Bensoul)
- “Lifestyle” (featuring Scar Mkadinali)
The emotional peak of the evening arrived during a special performance of “Kuliko Jana,” a Sauti Sol favorite that reminded everyone of Bien’s musical roots while affirming his successful transition to solo artistry.
Production and Staging
KOKO’s excellent atmosphere and stage was put to full use, creating an atmospheric backdrop for a lively performance.
The venue’s intimate yet grand setting provided the perfect environment for Bien’s performance style, allowing him to connect with every corner of the packed house.
Fans, Reactions, and Future
The sold-out show at KOKO demonstrated Bien-aime Alusa’s ability to command a stage solo.
The consistent crowd engagement, passionate sing-alongs, and the seamless blend of old and new material proved that Bien has successfully established himself as a star solo artist while maintaining the high performance standards that fans have come to expect from his work with Sauti Sol.
The evening also served as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite people, transcend political boundaries, and create lasting memories.
From the fans who packed KOKO that night, it is clear that Bien’s solo journey is off to a great start, with greater things to come.
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Watch: Bien – Chikwere Live Performance In London Koko Venue 2024
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