Bien wins big at the Trace Awards after defeating Diamond, Harmonize, and Zuchu

Bien had been vying for the coveted prize against Joshua Baraka, Nandy, Marioo, Rophnan, Harmonize, Zuchu, and Diamond Platnumz.

In the Trace Awards, singer Bien triumphs against Diamond.

Last night, at the just concluded Trace Awards in Zanzibar, Kenyan singer Bien-Aime Baraza was named the Best Artiste in Eastern Africa.

Fashion in Kenya

This is both Bien’s first solo honor and the Trace Award’s first visit to Kenya. Only one Kenyan artist received a nomination for the 2025 Trace Awards, and that was the lead singer for Sauti Sol.

Bien had been vying for the coveted prize against Joshua Baraka, Nandy, Marioo, Rophnan, Harmonize, Zuchu, and Diamond Platnumz.

Among the leading African performers who graced the Awards event in Zanzibar were Bien, Rema, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, Inoss B, Juma Jux, Zuchu, Nandy, D’banj, Black Sheriff, Tyler ICU, DIDI B, and King Promise.

Summit and the Trace Awards 

An annual event that honors exceptional accomplishments in African music and motivates upcoming generations of artists is the Trace Awards and Summit.

The 2025 edition honored African music and talent in 24 categories, and Johnnie Walker was pleased to sponsor two major prizes: “Best Newcomer” and “Song of the Year.”

A two-day summit was also part of the event, which brought together panels, masterclasses, and creative talks around branding, technology, and Africa’s creative industries.

Among the attendees were producers, DJs, managers, artists, and other industry participants from both Africa and the diaspora.

The awards event honored the transformative potential of Afro music and culture, which is an essential component of Kenya’s rich creative legacy, as well as its expanding global influence.

Many Kenyans congratulated Bien on his significant victory at the Trace Awards event in Zanzibar on social media.