Bien Aime Baraza, renowned for his vocal talent and formerly part of the Kenyan group Sauti Sol, marks his entry into Rwanda’s music scene with a collaboration alongside Bruce Melodie on the track "Iyo Foto.”This release is one of the first from Melodie’s upcoming album.
Iyo Foto debuted just hours ago after Baraza traveled to Kigali to finalize the production. He described the collaboration as "a remarkable project for both East Africa and the continent.”
"I believe this partnership will be exceptional. West Africa has led the way, and now it's time for East African artists to join forces,” Baraza told The New Times.
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As anticipated, the song has received positive feedback from key figures in Rwanda&039;s music industry and is hailed as one of the year's top collaborations.
Unlike some of Bruce Melodie's previous releases, Iyo Foto not only boosts Rwanda's music scene but also marks Bien Aime’s solo debut in the local market.
Kigali-based music analyst Mark Bugingo highlights that since Sauti Sol's split, the presence of Kenyan music in Rwanda has declined. He believes projects like Iyo Foto could reignite interest in Kenyan music while promoting Rwandan music across Kenya.
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"Bien is one of Africa’s top artists, but he's still recognized as a former Sauti Sol member, which helps his music gain traction. This collaboration with Bruce Melodie will introduce Rwandans to his solo work," said Bugingo, calling the partnership a win-win for both artists.
For Bruce Melodie, Bugingo noted that while he's no stranger to major collaborations, Iyo Foto promises to go even further, blending Afrobeats and Amapiano for a fresh sound.
Iyo Foto, directed by Fyzo Pro, premiered on Friday, September 27, and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
The release comes as Bien, formerly one-quarter of the globally renowned Kenyan Afro-Pop band Sauti Sol—boasting over 500 million streams—continues to thrive in his solo career.
His debut solo album, "Alusa Why Are You Topless?,” has already made waves across East Africa, amassing over 70 million streams and topping regional charts.