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(Friday November 17, 2023) Kenyan sensation Bien releases his debut album “Alusa Why Are You Topless?” featuring the singles “Ma Cherie”, “My Baby (feat. Arya Starr)”, and “Too Easy (feat. DJ Edu)” which collectively have over 15M streams to date. The album also celebrates global collaboration with featured artists such as Ms Banks (UK) and Tay Iwar (Nigeria) lending their talents to East Africa’s most exciting export.
Bien has solidified his status as a global music sensation, earning accolades and success that continue to elevate his career. As a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, musician, and celebrated vocalist, Bien has already left an indelible mark on the music industry. His debut album “Alusa Why Are You Topless?” is testament to his ability.
With the inspiring collaborations of Ms Banks and Tay Iwar, in addition to Sammy Soso, one of AfroBeats’ most renowned producers as the album’s executive producer “Alusa Why Are You Topless?” promises to set your radio on fire, and have you dusting off your dance moves.
Of the record, Bien says: “The album is called ‘Alusa Why Are You Topless’, Alusa is my name, and the why are you topless part represents my new season being audacious, new beginnings and freedom. It also represents discipline. That’s my mantra for this next season in my life. I love comic relief, so that’s how I wanted to express this journey. I am so grateful for everyone who was part of this project, and the sleepless nights we all shared to make this project a success.”
The album features “True Love”, as performed on COLORS; a song that is just as beautiful with its soft production, as it would be acoustic. The songwriting is powerful, honest and moving, with hints of African choral sounds, mixed with a modern and alluring Afro Acoustic vibe. “True Love” is a song that is as undeniable now, as it will be in the next 20 years.
The album also features some incredible up tempo numbers such as “Lost and Found”, a dance forward, rhythmic song, with hints of lock drum throughout the track. The song speaks of the quest for love, and the experience of not just losing it, but also clinging onto a failing relationship. The production is fun and summery, and inspires the listener to dance through their experience.
Bien is one-fourth of the globally acclaimed, Kenyan Afropop band, Sauti Sol, who have dominated the charts for over 15 years and gained over 500M streams. After 18 years together, Sauti Sol have split and embarked on their global farewell tour this summer. He is one of East Africa’s Biggest Artist’s and his forthcoming debut solo album,“Alusa Why Are You Topless?”, serves as an opportunity to make Bien the first major international breakout star from East Africa. It is a call to action, encouraging listeners to be fearless and bold in the pursuit of their goals.