Bien: A society that treats artists like dogs is cultureless

Award-winning Musician and songwriter Bien-Aime Baraza shares his views on how society (Kenya) has been downplaying artists in the industry for years.

In an interview with the ‘Kwani iko nini’ podcast hosted by Mwafreeka, Bien says that a society that treats artists like dogs is cultureless.

“Give me an artist who is 56 years old and above and is still relevant in Kenya. As a society, we don’t look at art as a long-term thing because Kenya keeps tossing artists however they want.” Bien said.

The True Love hitmaker revealed he had to turn down MCSK’s invite to collect his royalties because the money was too meager.

“The MCSK called me to pick up my cheque, but I told them that I know the amount of monies they distribute to artists, so I do not have the time to come and pick up Ksh.1500,” disclosed Bien.

He said that he hasn’t yet collected the money because he is not sure if it’s worth his time.

He alleged that the MCSK wanted to use him as a publicity stunt to prove that artists were paid their dues, whereas the said money was a meager amount.

“Mnataka kucome mnigeuze token mseme wasanii walilipwa, na in essence, mnajua hio collection ni chump change,” the former sautisol band member asserted.

He mentioned the poor leadership in the MCSK saying that the only solution for the artists in Kenya is if they are represented by someone who has been in the industry.

He also cited ‘unaccountability’ in the MCSK, arguing that there should be ways outlined to measure its milestones and failures to ensure the society’s effectiveness.