Fast-rising Nigerian RnB star Tariq Oluokun, popularly known as Tariq, has heaped praise on Kenyan Afro-pop star Bien-Aimé Baraza as a trendsetter within the industry.

Speaking during an interview with Mkamburi Chigogo on Radio47’s ‘Sato Vibe’ ahead of his much-anticipated performance at the Sarit Expo Centre, Tariq said Bien is uniquely beloved in Nigeria.

He noted that Bien’s 2023 hit song ‘Wahala’ featuring Adekunle Gold and ShineTTW, effectively showcased Kenyan music on a global stage.

Explaining why Bien is successful despite Kenyan music performing dismally in Nigeria, Tariq said East African music is drowned out by Afrobeats.

“The song ‘Wahala’ is amazing. We [Nigerians] love Bien… However, before you hear another Kenyan track, apart from Bien’s ‘Wahala’, there is a saturation of artists,” said Tariq.

Tariq elaborated that Afrobeats is the predominant genre played and enjoyed in West Africa, especially Nigeria, leaving little room for other African musical styles.

“Kenyan music is not played [often], right now, because Afrobeats is in tune. What is in vogue in Nigeria is Afrobeats. When you consider the top acts in Afro-beats, Kenya is not, currently, among them,” said Tariq.

He added: “While Kenyans have a deep appreciation for their music, which is commendable, the Nigerian audience has a strong affinity for Afrobeats. That is the difference.”

Tariq observed that various songs from Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa have meanwhile permeated the broader pop culture landscape in Nigeria.

“Songs from Ghana’s Kweku Flick and Black Sherif, as well as those from Tanzanian and South African artists, trend in every Nigerian club you go to,” he said.

According to the RnB star, the future of music is increasingly trending towards collaborative projects such as ‘Wahala’.

“It has not been 24 hours [since I arrived] but I plan to collaborate with as many Kenyans as possible. That is how it is with Africans, everyone is supposed to collaborate. It is a brotherhood,” said Tariq.

Tariq, additionally, announced plans to host an extensive music festival, designed to honour East Africa’s collective sound.

“I intend to launch a festival in East Africa, where I will have the opportunity to headline with my friends,” noted the songbird affiliated with Chocolate City Music (CCM).