TAKEAWAYS

• Bien says many viral songs online are AI-generated or AI-enhanced, and most listeners don’t realize it.

• He believes AI should be used as a creative tool to improve productivity, not replace artistic talent.
• The singer warns that while AI can empower great musicians, it could also make inexperienced artists overly dependent on technology.

Kenyan singer Bien has weighed in on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the music industry, arguing that AI is already shaping what millions of people listen to—even if they have no idea.

Speaking on a podcast, the award-winning musician claimed that many viral songs circulating on social media are AI-generated or AI-enhanced, yet listeners often mistake them for original recordings by human artists.

He pointed to the viral “Ute Papa” trend, noting that one of its widely shared versions was created using AI in the voice and style of Belgian musician Stromae, highlighting just how convincing the technology has become.

Rather than calling for restrictions, Bien believes artists should embrace artificial intelligence as a creative aid.

“I don’t want it regulated. I think it’s a tool,” he said, adding that AI is already part of everyday life and will continue transforming industries, including music.

According to Bien, talented musicians who learn how to use AI effectively will gain a significant advantage. “The good who use it well will become better,” he said, arguing that technology amplifies existing talent rather than creating it from scratch.

The singer compared AI to music production software that has long been used in studios. Producers no longer record every drum sound live, instead relying on digital samples and software tools to create music. In the same way, he believes AI can help artists generate ideas, write songs and increase their creative output.

Using international superstar Chris Brown as an example, Bien noted that top artists often have access to teams of songwriters who create hundreds of songs for them to choose from. AI, he argued, gives independent musicians access to similar resources.

“You can feed AI with your music. You can feed it with your essence until it understands you fully and works for you,” he explained.

However, Bien also acknowledged the risks. He warned that young artists who rely too heavily on AI could become complacent and fail to develop their own unique voices. For him, artificial intelligence should enhance creativity, not replace it.

As AI-generated music continues to spread across streaming platforms and social media, Bien believes the future will belong to artists who treat the technology as a partner in the creative process rather than a substitute for genuine talent.