• Bien says his podcast comments about Uganda’s music industry were taken out of context and not meant as disrespect.
• He dismissed reports claiming he described Ugandan artists as comfortable with only the local market, calling them false.
• The singer highlighted his collaborations with Ugandan artists, including Joshua Baraka, as proof of his respect for Uganda’s music industry.

Kenyan singer-songwriter Bien-Aimé Baraza has responded to the backlash surrounding his recent comments about Uganda’s music industry, saying his remarks were taken out of context and were never intended to disrespect Ugandan artists or their music.

The former Sauti Sol member had sparked debate after appearing on a podcast where he said, “In Uganda, one hit song can take an artist around the whole country. You have to be there to understand how that system works.” While the statement generated mixed reactions, it was his subsequent comments about Uganda’s music scene that circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism from some fans and industry players.

In a statement shared on social media, Bien clarified that his goal was simply to offer his perspective based on his experiences. “A few comments I made on a recent podcast are being shared without the full context. I want to be clear: my intention was to share my perspective, not to disrespect Ugandan music or the artists who continue to shape and grow it. If you’ve only seen the blogs or short clips, they don’t reflect the full conversation. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to listen to what I actually said. Much love and respect to the music community,” he wrote.

The singer also addressed reports from a Ugandan radio station that attributed additional remarks to him, insisting they were inaccurate. “This statement is false. At what point did I speak of Ugandan artists as comfortable serving the local market and that coming at a cost? The video is there. Telling half truths to suit your divisive narrative,” Bien said.

He further pointed to his long-standing relationship with Ugandan musicians as evidence of his respect for the country’s music industry, noting that he toured Europe with Joshua Baraka before touring with a Kenyan artist and collaborated with him on his breakthrough single.